Astrophotography on the Go: Using Short Exposures with Light Mounts (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

I like this book quite a lot as it tends to fit with what I like to do in astrophotography - which is not exactly what the book is aimed at. This is a very worthwhile book and I think almost anyone who has an interest in using relatively short exposures for astrophotography - or using relatively modest equipment will benefit from reading it.Unfortunately, the book suffers from relatively poor editing. The author is a very smart guy (I've been reading what he has written in non-book form for some years and know this to be true), but everyone needs a good editor with decent knowledge in the subject matter and the author didn't have that. This means the book should get about 4.7-4.8 stars (4.7-4.8 is closer to "5" than it is to "4" so I give it a "5") because it is still a very valuable book which accomplishes its primary goal beautifully.The biggest problem is with the description of how the CCD sensor works and of the Bayer matrix. You will get information which will generally allow you to understand how you need to interact with the equipment and to make it work for you and it is thus not a fatal flaw, but the information is incorrect nonetheless. In any case, a full understanding of how a CCD and/or CMOS sensor works and of the Bayer matrix is not the reason you should read this book.You should read this book because Mr. Ashley will show you how to choose and use relatively small telescopes and lightweight mounts (which tend to be relatively inexpensive) and the relatively short exposures required in this context to do some really good astrophotography. I do not know of any other source which will give you as much help toward that goal and it is why I am going to keep my paperback copy and am contemplating getting the Kindle version as well.So yes, it is flawed, but not in the most important particulars. Highly recommended.

I got into visual amateur astronomy about ten years ago and had an interest in astrophotography but did not know where to start and certainly did not want to spend thousands of dollars on an unknown hobby. Mr. Ashley's book is geared toward someone just like me, a novice with little knowledge of AP and a small budget to get me started. Step by step in clear, understandable language, Mr. Ashley takes you through the minimalists approach to AP on a budget and on the go. Mr. Ashley is not only an excellent writer with the ability to teach what can be a difficult, hard to understand subject in a way that is enjoyable and understandable, but he also has hands-on, personal experience of the subject matter he writes about with dedication and passion. His personal AP examples are inspiring and he is quick to help others who may have questions as they start their journey down the AP road. This book is a must read for anyone with an interest in AP while not breaking the family bank.

There are quite a few good books on AP out there but this one has special appeal for me. It details how someone like me who doesn't suffer from "deep pockets" can turn out some serious images. All the information is presented in a thorough and well organized manner that makes it do-able without spraining one's brain. I'm eager to get started!For those who may be more financially fortunate, it offers a way to "get one's toe in the water" without committing thousands of dollars to learn if AP is for them.And, it proposes an alternative for those who live in light polluted areas to assemble a small "kit" which can easily be transported to a dark sky site.Clear dark skies everyone, and enjoy this book!Bob

Astrophotography has been revolutionized by digital cameras, webcams, computerized telescopes and computer software, and this book provides an excellent introduction. Though still not an inexpensive hobby, the price and time involvement has come way down. This book is mostly about deep-sky strophotography, though it does cover nightscapes and star trails. (I believe there is another book in this series that covers lunar and planetary photography.)Much of it is devoted to selecting and using telescopes and mounts, with an eye towards an easily portable "observatory". If you haven't bought equipment yet, or have a large telescope and want something more portable, there is much good solid advice. There are budget comparisons of different levels of equipment. The many sample photos show what can be done with a 3-4" telescope. Key to the approach is taking many short (no more than 30 seconds) exposures then combining them in a computer. This eliminates the need for precise tracking over long periods (hours). Priceless to me was the walkthrough of using the freeware program DeepSkyStacker- which I used for pictures taken with a DSLR on a tracking mount. The author mentions that this program can have a steep learning curve, but his directions made it very easy. There is also much information on software programs at different price levels. As I continue expanding my astrophotography techniques, I am sure I will return to this book over and over.

Very detailed. Tons of useful information. Assumes you are a complete beginner but is very detailed, comprehensive, informative and specific about both the theory and the doing of astrophotography. Covers everything from telescopes, cameras, mounts, software, etc.

Excellent!!!!

wonderful. saved me from making big purchases i would regret.

Not enough meat in this book.

Having read numerous books on astrophotography, I thought that this one was the best by far.This book is laid out in a very logical manner and the reader is guided through the process of astrophotography step by step.The subject matter relates to the use Digital SLR's only for astrophotography and includes a detailed discussion of various mount types andtelescope types which might be used. The book is very well illustrated and describes how to connect various optical components together to achieve the best outcome.There are numerous tables which present data on topics such as Field Rotation Mitigation, Light Pollution and emission nebulae spectra.The information in the tables is introduced gradually to the reader and at no stage does one feel that one is being blinded by science !.The author also deals with image processing using modern software tools such as Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop etc. with some worked examples. The book also discusses equipment configurations that one might consider for the hobby.I thought that this book was an excellent primer on the subject of amateur astrophotography as it contains sufficient detail where required without overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed it immensely which is why I am giving it a 5 star rating.Others may disagree, but it is the first book on astrophotography techniques which I could relate to completely.

Great book for the beginner!

Very clear and practical guide to photographing deep sky objects using portable telescopes and mounts. Step by step workflows really helped me get to grips with choosing the best equipment, taking the photos, and then using Deep Sky Stacker and Photoshop to make them look great.

Good intro to astrophotography, and the images in the book show you don't necessarily need to have kit that weighs and costs as much as a car to produce great results.

very good