I Bought a Canon EOS Ra. 

Make no mistake, a talented amateur astrophotographer could produce results as impressive as ones taken with the Ra using an older, affordable, astro-modified DSLR. The EOS Ra is a tool, just as a dew heater band is.

"in case you don't want a sharp image" made me lol

I believe that parents can take up this hobby on behalf of their kids in order to feed their passion for science, and in particular, for astronomy. While many will pursue astrophotography, getting their family outside at night to learn the constellations, only a few will purchase the complete setup recommended here. But there is no denying that Trevor's photos and his instructions and equipment choices will guide these families by presenting them with absolute best astrophotography experience that they have ahead as amateurs and hobbyists. One day families around the world will know what they are looking at after the sun sets and astronomy will actually be common sense. Mainstream society and popular culture is distanced from the night sky in the same way that we are disconnected from the farmers that grow our food. Technology distances us from, but it also does the opposite. Families need cameras to experience the image through a telescope in addition to just the image through a telescope. Not everyone can play their part in this task of bringing astronomy into the mainstream, and it is up to the parents, in particular, who have both the computer skills to figure out astrophotography, and the kids with a passion to feed for science. This is a select target market, for sure, and when they find and watch Astrobackyard they will know what equipment setup will get them the best images available from their backyard as hobbyists and amateurs without moving to the more advanced levels. If they do not yet have this complete DSLR package, then they will know by watching Trevor what is compromising their images and what is possible, and where their path is leading.

Kind of ironic that a camera called "Ra" it's going to be used almost exclusively at night

There are quite a few youtuber astrophotographers, while all of you take stunning images what sets you apart is the quality of your videos. The music, the scenes, the transitions, etc are all so well directed. The music always gives me the chills and makes the final image even more breathtaking!

Alyn Wallace on the EOS Ra: "Is this a joke?" AstroBackyard on the EOS Ra: "It's the most incredible camera i've ever used in my life"

Trevor, what a great image @ the end!! I ordered my first astro modified Canon EOS 700D and I am so excited to get started all over again! This time EQ6 -R Pro! I can't wait for the mount and the cam to arrive! Greetings and thanks for inspiring us! Chris

wouldn't a dedicated astrocam be a better choice that a DSLR? Especially if it's not being used much for terrestrial photography? $2500 for a DSLR your not using for regular pictures is a lot of money.

SO excited for this. Thinking of venturing down this road one day after I have sussed monochrome on my channel. Until then, I will look in awe at your shiny new piece of gear ;). Have fun with it Trevor!

I love Canon dearly, and the Ra is a very nice camera, but they lost their minds on the pricing for this one. $2.5K can get you a very nice dedicated CMOS or CCD astronomy camera.

Congrats on the new camera! The image was impressive. Especially for such short integration time. Nicely done!

Oh my how the filter drawer is just what I was looking for. Thank you SO MUCH!!!

@10:04 "Another camera" 🤣 did you ask what did I just get? or what is this vid gonna be on?

Amazing photo at the end! Thanks for sharing all of your hard work.

Damn, i was surprised when the image came, i wasn't ready! Well done keep up the great work!

Great video Trev. I'm curious... If you're controlling the cam through a laptop, why would you not get a dedicated cooled camera at that price? Or is that other times you wouldn't bother using the laptop just the cam? Baffled that the camera doesn't have an intervalometer built-in though, maybe Canon will bring one in a firmware update.

Hi Trevor, Good LORD! First Dylan with the C-10, Chuck with the CF ED-127, and now you with the Ra...it seems like a competition for Astrophotography greatness (which BTW, you all have already achieved in my book)! Thanks again for another fab video. I’ve been using a stock EOS RP with my 8” Edge HD and am happy with it. Trying to decide if I should mod it or shell out some $$ for a OSC.

Going to be epic! I purchase the Ra from watching one of your videos. Thank you for really getting me into this hobby!

Great production quality! It takes effort to film and edit all the cut-away/filler clips to keep us entertained ... on top of all the capture & editing of the cosmos. By the way...I'm pretty sure I read that The Beer Store is accepting returns now :P. You might want to confirm, but I think it's part of the Stage 1 re-opening in Ontario

Originally a birdnerd follower. Have watched you guys enjoying birding and keeping gears to the minimum. Have always inspired me in many ways. The last bit was funny. Austerity has now been thrown out of the window. Can totally understand your excitement. Enjoy .

