Converting DSLR for astronomy?
Discussion
Haven't done it myself, but had a 1000D converted by Astronomiser, who provided a quick service and excellent results.
There is a lot of detail available via the link above which should be useful if you choose to try the modification yourself though, It seems the 30D only has a single filter, meaning removal will give you a 'Full Spectrum' modification and you'll probably then want to add a external IR Cut filter. Later Canon models have two filters, and just removal of the second filter gives enhanced detection of Hydrogen Alpha, but retains the IR cut from the first filter - the reason for having an IR cut is to stop 'blooming' around stars.
There is a lot of detail available via the link above which should be useful if you choose to try the modification yourself though, It seems the 30D only has a single filter, meaning removal will give you a 'Full Spectrum' modification and you'll probably then want to add a external IR Cut filter. Later Canon models have two filters, and just removal of the second filter gives enhanced detection of Hydrogen Alpha, but retains the IR cut from the first filter - the reason for having an IR cut is to stop 'blooming' around stars.
Depending on your application - are you going to be using DSLR lenses or a telescope? - there are a number of options for adding an IR cut and/or other filters - there are a variety of clip-in filters for Canon APS-C which sit inside of the camera body, but the positioning generally means that EF-S lenses could not be used, only EF.
If you're attaching it to a telescope then there are a plethora of options for mounting standard 1.25" or 2" filters outside of the camera, and then a whole world of potential for spending hods of cash on tiny pieces of glass opens up. Depending on where you're imaging from, some form of light pollution filter might also be advisable - some of the more complex ones can also act as IR cut filters - the Optolong L-Pro seems to get good reviews.
If you're attaching it to a telescope then there are a plethora of options for mounting standard 1.25" or 2" filters outside of the camera, and then a whole world of potential for spending hods of cash on tiny pieces of glass opens up. Depending on where you're imaging from, some form of light pollution filter might also be advisable - some of the more complex ones can also act as IR cut filters - the Optolong L-Pro seems to get good reviews.
Do you have a mount to attach the camera to - otherwise you'll be getting star trails.
I bought one of these https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-st... - I've yet to use it properly, clear, dark nights mean I would have to travel to get a truly dark sky. Once I've got a few days off out of this madness I'll try and give it a go. I'll be using it more for wider angle sky pictures - say of the milky way etc.
If you are close to the NW of England you are welcome to borrow it if you want to try it out.
SD.
I bought one of these https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-st... - I've yet to use it properly, clear, dark nights mean I would have to travel to get a truly dark sky. Once I've got a few days off out of this madness I'll try and give it a go. I'll be using it more for wider angle sky pictures - say of the milky way etc.
If you are close to the NW of England you are welcome to borrow it if you want to try it out.
SD.
shed driver said:
Do you have a mount to attach the camera to - otherwise you'll be getting star trails.
I bought one of these https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-st... - I've yet to use it properly, clear, dark nights mean I would have to travel to get a truly dark sky. Once I've got a few days off out of this madness I'll try and give it a go. I'll be using it more for wider angle sky pictures - say of the milky way etc.
If you are close to the NW of England you are welcome to borrow it if you want to try it out.
SD.
If you haven't seen it already, Trevor over at Astrobackyard did a review and video about the Star Adventurer, and shows some excellent images he captured using it with a DSLR.I bought one of these https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-st... - I've yet to use it properly, clear, dark nights mean I would have to travel to get a truly dark sky. Once I've got a few days off out of this madness I'll try and give it a go. I'll be using it more for wider angle sky pictures - say of the milky way etc.
If you are close to the NW of England you are welcome to borrow it if you want to try it out.
SD.
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