My CHEAP Astrophotography Kit for DEEP SPACE!

Astrophotography on a Budget!

In this video, I break down each piece of my new budget-friendly astrophotography kit that totals about $1,200. It includes a Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR camera, a Canon EF 75-300mm lens, and a portable star tracker (Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer).

Follow Nico Carver on YouTube: @NebulaPhotos

Full Setup Details:

I have already collected over 3 hours of data using this system under a clear sky, and I am amazed with the results. The Canon EF 75-300mm is better than I remembered! Or maybe I have gotten better :D Stay tuned for the collab video with Nico Carver!

I was not sponsored to make this video, nor do any of these companies (ever) have any idea I am making these videos - or what I say. I purchased the camera, lenses, ball-head, and shutter release from B & H photo and Amazon - but the star tracker and tripod were sent as demos (on loan) when they came out.

Affiliate Links:

Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase.

[nidhayprakashkar]

Trevor v/s Nico face-off announcement got me more excited than Godzilla v/s King kong!

[davecarllawrence]

I LOVE to see collabs within astrophotography.
I'm not sure why really. Maybe it's something to do with astro being something we often do alone, maybe partly because photography can generally be a bit of an over-competitive hobby. So seeing a niche photographic community like ours collaborating, sharing experiences and ideas really resonates with me.

[HelenasAstrophotography]

I can't wait for this!! The ultimate beginner setup and the ultimate collab team. Notifications are on :D

[Theforth]

I'm so close to buying my first tracker can wait to watch this video for even more great info.

[msingh_]

Omg, cant wait, wanted this video for so long!! I have the exact same setup!!

[makrospex]

Pro Tip: Always change lenses with the body (camera axis) facing down. This way no dust/dirt can fall into the body. Also, when it's a bit windy, dust is more likely to get sucked out instead of pushed into the camera body, when the wind is blowing by the edges of the lens mount, faced down. I have minimal dust on my sensor(s) since i change my lenses this way.

[rydervanwyk]

This is exactly what I needed right now!!

[andreytyushin]

I can recommend Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6. Soooo good for astrophotography

[marlonmc]

So excited!! In the last 3 years, I bought parts of my equipment, and it's very similar to this. Skywatcher star adventurer ver1, canon eos T6, remote shutter cable, Rokinon 135mm (that I bought because of your videos), and a fiber carbon tripod (bought it last month). I can't go dark skies at this moment (anyone can't), but I'll try to do it from my city.

[astrojourneyuk]

This star tracker was exactly what I used to get into this hobby last year. It’s a great intro to the hobby and given that Peter Zelinka has been using something similar for years is testament too for what great pieces of kit these trackers are. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration too!!!

[GalaxyArtMedia]

Great setup Trevor! I liked the video! Looking forward to see the next one.

[KopLamp]

Normally I don't comment on unwatched video's, but I must add a comment immediately as I want to compliment you on not forgetting about the budget astro-photographers. When I started following you, you were using similar gear as I did then. You outran my growth in the hobby bigtime though ;-)

[theheavensdeclareastro]

Love this idea! I shoot with a stock t7i so I'm all about DSLR astro!

[winmanmay]

Can't wait for the follow up video! Epic! 💯

[Dylans_astro]

Amazing Video Trevor! The quality of your videos keeps getting better and better!

[meghjoshi]

Woah excited for this
I've got an iOptron Skyguider Pro and 300mm lens so quite similar I'm guessing

[chrisoriordan]

Trevor, might be worth you mentioning a Red dot finder, inexpensive and invaluable for targeting and focussing - great video as always

[astrostar_clearski]

This was a perfect Intro for my Night. Im going out, with my start tracker, Samyang 135mm, and a lot of warm Coffee. 90sec expo x 120 on the Andromeda. Im in Bortles 4-5, and shot always without filter. This night will be Great! Clear Ski! And Thank you Trevor for another great video!

[wtua]

Great video! Just a side note--the same cable used for your intervalometer can be used with the SA2i plugged into the SNAP port. You can then run the tracker in APP mode and control the exposure times and number of frames. It's one less thing to carry or set up in the dark.

[janebattle]

I have a similar set up and love it! It’s great for travel. I live in a light polluted at area so needed a setup I could easily take to darker areas. Not a lot of information out there on it, but. Peter Zelinka also has a lot of classes on it if you want each step broken out. Not all are free, but worth every penny. Trevor thank you for posting this!