Why bother with astro video?

It is fair question. I enjoy binocular viewing, EP viewing, but also astro video viewing. Being a little older (eyes are not keen nor is the body adaptable for long observing periods without some price to pay), astro video certainly has advantages. But the bottom line for the Wife is this AND color. This sketch is an example, which was obtained during two observing sessions (each less than an hour) using a common instrument (a C8). And, when it comes to outreach, we always show M27 for the same reason I sketched it this time: it has beautiful colors, hues, and transitions among them. Yep, I can look at a photograph. But when I see the live screen image live, it is somehow different: it is sort-of mine....my equipment, my conditions, my observation.

I am a skin-flint, which means I don't like to spend money. The equipment set up is really not that expensive: C8s are not costly; the LXD75 mount is on the cheap side; the camera (which I use 50 times a year at least) is cheap compared to other popular hobby items. So everyone makes their choices, but I want to see objects like this for myself in color and in comfort where I can talk about it with friends, study it, and sketch it. That's why I bother with astro video.

Attached Image:

Roland, what sort of camera and monitor do you use? Do you use an electronic eyepiece or a video camera attached to an optical eyepiece?

I, for one, have lately become interested in studying detail in the objects I observe. I was considering the purchase of a large premium Dob when I happened across a forum describing astro video.

So, for a lot less money than a really good large Dob (~ $4000 for scope, mount, camera, TV, power supply and assorted other goodies) I am able to see detail in many objects that would rival that in a 20 - 30" scope. In addition, many (not all) objects display color, and I can fit the whole rig into my compact car for trips to dark sites.

It is true that the photons are not reaching my retina directly. Astro video is definitely a different experience than observing through a purely optical system.

I also enjoy "the thrill of the hunt" and finding dim or obscure (to me) objects without electronic assistance. Fortunately, I still have my optical gear for this type of observing. Who says you can't have it all?