Tools in practice
Equipment
A compact setup, useful planning apps and the accessories that keep an observing night running.
Good astrophotography depends on more than just the telescope. A stable setup, reliable power supply, useful planning apps and suitable devices for control and image processing all make a noticeable difference in practice. On Foto-Gorilla, I present the equipment I use to plan, carry out and process my observing sessions and astrophotography.
My Equipment
Seestar S50 Pro
The Seestar S50 Pro is the heart of my astrophotography setup. This compact smart telescope combines optics, camera, tracking and control in a single system and is especially well suited to deep-sky objects such as nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. It can also be used for lunar and solar imaging. Thanks to its simple operation, the telescope can be set up quickly and used very flexibly.
Tripod and TH10 Fluid Head
A stable tripod is especially important in astrophotography because even small vibrations can affect the final image. In combination with the TH10 fluid head, the telescope can be positioned securely, smoothly and comfortably. This setup is particularly practical when the equipment is assembled and taken down frequently, while still providing a stable and flexible base.
Apps and Planning
For planning and carrying out observing and astrophotography sessions, I use several apps and digital tools. The Seestar App is used to control the telescope and select observing targets. Stellarium helps with orientation in the night sky and planning object positions, while Stargazing Hub and Sky Tonight provide additional information about visibility, rise and set times, and special celestial events. A compass is also useful for quickly checking orientation on location.
The apps mentioned above are available through the major app stores or from their respective official providers. Depending on the application, free versions, in-app purchases or paid additional features may be available.
Power Supply on the Go
For longer observing and imaging sessions, I take several external batteries or power banks with me. This keeps the telescope reliably powered for many hours and also allows me to recharge a tablet, smartphone or other accessories while I am away from a mains outlet. Sufficient backup power is especially important during long deep-sky sessions or nights at remote observing locations.
Laptop and Tablet
A laptop and tablet are also an essential part of my astrophotography setup. I mainly use the tablet in the field for control, planning and checking the images as they are being captured. The laptop is then used for more extensive image processing with software such as Siril, GraXpert, PixInsight, BlurXTerminator, StarXTerminator, NoiseXTerminator and Photoshop.
This makes it possible to review images on location and continue processing them later in more detail. During longer sessions, it is especially practical to divide planning, capture and post-processing across several devices.
More About My Equipment
The right equipment develops alongside your own experience and requirements. What matters most is not owning as much technology as possible, but combining devices and tools in a way that works reliably in practice. For my astrophotography, the focus is therefore on a compact, dependable and straightforward workflow.
On Foto-Gorilla, I will gradually present the equipment I use in more detail – from the telescope, tripod and TH10 fluid head to power supplies, apps, tablet, laptop and software. Additional blog articles will also include practical experience, real-world tips and recommendations for useful accessories.
Over time, this will create a practical overview of which equipment genuinely proves useful for observing and astrophotography and how the individual components work together.
Choose equipment to suit your targets: start with astrophotography basics and check the conditions for observing the night sky.
Smart telescope or conventional setup?
A smart telescope integrates many components in one instrument. A conventional setup offers more flexibility for upgrades. Consider your targets, whether you want an eyepiece or screen experience, and the complete system including accessories.