Budget Astrophotography SV550: Insights from Trevor Jones

In a recent post, renowned astronomy influencer Trevor Jones shared his experience assembling a budget astrophotography rig capable of capturing stunning deep-sky objects right from his backyard. While he was aware that the setup would be competent, he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of images it produced.

Astrophotography, like many forms of photography, can often become an expensive hobby, with high-end equipment costing thousands of dollars. Although there are more affordable options for beginners or those on a tight budget, they typically come with limitations in performance or functionality.

Trevor’s rig strikes a balance between affordability and capability, offering a powerful setup designed to capture breathtaking deep-sky objects without the steep price tag associated with premium alternatives. This makes it an ideal choice for aspiring astrophotographers who want to take their passion seriously without overspending.

Key Takeaways from Trevor's Experience

Trevor emphasizes that being a "beginner" doesn’t always equate to being "cheap." Many entry-level setups, while simple to use, carry price tags reflective of their quality and performance. Astrophotography requires precise equipment to acquire clear, detailed images of distant celestial objects, meaning even beginner gear can require a significant investment. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between cost and capability—equipment that is approachable for novices yet robust enough to grow alongside their skills.

With limited time due to the approaching full moon and clouds, Trevor aimed to photograph the Monkey Head Nebula in Orion, a target known for its strong H-alpha emissions, which would help him capture good images despite the bright moonlight.

For this project, he utilized the SVBONY SV550 refractor telescope, which many astronomers have inquired about pairing with a suitable mount. He recommended the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i, highlighting that a mount must support the combined weight of the telescope, camera, guide scope, and any additional accessories.

Astrophotography Telescope Specifications

Trevor introduced the SVBONY SV550, a triplet apochromatic refractor featuring:

• Aperture: 80mm
• Focal Length: 480mm
• Optical Design: Air-Spaced Triplet APO
• Focal Ratio: F/6
• Weight: 8.2 lbs (3.75 kg)

He also suggested investing in the dedicated 1X field flattener, essential for correcting the image field and producing better astrophotography results. For guiding, he recommended using a simple 50mm guide scope.

Light Pollution Filters

To counteract light pollution when capturing images from his urban backyard, Trevor regularly employs filters to enhance contrast and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. For this session, he used the Optolong L-Extreme filter, which is effective even under bright moonlight. He acknowledged that for those living in areas with less light pollution, using such filters may not be necessary, but in Bortle 6 conditions, they are indispensable.

Conclusion

Trevor concludes that discussions around the cost of astrophotography gear can often spark intense debates online. While his budget-friendly setup is significantly more economical than many professional rigs, it remains a considerable investment compared to less gear-intensive hobbies.

The sophistication and image quality of his setup allow for easy object tracking while delivering high-quality data—even from city skies. For newcomers to astrophotography, starting with a DSLR camera, kit lens, and star tracker can be a great way to ease into the hobby before progressing to more advanced setups.

To read the full insights and experiences directly from Trevor Jones, please visit his blog. His contributions continue to inspire and assist budding astrophotographers in navigating the world of celestial photography.