You seem to be getting your own signature style of processing now, and it looks fantastic. When I see an image like this I just know that you've taken it. Great image. I'd love an Ra but for me I just cannot afford one.

another epic vlog Trevor I have the standard eosR i love it for my "normal" photography

A very slick production that was! I’m impressed - excellent work!!

awesome video editing!

4.4 arcseconds/pixel per is actually undersampled though, blocky stars. Clearly doesn't matter that much given the final image. Love the channel btw. Amazing & inspiring work.

0:45 me looking up every time I think about setting up the telescope.

Love your videos, I wish we weren't in quarantine! I love watching your videos when you document your travels from start to finish...like the Andromeda video ones. Started saving up to buy some equipment to go out and shoot. Just waiting on the stay-at-home rule to be lifted! But thanks for inspiring me man! Really, I was in a real rut and discovering your videos has made me excited for Astronomy again. Thank you.

I have the Canon RP - and learned your R series tips the hard way - I had the RMA ready to return it until I found the "enable shutter release w/o lens".😮. Likewise with the CR3 issues in DSS. Could have used this info 3 months ago...

Looking forward to the premier. Wondering if you can also mention if a modified EOS R and RP are equivalent or how they might compare? Thanks for your videos.

Another lovely and good video mate. Excited to see the incoming Ra photos!

That's some Camera that Trevor! Well worth the investment if it suits ones needs! Beautiful Neb at end, amazing work as always my friend! Wes, Liverpool, England ( Bortle 8-9 )

Hey Trevor, I got an R (not Ra) last year and I’m keen to try it out for astrophotography. You don’t actually need to shoot CR3 if you don’t want to, you can shoot CR2 by switching the mode from CRAW to RAW, which should save you the pain of converting with the small downside of larger files.

That looks like a tidy set up. I love those slot-in filters-so easy to pop in and out, great idea.

I've been at this for about 3 years now, and currently use a non-modified Nikon Z7 with my telescopes. I am focused on getting a quality image, and I think next i'll move towards getting the colors and gas correct. I suggest folks take it slow and steady to avoid getting frustrated.

I couldn’t get my Ra to take a shot when attached to the scope. Thanks for your info on setting the shoot without a lens attached option. It solved my problem.

I have actually found that oversampling creates a fairly noticeable difference vs an under sampled image. There was a great explanation on cloudy nights about this and it went like this, hopefully this helps explain what it is: "Oversampling means the light is spread over more pixels than needed to achieve full resolution thus increasing imaging time often by a large factor. Oversampling on the other hand has no advantages, only disadvantages. It just increases imaging time, sometimes many by a factor of 3 or more and gives nothing of value in return. So you can still use such a camera, just be prepared to spend many more hours on an object and thus imaging far fewer of them. Each pixel that is read out contains read noise. If an object is over sampled their are far more pixels than needed for full resolution. Thus the image contains more read noise than it would with proper sampling. Reducing the image doesn't reduce this noise though binning in the camera does. So not only do you need more time because fewer photons hit a pixel you also have to overcome the increased read noise. " This has become kind of a long read of a comment but hopefully it's a decent explanation at the effects of oversampling. When you under sample you can use drizzle to make up the difference but oversampling can only be solved with binning which isn't technically possible on CMOS cameras, only CCD.

Soooo, I am very far away from what you do, but: I bought the star adventurer, i have a dslr with a 300mm lens. I have spent a night with bad alignment, bad photos brought back and nothing to show off with, except eye circles. But I‘m hellbent on shooting something, amazing or not, and push on from there. You gave me a lot of motivation to go from there, and the rest will come from me.

Great job Trevor and final image is incredible. You won' t be disappointed with the Ra. Thanks for mentioning oversampling, I always thought that was a ridiculous statement. Also, that dew heater that plugs right into the charger is neat.

That was a fantastic image. Great widefield

Just thinking about getting a Canon R5 (overall for "normal" videos and photos). Might consider buying the Canon Ra towards the end of the year. Astrophotography is so awesome.I didn't think that with such affordable equipment such shots were possible. Great photo and great channel!

I'm big fan of your channel. Depending on your setup removing filter to focus may not be the best advice. thickens of the filter may cause to move focal point (glass has different refractive index than air)

Another tip, if you own a 60Da and an Ra, the batteries are interchangeable between the two (in case you need a spare). The 60Da just has a slightly lower mAh rating. As well, both cameras work fine for other uses in photography, even if Canon says otherwise.

