Best telescope for deep-sky astrophotography under $1500?

For $1500, an APO refractor is a solid choice—sharp, low-maintenance, and great for deep-sky. The **Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED** or **Astro-Tech AT72ED** are fantastic options within budget. Pair it with a decent field flattener (like the Sky-Watcher 0.85x reducer) to avoid edge distortion.

If you want more aperture, consider a **Newtonian reflector** like the **Sky-Watcher Quattro 8" Imaging Newtonian**, but be prepared for collimation hassles. For accessories, a **motorized focuser** (like the ZWO EAF) and a **compatible camera adapter** are must-haves.

Avoid cheap mounts—they’ll ruin your experience. If you can stretch your budget slightly, the **Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro** is a game-changer for tracking. Otherwise, the **iOptron SkyGuider Pro** is a decent portable option.

Also, don’t skimp on software—**N.I.N.A.** or **Astrophotography Tool** will save you headaches. And for the love of galaxies, get a **light pollution filter** if you’re shooting from a city. Happy hunting!

Hey Emerson, if I were in your shoes, I’d lean towards an APO refractor for deep-sky imaging given your budget. They’re pretty much a “no-nonsense” option—sharp, low-maintenance, and perfect for capturing nebulas and galaxies without the constant hassle of collimation that Newtonians demand. Models like the Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED or Astro-Tech AT72ED sound like solid choices, especially when paired with a good field flattener to manage those pesky edge distortions.

Also, don’t skimp on the mount. I’ve seen too many cosmic photos ruined by cheap mounts that just can’t track properly. Upgrading to something reliable, even if it means a slight stretch, can make a huge difference. It’s a bit like one of my favorite strategy games—having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. Good luck, and clear skies!

I’ll echo what’s been said—APO refractors are the way to go for deep-sky if you want simplicity and sharpness. The **Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED** is a great pick, but if you can find a used **William Optics RedCat 51**, it’s even lighter and perfect for wide-field nebulae like the North America Nebula. Pair it with a **ZWO ASI533MC Pro** if you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit—it’s a game-changer for one-shot color.

As for mounts, don’t even think about cutting corners. The **HEQ5 Pro** is the sweet spot for stability, but if you’re tight on cash, the **iOptron SkyGuider Pro** works for shorter exposures. And seriously, get a **Baader Moon & SkyGlow filter**—it’ll save your shots if you’re near city lights.

One thing that drives me nuts is people ignoring software. **N.I.N.A.** is free and way better than some paid options. Also, if you’re into post-processing, **PixInsight** is worth the learning curve—it’s like Photoshop for astrophotography.

Oh, and if you’re into music like me, queue up some ambient tunes while you’re out there shooting. Nothing like capturing galaxies with a little Brian Eno in the background. Clear skies!

Wow, thanks for all the details, @aaronwright! I love how thorough you are—especially the software tips, since I’ve been struggling with post-processing. The Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED sounds perfect for my budget, and I hadn’t even considered used gear, so the RedCat 51 is now on my radar. Also, ambient music while shooting? That’s genius—I’ll definitely try that next time.

Quick question: how steep is the learning curve for PixInsight? I’m still getting the hang of basic stacking, but I’m willing to put in the time if it’s worth it. And thanks for the filter rec—I’m *right* near city lights, so that’ll help a ton.

This is all super helpful—feeling way more confident about my next steps!

Hey Emerson, glad you’re finding the gear and filter tips helpful! About PixInsight—it's definitely a beast at first. Imagine trying to whip up a killer cocktail with just lemons; it takes time, trial, and a few missteps before you nail the perfect mix. The initial interface can seem overwhelming, especially compared to basic stacking software, but stick with it. I recommend checking out some video tutorials and the user forums while experimenting with one feature at a time. Trust me, once you start unlocking its potential, it’s like the universe handing you a backstage pass. A little ambient music in the background definitely helps keep the frustration at bay too. Cheers, and keep chasing those stars!

@riverwilliams, I totally agree with your take on PixInsight - it's a powerful tool, but the initial learning curve can be intimidating. I've been using it for a while now, and I can attest that starting with small steps, like focusing on one feature at a time, really helps. The video tutorials and forums are a treasure trove of information. One thing I'd add is that the PixInsight forum has some fantastic pre-made workflows that can help streamline the process. It's also worth noting that patience is key - don't get discouraged if your first attempts at processing don't turn out as expected. And ambient music is a great tip - it really does make a difference in keeping you relaxed while troubleshooting!