Triple telescope astrophotography setups

Astrophotography setups come in various configurations to suit different needs and expertise levels. The most common configurations include single-telescope setups, double setups (often referred to as dual rigs), and the more advanced triple setups. Single-telescope setups are the simplest and most affordable option, making them the go-to choice for beginners. They involve a single telescope mounted with a camera, ideal for focusing on one celestial object at a time. Dual rigs allow users to mount two telescopes side by side or piggyback, enabling simultaneous imaging with different focal lengths or filters. Triple setups, the most complex configuration, are typically used by advanced astrophotographers looking to maximize their data collection efficiency and imaging flexibility by capturing multiple perspectives or wavelengths simultaneously.

The choice between single, double, or triple setups largely depends on the user’s goals, budget, and expertise. Single setups are most common due to their simplicity and lower cost, while dual rigs are popular among intermediate astrophotographers who want to expand their capabilities without adding too much complexity. Triple setups are less common but are gaining popularity among enthusiasts and professionals for their unparalleled efficiency. A single telescope is versatile and straightforward, ideal for learning the basics and mastering techniques. A dual setup doubles productivity, allowing users to image different targets or use complementary optical systems. A triple setup takes this further, enabling wide, medium, and narrow field imaging in a single session or simultaneous multi-wavelength capture, significantly enhancing the data quality and scope of celestial observations.

Triple telescope astrophotography setups

One such approach gaining popularity is the use of triple telescope setups, which involve mounting three telescopes in tandem to simultaneously image the night sky. This configuration enhances data collection efficiency and allows for diverse imaging perspectives. A triple telescope astrophotography setup entails the integration of three telescopes on a single mounting system. This arrangement enables astrophotographers to capture multiple wavelengths or different sections of the sky concurrently, thereby maximizing observational capabilities. Implementing such a system requires careful selection of compatible telescopes, robust mounting solutions, and precise alignment techniques.

When configuring a triple telescope system, it's crucial to choose telescopes that complement each other in terms of focal length, aperture, and optical design. Refractor telescopes are often favored for their sharp imaging and relatively compact size. For instance, the William Optics RedCat 51 is a popular choice among astrophotographers. This apochromatic refractor offers a 51mm aperture and a 250mm focal length, providing a wide field of view ideal for capturing expansive deep-sky objects. Its helical focuser ensures precise focusing, which is essential for high-quality imaging.

Another notable option is the Askar FRA300 Pro, a 60mm refractor with a 300mm focal length. This telescope is designed for astrophotographers seeking a balance between portability and performance, delivering sharp and contrast-rich images. A critical component of a triple telescope setup is the mounting system. The mount must support the combined weight of all three telescopes and maintain stability during long exposure sessions. Equatorial mounts are preferred for their ability to track celestial objects accurately by counteracting Earth's rotation. For astrophotographers using small refractors, equatorial mounts in the $700 - $1000 range are suitable, as they are designed to carry telescopes up to 80mm aperture for deep-sky imaging.

The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro is an example of a reliable equatorial mount that offers precise tracking capabilities and can handle the weight of multiple small telescopes. Its user-friendly interface and robust construction make it a popular choice among astrophotographers. Integrating cameras with the telescopes is another essential aspect of the setup. Dedicated astronomy cameras, such as the ZWO ASI533MC, are widely used due to their low noise sensors and high sensitivity. This particular model is well-suited for capturing detailed images of deep-sky objects, especially when used in conjunction with a dual-band narrowband filter to enhance contrast and detail.

Triple Threat: 3 6" APOs. Takahashi TOA-150, Astro-Physics AP160 Starfire, and Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 (from left to right)

Image credit: Jay Ballauer

Setting up and aligning a triple telescope setup

Establishing a triple telescope system requires meticulous setup and alignment to ensure optimal performance. The process involves:

• Mount Assembly: Securely attach the mount to a stable tripod or pier, ensuring it is level and balanced.
• Telescope Attachment: Mount the three telescopes onto the mounting system, arranging them to avoid interference and ensure balanced weight distribution.
• Polar Alignment: Align the mount with the celestial pole to facilitate accurate tracking of celestial objects.
• Balancing: Adjust the counterweights to achieve equilibrium, allowing for smooth movement and reducing strain on the mount's motors.
• Camera Connection: Attach the cameras to the telescopes using appropriate adapters, ensuring secure connections and proper orientation.
• Calibration: Utilize calibration tools and software to synchronize the tracking and focusing systems, optimizing image quality.
   

