Available Equipment

The following equipment is available for rental/use at any of our private events

Telescopes:

    • Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher

    • Model: 10-inch Flextube SynScan GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian

    • Aperture: 250mm / 10-inch
      Focal Length:       1200mm / 47.24-inch
      Focal Ratio:       f/4.7

    • Recommended Use: Primarily used for visual astronomy, but capable of live-stacking and “Electronically Assisted Astronomy” (EAA). This offers a simple-yet-engaging way to enjoy astrophotography without dedicating an entire setup to that purpose. Good for both planetary and deep-sky targets.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        Built-in GoTo Dobsonian Base

      • Camera:
        (a) Planetary - ZWO ASI664MC
        (b) DeepSky - PlayerOne Astronomy Apollo-C Color Camera (IMX174)

      • Eyepieces :
        (a)
        (b) SV215 3-8mm Zoom Eyepiece
        (c) Pentax XW 30mm Eyepiece
        *Filters available for planetary and lunar observing as needed

      • Control:
        (a) Hand controller (SynScan)
        (b) Control via WiFi + App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $250

    • Manufacturer: Celestron

    • Model: C9.25 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

    • Aperture: 235mm / 9.25-inch
      Focal Length:       2350mm / 92.52-inch
      Focal Ratio:       f/10

    • Recommended Use: Primarily used for visual astronomy and planetary astronomy, but capable of adding a reducer to shorten the focal length and speed up to optics to f/6.3. for some basic deep sky imaging. This scope is also very capable of live-stacking and “Electronically Assisted Astronomy” (EAA), making it a great match for most events and excursions.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        ZWO AM5

      • Camera:
        (a) Planetary - ZWO ASI664MC
        (b) DeepSky - PlayerOne Astronomy Apollo-C Color Camera (IMX174)

      • Eyepieces :
        (a) Baader Hyperion 8-24mm Zoom Eyepiece
        *Filters available for planetary and lunar observing as needed

      • Control:
        (a) Hand controller (ZWO)
        (b) Control via WiFi + App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $300

    • Manufacturer: Stellarvue

    • Model: SVX140T

    • Aperture: 140mm / 5.5-inch
      Focal Length:       938mm / 36.93-inch
      Focal Ratio:       f/6.7
      *1.0x flattener or 0.72x focal reducer

    • Recommended Use: This scope is configured to provide world-class astrophotography performance, with pinpoint-sharp stars and a top-tier monochrome camera with a full suite of imaging filters. The SVX140T makes a great addition to packages that are otherwise entirely focused on visual observing as it can be fully automated once the initial setup is complete. This scope will provide the sharpest images of any available scope on most nights and under most seeing conditions.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        Pegasus Astro NYX-101 v2

      • Camera:
        (a) ToupTek ATR2600MM
        (b) ToupTek 7x36mm EFW
        (c) Scorpio LRGB + 3nm HSO filters
        (d) ToupTek OAG

      • Eyepieces :
        *This scope is typically reserved for astrophotography, but please Contact Us if you have a special request and want to use it for a visual-only event.

      • Control:
        (a) MeLe Quieter Mini PC

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $350

    • Manufacturer: Celestron

    • Model: 7” Maksutov Cassegrain

    • Aperture: 180mm / 7.08-inches
      Focal Length:       2700mm / 106.3-inches
      Focal Ratio:       f/15

    • Recommended Use: Primarily used for visual astronomy due to their extremely slow focal ratios, Mak-Cass scopes are considered to be among the best choices for planetary astronomy on the market. They are sharp, color free, and provide extremely long focal lengths which allow for very zoomed-in images. These scopes are also great for planetary, solar, and double star observing.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        (a) Celestron Nexstar Evolution w/ StarSense AutoAlign

      • Eyepieces :
        (a) Baader 8-24mm Hyperion Zoom

      • Camera:
        (a) PlayerOne Astronomy Apollo-C USB3.0 Color Camera (IMX174) w/ Active Cooling
        (b) SVBONY SV216 1.25" 2X 4-Element Barlow Lens for Planetary Imaging

      • Control:
        (a) Manual w/ reticle finder
        (b) Hand controller
        (c) WiFi + App control (iOS/Android)App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $250

    • Manufacturer: Sky Rover Optics

    • Model: 120 APO Binoculars (90 degree)

    • Aperture: 120mm / 4.72-inches
      Focal Length:       660mm / 25.98-inches
      Focal Ratio:       f/5.5

    • Recommended Use: This is our favorite visual instrument of the entire lineup! pair of monstrously-large binoculars offers immersive, 3D views of the night sky like nothing you’ve experienced before!

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        (a) Nitrotech 612 Fluid Video Head With Continuous CBS (manual operation)
        (b) WarpAstron WD-20 (if not being used for imaging).