Love your videos Treveor! Always a highlight for me--enjoyed tuning in to my first live premier.

Man I have the Eos R but if I was doing what your doing yes I would buy the Ra that image you showed last was outstanding I love to watch the stars at night at times man keep doing what your doing your awesome at it.

Nice job Trevor, the content was good but the production value was outstanding. You have really stepped it up, Thanks!

Awesome video Trevor! The camera looks amazing. Just received my first dedicated camera, the 533MC Pro!

Excellent wide field view!

I have Nikon D810A and used extensively for deep sky and landscape styled Astrophotography ..... You're gonna love Mirrorless Ra especially on the move .

EOS RA definitely will be a standard carry-on for any Astrophotographer!

So badass. Thanks for creating this video and for sharing your work with us

This what you said in 5:55 does not make sense. USB type C specifies shape of the plug. USB 2.0 specifies speeds of the transfer. You can get USB C cable with speeds of USB 2.0, as well USB C with USB 3.1 speeds.

I was BLOWN away with this- if you can please teach your skills to younglings as well so that they can view the majesty of the universe through your telescopes and editing ...and maybe it will inspire the next gen as well for a clear sky, environment, cosmos etc.... this channel is awesome

Unbeliveable man your video, your pictures, your passion just incredable! Keep up!

This is my dream system although I might go with a Skytracker Pro. I really appreciate your content. I've learned so much over the past several weeks and am very glad I found your channel.

I think it would be really cool to see you compare this to a modern non-modified full-frame DSLR. I currently own an A7iii, 5DmkIV, 70D, and ASI183MC Pro all for my ZenithStar 61 and Star Adventurer (ASIair Pro runs it all). My DSLRs are all stock, as I work for a RU-vid channel where daytime videography is really important. I'm new to the 183MC Pro and love it so far, but there's something about the simplicity of working with a DSLR that I value so much. So I'd love to see you compare a couple modern stock cameras to the Ra so I can better determine if I should modify one of my units or hell maybe even treat myself to a new Ra. If you ever find yourself in southeast Georgia/northeast Florida, I would love to film a short documentary about your journey and how its inspired so many others. I wish this video was an hour long and as always, awesome work!

Trevor, your videos are great and I appreciate the time yo put into them. I think my one request would be less b-roll, and more time sharing your computer screen after the fact. I think a huge chunk of astrophotography happens in post processing, and seeing the final result is nice, but we all know there are many hours spent between the time you download the raw images and when you get that final result. I wouldn't mind seeing workflow and editing/processing as well.

Great image and great soundtrack.

Cant wait to see the results

Your editing always amazes me! And also the whole video....

Excellent video! I spent most my evening last night viewing that area mostly on the veil nebula . Someday I'll try my hand at astrophotography.

Thats Crazy Trevor..I Havent Been Able to Do Much The Last Cpl Of Months,But 2020 Weather For Pittsburgh Pa Hasnt Been Friendly,and No Hockey..This Winter Blew Big Time😢..Amazing Shot..Again..Happy Days and Clear Skies❤️🔭🛰🌎🌘

WOW! Spectacular image Trev!

Interesting how you and Alyn Wallace have different opinions on Canon Ra. But its true that he is not as much interested in deep space. Anyway, great video, thumbs up.

You bought a Sun God Camera? Lol. Looking forward to the video!

that image was so good did anyone else notice that the nebula looked like a dragon lol

Mind blown emoticon! That's an outrageous photo.

"Shutter release W/O lens attached". Wow did that stupid setting waste a lot of my time and have me tearing my hair out. Canon should have enabled that by default in a camera designed for astrophotography.

Lovely image and I think you're right about the Ra and who it's for + the whole Canon shooter thing. I know that ZWO makes a Full Frame (and mono available) dedicated camera, however at 4k that is steep compared to the Ra, and I think you can use the Ra in daytime with just adjusting the white balance? Which if it's just the slider in camera raw is easy and painless. Though the ZWO is also a whooping 62mp which gives you a nice chunk of room to crop or print large or "sharpen" the image by down-sizing. I know a lot of people can harp on about cooling, and I don't think anyone can deny it can make a difference, however you yourself have proven with all the DSLR images that it's not the be all end all that some people make it out to be.