Cost of a triple telescope astrophotography setup

The investment required for a triple telescope astrophotography setup depends on the choice of components and desired imaging quality. For telescopes, the William Optics RedCat 51 costs around $843 per unit, offering excellent optics and portability. Alternatively, the Askar FRA300 Pro, priced at $949, provides a slightly larger aperture and extended focal length. The mount is a significant part of the budget, with the highly recommended Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro priced at approximately $1,200. This mount ensures precise tracking essential for long-exposure astrophotography. Additionally, the cameras play a critical role, with the ZWO ASI533MC retailing at $899 each, offering advanced imaging sensors for capturing detailed deep-sky images. Beyond these core components, hobbyists should account for additional expenses, including mounting hardware, power supplies, filters, and guiding systems, which can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost. For those seeking premium components or custom setups, the total expenditure could exceed $5,000, making careful planning essential for achieving the best results within budget.

Telescopes

• William Optics RedCat 51: $843 – Compact apochromatic refractor ideal for wide-field imaging.
• Askar FRA300 Pro: $949 – 60mm aperture refractor with a 300mm focal length.
• Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED: $3,595 – High-end apochromatic refractor with a 100mm aperture.
• Explore Scientific ED80: $699 – Entry-level triplet refractor with 80mm aperture.
• Celestron RASA 8: $2,299 – Wide-field imaging specialist with a 203mm aperture and f/2 focal ratio.
• Meade LX85 Series: $1,299 – Advanced optical tube for visual and imaging purposes.
• Orion ED80T CF: $999 – Lightweight 80mm triplet refractor with a carbon fiber tube.
• TS-Optics Photoline 72mm: $550 – Affordable apochromatic refractor for beginners.
• Stellarvue SVX102T: $3,995 – Precision-crafted refractor for demanding astrophotographers.
• Takashi FSQ-106ED: $6,995 – Premium wide-field imaging refractor with unmatched optical quality.
   

Mounts

• Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro: $1,200 – Reliable equatorial mount for small- to medium-sized setups.
• Celestron Advanced VX: $1,299 – Compact mount with excellent tracking for astrophotography.
• iOptron CEM40: $2,488 – Lightweight yet sturdy equatorial mount.
• Orion Atlas EQ-G: $1,999 – Highly versatile mount for heavier payloads.
• Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro: $1,995 – Popular mid-tier mount for multi-telescope setups.
• Losmandy G11G: $3,195 – Heavy-duty mount designed for advanced astrophotography.
• iOptron GEM45: $2,148 – Equatorial mount with high precision and portability.
• Celestron CGX-L: $3,999 – Premium mount for large telescope configurations.
• Avalon M-Zero: $5,100 – High-end single-arm mount for imaging efficiency.
• Paramount MyT: $7,500 – Professional-grade mount for demanding setups.
   

Cameras

• ZWO ASI533MC: $899 – Affordable, high-performance color camera.
• ZWO ASI2600MC Pro: $1,999 – APS-C sensor with low noise and high sensitivity.
• QHYCCD QHY268C: $1,999 – Competitor to the ASI2600MC, offering superb image quality.
• ZWO ASI294MC Pro: $1,299 – Versatile option for deep-sky and planetary imaging.
• ZWO ASI1600MM Pro: $1,399 – Monochrome sensor with exceptional detail capture.
• Atik 16200: $3,999 – CCD camera for professional astrophotography.
• QHYCCD QHY600: $4,999 – Full-frame CMOS camera for ultra-wide imaging.
• Orion StarShoot G10: $1,199 – User-friendly camera for intermediate users.
• Player One Uranus-C: $599 – Budget-friendly planetary imaging camera.
• Canon EOS Ra: $2,499 – DSLR designed specifically for astrophotography.
   

