|
The HyperStar system works with a variety of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes
and many models of cameras. There are combinations to fit different
budgets, interests, and skill levels. One of the main advantages of
HyperStar is that it makes imaging easy to learn, so it is ideal for
beginning imagers. However, it is also capable of delivering very
high-quality images very quickly, making it perfect for advanced astronomers
interested in taking beautiful pictures or even hunting the sky for comets,
asteroids and supernovae.
Compatible Telescopes
Currently, there are HyperStar lenses available to fit the following models
of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes:
-
Celestron 8" SCT
-
Celestron 11" SCT
-
Celestron 14" SCT
-
Meade 10" SCT
-
Meade 14" SCT
Note that some telescope models are "HyperStar-ready", meaning they already
have an easily removable secondary mirror assembly. Other telescopes can
be converted by installing a conversion kit from Starizona.
HyperStar lenses are not currently available for the Meade LX200R
series--only for the standard Schmidt-Cassegrain models such as the previous
LX200/LX200GPS series or the LX90 series. See the
HyperStar Website
for more details on compatibility.
Compatible Cameras
A variety of cameras will work with the HyperStar lenses, but
there are some limitations. The camera cannot be too large or it will
obstruct too much of the telescope aperture. Larger telescopes can use
larger cameras. Also, the size of the sensor that can be fully illuminated
by the HyperStar is dependent on the size of the telescope. Larger scopes
allow larger lens elements
to be used in the HyperStar, so bigger sensors can be illuminated.
Cameras compatible with all HyperStar models
Cameras compatible with 14" HyperStar models (in addition to those listed
above)
Recommended Setups
For a beginning imager, the ideal camera is a one-shot color model.
These cameras eliminate the need to take individual red, green, and
blue-filtered exposures to create a color image. The color rendition
obtained from a one-shot color camera is very accurate. While color
cameras tend to be less sensitive than monochrome models, there are two points
that make this less important. For one, the total time spent imaging is not
any
longer, because the monochrome camera requires three times as many images--the
color camera is not that much less sensitive. The main reason, though, is
simply that the exposure times are so short with HyperStar that it doesn't
matter if a camera is a little less sensitive. If the difference were
between a 30 minute exposure and 60 minute exposure, it is a critical
difference. If the difference is between 30 and 60 seconds, it doesn't
really matter!
Advanced imagers may want to use a monochrome camera for its versatility.
Narrowband imaging--using filters to isolate particular wavelengths of light
emitted by nebulae--is becoming much more popular since it allows much detail to
be captured, even in light polluted areas. But narrowband imaging also
requires much longer exposures. Here is another big advantage of having an
f/1.8 optical system. Even with narrowband filters, exposures are still
only a few minutes long, instead of the hours it might take with a much slower
system.
Cost Comparison
HyperStar allows deep-sky imaging to be done at a lower cost--in
both time and money. Less equipment is necessary than would be required
to image without HyperStar. HyperStar requires only a telescope, HyperStar
lens, and camera. Imaging with an SCT without HyperStar requires a focal
reducer, equatorial mount or wedge, a guidescope and guide camera (or camera
with an integrated autoguider), and potentially a more expensive camera to
provide a larger field of view. The savings can be significant.
Return to HyperStar Imaging
Page
|
