In this episode Mike and Dave discuss webcams, cameras and CCDs. Dave says DLSR (and that’s after a pint of Cola) a lot and almost chokes on air while Mike offends Saudi Arabia. We review the software products Backyard EOS and Firecapture and discuss using binoculars for astronomy. Links below to the stuff we chat about. Enjoy. 🙂

Have you got questions for the 2020 Astro team? Please send us an e-mail: podcast@2020astro.com (or message us on Twitter @2020Astro or Facebook: “2020 Astro”).

Listen on iTunes
Watch our show on YouTube
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Imaging Discussion/Debate/Fisticuffs:
CanonEOS
Nikon Cameras
Webcam (Philips SPC880 – Morgan Computers)
CCD Imaging ideas (Ian King Imaging)
Binoculars (Viewpoint Optics)

Reviews:

BackyardEOS (website)
FireCapture (website)

In this longer-than-usual episode we discuss choosing mounts for imaging (astro photography) as well as a guide to eyepieces and give our recommendations on what we think works best. Dave reviews Ninian Boyle’s debut book, “In the Lion’s Paw”. Dave also gets a brolly in his drink. Again.

Have you got questions for the 2020 Astro team? Please send us an e-mail: podcast@2020astro.com (or message us on Twitter @2020Astro or Facebook: “2020 Astro”).

Listen on iTunes
Watch our show on YouTube
Download the mp3 (right click, ‘save link as..’)

Mounts:
Skywatcher EQ3-2 SynScan
Skywatcher HEQ5
Skywatcher NEQ6

Losmandy GM8
Paramount ME

Eyepieces:
Celestron Plossl eyepiece set 
Revelation Plossl eyepiece set (FLO)

Reviews:

Book Review:
In the Lion’s Paw (Paperback but also available cheaply on the Kindle!) – (Amazon UK)

This episode is a shoot out between the Skywatcher Explorer 150P vs the Skywatcher SkyMax 102 Maksutov, and some alternatives. Plus, Mike goes on a bit again about Astrophotography, probably because he’s better than Dave at it… and Dave reveals his font of knowledge is actually based on one really cool book. Hope you like it! Let us know what you think, please e-mail: podcast@2020astro.com

Listen on iTunes
Watch our show on YouTube
Download the mp3 (right click, ‘save link as..’)

Other telescope review links:
HantsAstro Reviews area

Skywatcher SkyMax102
Skywatcher SkyMax127
Skywatcher Explorer 150P
Skywatcher Explorer 200P
Skywatcher Explorer 130P

Optrons/Seben 150/1400 Newt’  Great if you like cake! 🙂

Skywatcher EQ3-2 Mount
Skywatcher EQ5 Mount

Canon DSLR Camera reviews (DPReview)

Reviews:

Book Review:
Astronomy Hacks O’Reilly Media – (Amazon UK)

This Episode is a long term view of the William Optics Megrez 72FD Apochromatic refractor as a complete do-it-all package. A must-listen section on choosing the the right telescope for your kind of astronomy, plus two quick-fire App reviews on tracking ISS and Iridium flares. Hope you like it! Let us know what you think, please e-mail: podcast@2020astro.com

Listen on iTunes
Watch our show on YouTube
Download the mp3 (right click, ‘save link as..’)

Other Telescope review links:
HantsAstro Reviews area

Cloudy Nights
Stargazerslounge

Reviews:

Apps Review:
ISS Visibility (iTunes £1.49)   ISS Detector (Android-Google Play Free)
Iridium Flares (iTunes £1.49)   Iridium Flares Pro (Android-Google Play £0.89)