Why use a small telescope - Beginners Astrophotography with a 60mm refractor on an EQM 35 mount

In this video I take an image of the Whirlpool Galaxy using a small refractor telescope. I discuss why I believe that this type of scope is the most forgiving for beginners at astrophotography, or those like me with limited technical ability, limited budget and or limited time

Equipment used
TS Optics Photo Line 60mm refractor
Skywatcher EQM 35 mount
Canon 800d slr camera

[JoesAstrophoto]

Great capture John, and very excellent points on starting with a smaller focal length! Good luck in your upcoming event!

[SAstro]

Great job - also been doing m51 with my ED80

[ianmacdonald]

Very informative again John. I captured this galaxy a few months ago with my Skywatcher ED72 on my Star Adventurer with a similar result. Sometimes wish I had a GOTO mount but on this occasion it wasn't too difficult to find. Thanks again for sharing

[h.bsfaithfulservant]

Nicely explained Jon 👌. The image does capture the tussle that’s going on, and some of the colours. Cool 😎🙂

[astronebulee]

Great video and image John, I've also imaged M51 this galaxy season and my first galaxy season ever. I've bagged a lot of galaxies, M81&82, M51, M101, leo triplet, Markarian's chain, M63, hoping for M104 this weekend, all using my sw 72ed AzGti Canon 600D, clear skies and keep up the good work

[バタフライ-fz]

Amazing video sir! Could you recommend me more telescopes like these?

[Paulie]

Love the scope, I am extremely new to the field of astronomy, I got a celestron powerseeker 60az in November, love it, (even though it's very basic) yesterday, I picked up a Skywatcher skyliner 200p dob, John, is the Celestron I have still worth keeping? I don't need the money or anything, what would your thoughts be?, my main aim in November was to get into astrophotography. in due course I'll purchase a goto EQ mount. any advice greatly appreciated, clear skies man, Dublin Ireland

[ArcticNatureExperiences]

I have never heard the term Galaxy season before - but I guess every hobby has special terms:) How is your Canon modified for skywatching by the way? In my place the nights are too bright now for any serious star gazing!

[c]

Nice image John. How do retain an even background in a light polluted sky? Do you take flat frames or maybe you reduce your gradients in post processing?