Messier Astrophotography Reference

As a complete beginner to both astronomy and astrophotography, I wanted something that can give me a good basis before launching into any star gazing and then furthermore into the AP side. I was a little unsure as to which Astrophotography book I wanted to buy. This book is aimed at the beginner and is clear and concise in every page. The set up is the same for each of the 110 Messier Objects: - Target Picture - Months Target is Visible (Texas based) - Sizing Indicator (field of view) - About the target - Where it is - Imaging the target - Naked Eye Chart PROS: My favorite is 'Imaging the target'. Hall has described the basics as to how he captured the picture. This is invaluable to me as a beginner. He sometimes even goes into whether he used single or multiple stacks, temperature issues for noise along with a few other little titbits of information which is a very helpful start. This book is not about what kit to use, how to compose or where to stand. If you want that, go elsewhere. It is purely about Messier and how to locate/photograph them. Admittedly, I have only had this book a few hours and therefore, not had a chance to practice what he teaches but I am already hooked and excited at what I might be able to achieve. It is a great asset to the hours of internet research I have accumulated prior to its delivery. CONS: If I was to grumble, it would be for two things. 1) I'm unsure whether it is based on a DSLR and beginners telescope or DSLR and decent lens. I await clear skies to make my review on that and 2) it is based in Texas rather than UK (ok, so not really an issue, but would make my life easier!) OVERALL: This book is going to be well used and great assistance to my astral journey. Would highly recommend this book. I would definitely recommend the book rather that the e.version (nothing better than a physical book and no batteries to charge!). I'm off to have a look at his other books,

Lots of information, shame the images are all black & white.

This is a great reference book for the Messier objects and is a must have if you want to get the most out of finding and viewing them. It is well illustrated throughout and provides the reader with everything you need to know about this catalogue of objects.

A very useful book listing all of Messier's objects with a brief description, photograph, a where-to-find star chart and tips on how best to image each one. I'm glad I bought it.

I purchased this book as an extra tool and for reading on these cloudy nights of early 2020. For this its a great book!. The main thing that I like about this book is the way it has been written. The author is always looking in a way of how to improve his own imagining!. This is what everyone is trying to do and not everyone has the most expensive equipment and the best cameras so it's a great guide for everyone and to inspire for pushing to get the best you can.

Gives a realistic guide to imaging time for a particular setup.

A very usefull addition and some good basic photo skills. Well worth the read . Glad I brought it as its helped enormously

Would have given 5stars but delivery later than expected. Book excellent value just what I required.

Eine sehr gute Zusammenstellung der Messier Objekte - so gut, dass ich sie jetzt mir auch als haptisches Buch kaufen werde - vorerst habe ich sie nur als Kindle gekauft..

Loved the info provided, bit of history and useful info as a newbie on the messier objects, plenty of tips and tricks... the thing that remarkably lets this otherwise great book down, is black and white plates!!! The only colour is on the cover - I would actually purchase this book again, if done with some colour in there! There is value in the B&W, of course, but, Alan.... colour too please!!

It's a good book for beginner, I like to see more detail in taking and development for the object to be photoed.

L'auteur du livre présente l'intégralité des objets messiers par ordre croissant (M1, M2,...). Pour chaque objet présenté, le livre aborde la période d'observation favorable, la taille de l'objet en fonction de votre matériel ainsi que la méthode pour prendre cet objet en photo (sensibilité ISO, vitesse, nombre de pose...). Si vous cherchez un beau livre sur papier glacé avec des photos en couleur alors passez votre chemin. Si par contre vous souhaitez un livre très complet et pratique alors je vous le recommande.

An excellent book for people starting their adventure with astrophotography. Each object from the Messier catalog described, shown on the sky map, indicated when it is best time to observe or photograph it. But what is particularly valuable for beginners is the approximate size at the picture taken with a DSLR, sample exposure parameters (number of taken photos, ISO, exposure time) and suggestions for processing. I strongly recommend this book.