Unveiling the Cosmos: The Equipment Powering 986 Stunning Astronomy Photos of the Year
Top Telescopes and Cameras for Astrophotography in 2024
In the realm of astrophotography, some telescopes and cameras have risen to the top, capturing the hearts and images of stargazers worldwide. Here's a breakdown of the most popular choices in various categories.
Planetary Imaging
When it comes to planetary imaging, the Sky-Watcher 400P (16′′) Dobsonian Reflector, Celestron C14, Celestron C14 EdgeHD, and Sky-Watcher Esprit ED120 are the top models. However, in the past three years, more than half of planetary images were taken with ZWO cameras, making them the most successful manufacturer. Player One Astronomy cameras have also gained popularity recently. In the 2022-2024 period, ZWO leads with 46%, followed by Player One Astronomy with 17%, QHYCCD with 11%, Canon with 8%, Nikon with 6%, and Sony with 4%.
Deep Sky Imaging
For deep sky images, Apochromatic Refractors are the most commonly used telescope type, with the top models being the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro, FLI PL16803, ZWO ASI6200MM Pro, QHY 600, ZWO ASI294MM Pro, ZWO ASI2600MC Pro, and QHY 268M. The Nikon Z8 is widely regarded as the top camera for landscape astrophotography in 2024, praised for its professional-grade high-end specifications. For specialized astrophotography features combined with landscape capabilities, the OM System OM-1 Mark II is also highly recommended. Sony A7 IV, Fujifilm X-T5, and Sony mirrorless cameras paired with premium Sony G Master lenses are also popular among leading astrophotographers.
Lunar Imaging
For lunar imaging, Celestron and Sky-Watcher dominate, with Newtonian Reflector being the most common type used in the past three years. The most successful models for lunar imaging have been the Celestron C11, Sky-Watcher 200/1000 Newtonian, and Sky-Watcher 400P (16′′) Dobsonian Reflector.
Solar Imaging
Solar images are overwhelmingly done with Apochromatic Refractor telescopes, with Sky-Watcher and Astro-Physics being the most used brands. For solar images, the most successful cameras have been the Player One Apollo-M Max, QHY 5III174M, Canon EOS R5, and ZWO ASI174MM.
Mounts
The most commonly used mount types are German Equatorial, Direct Drive, Center-Balanced Equatorial, Harmonic, and Dobsonian. The top mount manufacturers in the past two years have been Sky-Watcher, iOptron, Planewave, Software Bisque, Astro Systeme Austria, Astro-Physics, Celestron, and ZWO. The most successful deep sky telescope brands in the last two years have been Takahashi, Sky-Watcher, Planewave, ASA, and William Optics.
Moon Photography
For moon photography, the top models in the last two years have been ZWO ASI178MM (now discontinued) and ZWO ASI183MM.
In summary, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned astrophotographer, there's a perfect combination of telescope, camera, and mount for your needs. With the right equipment, you can capture the beauty of the cosmos like never before.
- Apochromatic Refractors are the most common telescopes used for deep sky imaging, with models like the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro, FLI PL16803, and Nikon Z8 being highly favored.
- For planetary imaging, the Sky-Watcher 400P (16′′) Dobsonian Reflector, Celestron C14, Celestron C14 EdgeHD, and Sky-Watcher Esprit ED120 are popular choices, with ZWO cameras dominating over half of the images taken in the past three years.
- In the realm of lunar imaging, Newtonian Reflector telescopes made by Celestron and Sky-Watcher are most commonly used, with the Celestron C11 and Sky-Watcher 200/1000 Newtonian as top models.
- Solar images are typically captured with Apochromatic Refractor telescopes, with Sky-Watcher and Astro-Physics being the most popular brands, using cameras like the Player One Apollo-M Max and QHY 5III174M.
- The most commonly used mount types are German Equatorial, Direct Drive, Center-Balanced Equatorial, Harmonic, and Dobsonian, with Sky-Watcher, iOptron, and Astro Systeme Austria leading as top manufacturers in the past two years.
- The ZWO ASI178MM (now discontinued) and ZWO ASI183MM are the top models for moon photography in the last two years.
- In the field of astrophotography, regardless of experience level, there's a suitable combination of telescope, camera, and mount to help you capture the stunning beauty of the cosmos.
- In the year 2024, the Nikon Z8 is widely recognized as the top camera for landscape astrophotography, while Sony A7 IV, Fujifilm X-T5, and Sony mirrorless cameras paired with premium Sony G Master lenses are also popular among leading astrophotographers.