      • Eyepieces :
        (a) UF18mm ultraflat-field eyepieces
        (b) 68 Degree Ultra Wide Angle Eyepieces, options include 6mm, 9mm, 15mm, & 20mm

      • Control:
        (a) Manual w/ reticle finder
        (b) Hand controller (if used with WD-20)
        (c) Windows 11 PC (if used with WD-20)App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $300

    • Manufacturer (1): William Optics
      Manufacturer (2): Stellarvue

    • Scope (1): RedCat71 (350mm @ f/4.9)
      Scope (2): Stellarvue SV70T (336mm @ f/4.8)

    • Camera (1): ZWO ASI2600MC-P (IMX571)
      Camera (2): ToupTek ATR2600C (IMX571)

    • Filters (1): Antlia ALP-T 5nm Ha/Oiii + Hb/S2
      Filters (2): Askar ALP-T 5nm Ha/Oiii + Hb/S2

    • Mount: WarpAstron WD20 Harmonic

    • Control: Windows 11 Mini PC + N.I.N.A.

    • Recommended Use: This dual-scope configuration is intended to gulp down as much light as possible in as little time as possible. By using color cameras and specially designed narrowband filters this pair of refractors can ensure your trip gets the most data it can during our relatively short time together under the stars. Due to the wide field of view this rig is not ideal for galaxies, but it will still do a great job on some of the large ones like Andromeda or Markarian’s Chain. Where this rig really shines is with larger targets like nebulae and interstellar dust clouds. App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $300

    • Manufacturer: William Optics

    • Model: RedCat 71 f/4.9 APO Imaging Astrograph with WIFD

    • Recommended Use: Due to the optical design, this scope is only able to be used for astrophotography. And given how short the focal length is it this setup is best suited for nebulas and larger targets. This scope will be made available to anyone that wants to use their own camera on a high-end imaging telescope. We do not offer that option for the binocular imaging rig, meaning this scope would have to be pulled from that and would run independently on it’s own mount and computer.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        (a) SkyWatcher Star Adventurer GTi
        (b) ZWM AM5 or WarpAstron WD-20 (depending on availability)

      • Camera:
        (a) Any DSLR or mirrorless camera, Full-Frame or smaller.
        (b) Deep Sky - ZWO ASI2600MC-Pro w/ narrowband filters (Ha/O3 + Hb/S2)

      • Control:
        (a) Windows 11 Mini PC or Laptop

      PLEASE NOTE - This scope CANNOT be selected if you also want to use the dual 70mm imaging rig.App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $200

    • Manufacturers: ZWO

    • Model: Seestar S50

    • Recommended Use: This scope was designed for one purpose - to make astrophotography as accessible and user-friendly as possible. And this little 50mm scope does its job very well. The recent updates from ZWO have allowed this scope to be polar aligned for longer individual exposure times, as well as longer stacks for lower read noise and no more issues with field rotation.

    • Recommended configuration: This scope is fully self-contained, so the only “configuration” is what tripod to use. We will set it up in “equatorial (EQ) mode” to allow for the best possible results by allowing for longer exposure times. We will also provide an external battery to keep it running all night or even all weekend! If you want to control the scope from your own phone, please make sure to download the ZWO Seestar app any time before your event (iOS/Android).App

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $100

    • Manufacturer: Canon

    • Model: 5D Mark III (@ 200mm or 14mm)
      *Astro modifications done by Life Pixel

    • Recommended Use: This camera offers the widest-field images possible for both Milky Way imaging (14mm f/2.8) and for deep sky imaging (200mm f/2.8). The astro modifications make this camera an amazing performer for targets of all kinds, and the sensor size works with the wide-field lenses to take in massive swaths of the night sky.

      *Please note, if you have your own equipment and would like to borrow a camera this is the one you would use. We can attach it to just about any gear with enough lead time, although you may be required to purchase a small adapter in that case.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        (a) Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI
        (b) MoveShootMove Nomad

      • Lenses:
        (a) Canon 200mm f/2.8 L II USM AF
        (b) Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC Lens for Canon EF

      • Control:
        (a) Intervalometer or Windows Laptop w/ Backyard EOS (for camera)
        (b) Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer AppApp

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $200

    • Manufacturer: Sony

    • Model: A7Riv w/ Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E

    • Recommended Use: As the name says, this camera and lens are best suited to ultra-wide field Milky Way photography. This can be augmented with light painting, couples/portrait photography, or any other creative spin you want to put on nightscape photography. Worth nothing that this is not the best camera for deep-sky imaging, but if there is ever a bright comet you want to capture then it would make a good addition to your event!

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        (a) Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI
        (b) MoveShootMove Nomad
        (c) If options a & b are already in use, this setup can be used on a plain tripod as well with shorter exposure times.