Depending on the equipment chosen, a basic triple telescope setup can start around $5,000 for entry-level components. Advanced setups with premium telescopes, mounts, and cameras can exceed $15,000. Additional accessories such as filters, guiding systems, power supplies, and software licenses should also be factored into the budget, as these can add $500–$2,000 to the total cost. Proper planning ensures a balanced investment for achieving high-quality astrophotography results.

Starfront Observatories, where Bray works and lives full time

Bray Falls has spent the last three months testing and refining his triple telescope astrophotography setup, a unique and efficient imaging system based at Starfront Observatories. This tandem imaging system, designed with three RASA telescopes operating simultaneously, allows him to capture three times the data within the same period, effectively tripling his imaging speed. This capability has proven especially valuable for exploring faint and expansive deep-space objects.

He began his work with the Orion Nebula (M42), a quintessential target for testing any new telescope. Located in the constellation Orion's sword, M42 is a vibrant star-forming region characterized by bright stars, dense dust clouds, and a prominent core known as the Trapezium. Capturing this object highlighted the system's ability to handle the significant brightness differences between the nebula’s core and its fainter outskirts. Over just three and a half hours of real-time imaging, equivalent to nine hours of exposure using the triple setup, he achieved a detailed image revealing dark dust regions and neighboring structures, such as NGC 1999.

Following this, Falls shifted focus to Comet C/2023 A3 (ATLAS), a challenging subject due to its low altitude and bright moonlight during its appearance. The triple telescope system proved advantageous here, allowing simultaneous capture in different wavelengths, overcoming limitations of traditional single-camera setups. This efficiency enabled detailed imaging of the comet’s dust tail and ion tail, even in suboptimal conditions.

Next, his attention turned to a faint planetary nebula known as the Goblet of Fire Nebula (Strottner-Drexler 56) in the constellation Triangulum. This exceptionally dim object required 222 hours of total exposure, condensed into just 74 real-time hours thanks to the compound array. By combining hydrogen-alpha, oxygen-III, and RGB data, he successfully captured the nebula’s intricate details, including its unusual ribbon-like structures and a faint central white dwarf star. The results demonstrated the system's capacity to unveil features invisible to slower or less sensitive telescopes.

Bray Fall's triple telescope astrophotography setup at Starfront Observatories

After this, Bray explored a newly identified supernova remnant in Cepheus, discovered during a previous mosaic survey. Named Ossi’s Nebula, the remnant exhibits fragmented oxygen-III filaments, a feature rarely observed elsewhere. Despite spending only 24 real-time hours on this target, the resulting image captured its unique morphology, providing valuable data for future studies of supernova remnants.

In the constellation Auriga, Falls revisited a little-known nebula called Alves 2, discovered in 2013 but not widely cataloged. Its bright ionized interstellar medium made it an accessible target for the triple telescope system, requiring only 25 hours of exposure. Using oxygen-III and RGB data, he created a detailed image of this peculiar object, showcasing its potential for amateur astrophotographers using simpler equipment.

Another highlight was the Angel Nebula (NGC 2170) in Monoceros, a complex region featuring reflection nebulae, dark dust clouds, and hydrogen-alpha emissions. This target had eluded his previous attempts due to its faintness but was finally captured in stunning detail after 103 hours of exposure with the new system. The image revealed intricate structures within the dark nebula and its surrounding regions, fulfilling a long-standing goal.

As Falls imaging progressed, he began experimenting with automation to enhance the system’s efficiency further. This process involves ensuring precise alignment across all three telescopes, a critical factor for large-scale surveys and data stacking. Located at Starfront Observatories, his work benefits from the facility’s pristine dark skies and infrastructure. This remote observatory, home to hundreds of telescopes, supports astrophotographers worldwide in accessing quality imaging conditions. His ongoing projects, including a planetary nebula near Canis Major, promise further advancements and discoveries. By leveraging a high-speed, high-sensitivity system, Bray has not only captured remarkable images of celestial phenomena but also expanded the possibilities for both professional and amateur astronomers.

What can I see with my triple telescope astrophotography setup?

Celestron Triple RASA11 Astrograph on the 10micron GM3000 mount

Celestron Triple RASA11 Astrograph on the 10micron GM3000 mount

Reserve a Pier at Starfront Observatories