Choosing the right equipment for intermediate astrophotography depends on your budget, the type of astrophotography you want to do, and your level of expertise. Generally, a DSLR camera with a good lens and a sturdy tripod are essential. You may also want to consider a telescope, a tracking mount, and various filters depending on your specific goals.
The most important camera settings for intermediate astrophotography include a wide aperture (low f-stop), a long exposure time, and a low ISO. These settings will allow you to capture more light and detail in your images. Additionally, setting your camera to shoot in RAW format will give you more flexibility in post-processing.
Improving your astrophotography technique takes practice and patience. Some tips for improving include finding a dark location with minimal light pollution, using a remote shutter release or timer to minimize camera shake, and experimenting with different camera settings and equipment. It is also helpful to research and learn from experienced astrophotographers.
The best time of year to photograph specific celestial objects depends on their position in the night sky. For example, the Milky Way is most visible in the summer months, while the Orion Nebula is best captured in the winter. It is important to research the positions of the objects you want to photograph and plan your shoots accordingly.
Processing astrophotography images involves adjusting various settings such as brightness, contrast, and color balance to enhance the details and remove noise. There are many software programs available for astrophotography processing, such as Adobe Photoshop or specialized astrophotography programs. It is important to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your specific images.