Canon T6i for Astrophotography: A Comprehensive Guide
Canon's Canon T6i is not a traditional choice for astrophotography, which is generally considered to be more suited for dedicated deep-sky imagers like the Nikon D850. However, with the right setup and techniques, the T6i can certainly produce impressive results, especially for beginners and amateur astrophotographers.
Challenges in Astrophotography
Two key challenges in astrophotography are the faintness of the celestial objects and the Earth's rotation. When you try to capture images of deep sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, these objects emit very little light. Consequently, long exposure times are necessary to accumulate enough light.
Long Exposure Times in Astrophotography
In conventional photography, exposure times are usually in fractions of a second, ranging from 1/1000th to 1/60th of a second. However, for astrophotography, exposure times often extend to whole minutes, such as the 5-minute exposures that are typical for deep sky objects. This is to ensure that enough light is captured to produce a clear image.
Earth's Rotation and Image Streaking
The Earth's rotation causes the stars to appear as streaks in long exposure images. To compensate for this, a tracking mount is required, such as a German Equatorial Mount (GEM) or an equatorial mount. This mount moves with the sky, cancelling out the effects of Earth's rotation and allowing for sharp images.
The Role of the Camera
While the camera is an important component, it is only part of the equation. For astrophotography, the camera must be capable of long exposure times and low light sensitivity. The Canon T6i, while not ideal, can be used effectively with the right setup and accessories.
Differences Between Canon and Nikon
When it comes to astrophotography, Canon products are generally preferred over Nikon for several reasons. Canon products have long supported amateur astrophotography, and their cameras are often pre-configured for it. For example, the Canon T6i and its successors are equipped with the necessary features, such as the removal of the standard IR cutoff filter, which is crucial for astrophotography. This allows deep red and near-IR light to pass through, improving the quality of the images.
Canon's IR Filter Removal
Canon’s cameras are configured with minimal modifications, making them easier to use for astrophotography. The IR cutoff filter, which is essential for astrophotography, is often removed in Canon DSLRs. However, this process can be risky and may void the warranty. Services are available that can perform this modification, but the camera should be handled by trained professionals to avoid damage.
Software Requirements for Remote Control
Another advantage of Canon cameras is their compatibility with standard USB connections. The USB-based connectivity allows for easy integration with laptop-based software for remote camera control. Canon's standard USB connections are more widely available and less expensive, which is particularly useful for astrophotographers who need to control their cameras remotely.
Conclusion
The Canon T6i, though not an ideal choice for astrophotography, can produce beautiful results with the right setup and techniques. By understanding the challenges of astrophotography, such as long exposure times and the Earth's rotation, and investing in the necessary equipment, including a quality mount and potentially services to configure the camera, the T6i can be a valuable tool for any astrophotographer.