Does the ASI 290mm mini focus well with the William optics guidescope?

was waiting for this thx for the video

Hey Trevor! Do you ever plan on coming to the Grand Canyon Star Party? I’d love to have a conversation with you in person. It’s my favorite event of the year, and I assume it’s comparable to Cherry Springs.

Thanks Trevor, i'm learning a lot by your videos!

Absolutely beautiful! Love the images!

9:47 "I'm gonna keep this setup exactly in this configuration not disassemble it, change thing off" Already most expensive part is swapped within month... !

Trevor, I LOVE your channel! You, Ashley and Rudy are awesome! I thought long and hard about the EOSRa, and in the end decided to go for the ASI 294MC Pro, also thanks to your excellent reviews and results with it. About those extra beer bottles. . . I envision a spinoff channel on home brewing! :)

That image. Wow. Great video, mate.

What other settings did you use with the 3200 iso? That's the upper range for noise for the RA and I know the cam is capable at that level, but how did you use such a high ISO with 5 min exposures without blowing out the image?

Dat production doe. You've changed Trev ma boy...however, I like it. Love your videos and keep them coming.

Great shot at the end!

Cool video and smashing photo. What's the final music?

Hi Trevor, I ordered an EOS Ra today. Subsequently I read some adverse comments regarding use as a normal camera. I realise I might need to do some fiddling with the white level but was curious to know if you have used yours as a daytime camera and if so how good is it. Cheers ... Keith (UK)

You are a doppelgänger for @littlekinggoods here on RU-vid! Both amazingly talented!!!

Awesome set up and pictures!

I think over-sampling is only a problem when you have trouble guiding (more)precisely. Guess that wont be a problem with the Redcat on a HEQ5.

halo how are you all?

Woah, just learning about the Ra. Hopefully I can still snag one but they look far to overpriced on ebay now. Maybe Canon will again produce an astro camera, R5a maybe...

I read about a red halos around stars far from the nebulas.

That was very impressive!

At 4.41" per pixel you are undersampling. This results in a softer image due to lack of resolution. Oversampling is the opposite where your pixel scale is smaller than what you scope and seeing conditions can resolve.

The gangster style video at the beginning tickled me Trevor lol Stunning image at the end, I think the Ra is a worthy replacement for the 60Da. I'm a little confused about your over sampling comment though, Trev? Unless you're at the top of a mountain, I Believe seeing is limited to around 1"/pixel right? so is there any value sampling at say 0.5"/pixel when the smaller pixels to achieve this will be less sensitive to light. Also the finer the pixels the hotter your guiding needs to be else you're just smearing pixels across your sensor. I think it's only worth going below 1"/pixel at high altitude with a super good mount like a 10 micron or the like.

Now you make me envious, I would love to add the Ra to my 20Da and 60Da, but exchange rates during the current COVID-19 are especially bad, so the cost is a bit rediculous as a special order via the major photo equipment suppliers downunder (Australia).

O shit the new cam in action

Nice image! I've been changing my 90D CR3 files over in Pixinsight probably not the best way but it was the first way I made it work at all!

Amazing shot!

I have the 60Da and Ra, with Red Cat 51, and love them.

I notice you haven’t been using the ASIair in recent videos. Is there a reason you moved away from it?

For $2,500 I'd want it to part clouds too. Having said that I'm going to buy one. Ticks so many boxes 😎

Is oversampling a "problem"? When you listen to music "stuff" in your garage, can you hear yourself say "it is OK at 20 kHz but it is so oversampled at 200 Hz or 2000 Hz" (probably not)? Similarly does it matter (probably not) with your camera sensor - adds nothing, but also takes away nothing too? Don't you just love RU-vid adverts - change your life with a new Canon camera pops up after a few minutes (big brother is watching your every astronomy move).

Have you had a chance to use it for any birding or other daylight use? I'm very interested in astrophotography and plan to get started with what I have, but I'm also looking to upgrade my older Canon bodies (6D and 80D) for all my "other" photography. I'd be interested in hearing (or seeing) your thoughts on using the Ra with the adapter and your EF "L" lenses in daylight situations. I was debating between the 5D Mark IV and the EOS R before Covid hit, so my plans were delayed. Now that I have more time to consider (and a longer time before purchase), I'm also interested in the Ra.

I now use the Sony A7III for Astro. Perhaps i should change to the Canon EOS Ra?? I am not sure, what do you think? Nice video Trevor!!!