      • Lenses:
        (a) Venus Laowa Zero-D 10mm f/2.8
        (b) Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens
        (c) Rokinon 20mm F1.8 ED AS UMC Full Frame Wide Angle Lens

      • Control:
        (a) Intervalometer or phone control via Sony’s dedicated appApp

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $200

    • Manufacturer: Lunt

    • Model: LS60THa w/ B1200 blocking filter and a 60mm tilt-tuned double-stack

    • Recommended Use: This scope is only designed for use with the sun, so it makes an excellent addition to any multi-day excursions or private events during the summer or which may otherwise start long before it gets dark. This scope can be used for visual, real-time digital observing, or astrophotography.

      *While this is the only dedicated solar-scope, its worth noting that you can craft a full solar bundle with a number of our other scopes that can be made solar-ready. These other scopes will be full-spectrum, white-light solar setups; meaning they will shows sunspots and some surface granulation at higher powers but not the same level of details as the Lunt.

    • Recommended configuration:

      • Mount:
        (a) GoTo - ZWO AM5
        (b) Manual - Tripod with geared head

      • Eyepieces :
        (a) Baader 8-24mm Hyperion Zoom

      • Camera:
        (a) PlayerOne Astronomy Uranus-M USB3.0 Color Camera (IMX533)

      • Control:
        (a) Windows 11 laptopApp

    • Cost when added as an extra setup for private events or excursions: $250

Recommended Packages

All of the following are available with no add-on charges with any private event or dark sky excursion. You are always welcome to build your own package from our list of gear above, most of which can be added to the following packages for a fee.

Option 1: Visual Sampler

  • 120mm APO Binocular Telescope (Manual or GoTo)

  • 10” Newtonian Reflector (GoTo)

  • 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (GoTo)

  • 7” Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope (GoTo)

  • [Free Bonus!!!] - Collection of premium binoculars, including two ultra-wide options and one with built-in image stabilization

  • [Optional but recommended] - SeeStar S50 for simple astrophotographic comparissons to visual observation.

Option 3: Deep Sky Astrophotography

  • Stellarvue SVX140T (monochrome + filters)

  • “Binocular” 70mm imaging telescopes (one-shot color + filters)

  • 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (f/6.3) (EAA - for lots of targets!)

  • Astro-Modified Canon 5D mk III + Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM

  • [Optional but recommended] - Astro-Modified Canon 5D mk III + William Optics BlackCat 51 Custom Petzval Imaging Refractor

  • [Optional but recommended] - ZWO SeeStar S50 Smart Telescope

Option 2: Planetary Focus

  • 10” Newtonian Reflector (GoTo) (visual or imaging)

  • 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (GoTo) (visual or imaging)

  • 7” Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope (GoTo)

  • 120mm APO Binoculars (Manual)

  • [Free Bonus] - Includes materials and basic instruction on astrophotographic sketching, as well as supplies.

Option 4: The Milky Way Special (Available June through September)

  • Full Frame Sony A7r4 w/ included light painting session

  • Astro Modified Canon 5D mk3 + 14mm f/2.8 lens

  • “Binocular” 70mm imaging telescopes

  • 120mm APO Binoculars (Visual Only)

  • [Free Bonus!!!] - Collection of premium binoculars, including two ultra-wide options and one with built-in image stabilization

  • [Optional] - MoveShootMove Rotator if you have your own camera

Option 5: Messier Marathon

  • Visual (1) - 10” Newtonian Reflector (GoTo)

  • Visual (2) - 120mm APO Binoculars (Manual)

  • Imaging (1) (EAA) - 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (GoTo) + PlayerOne Apollo-C (IMX174 Color)

  • Imaging (2) - “Binocular” 70mm imaging telescopes (one-shot color + filters)

  • [Free Bonus!!!] Imaging - ZWO SeeStar S50


    *The best time to do a proper messier marathon is during the new moon around March-April, but we can do our best other times a year if you want to start hunting down the full catalog of     Messier objects.

Option 6: The Solar Special (Available only for daytime events)

  • Lunt LS60THa Double-Stacked Solar Telescope (GoTo) (Visual or Imaging)

  • 120mm APO Binoculars (Manual) (Visual Only) (w/ full-aperture solar filters)

  • 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (GoTo) (w/ full-aperture solar filter)

  • ZWO SeeStar S50 Smart Telescope (w/ solar filter)

  • *Coming soon - CaK filter for 7” Maksutov-Cassegain

Other Add-Ons for Private Events & Excursions:

  • Sounds & Lighting Package ($250)

    • Private events only - Not available for dark sky excursions.

  • Campfire extravaganza! ($150/night)

    • Colored flames, s’mores, popcorn, and enough firewood for your entire trip

    • Availability depends on location, time of year, and environmental conditions

  • Full Selection of Light Painting Gear ($150)

  • Board Games, Lawn Games, & Recreation Equipment ($150)

  • **Deluxe Refreshment Options

  • **High-Quality Prints

  • **Souvenirs & Custom Gift Bags or Baskets

    • Requires enough lead time for production, or willingness to take receipt after your event.

  • More options coming soon!

**Prices available upon request and will be determined based on options/selections