Actually, it's not that difficult. It's much easier now then it used to be. But it is expensive up front. <br /><br />First you need tracking. The simplest and least expensive good tracking is with a low end mount. Such as the Orion AstroView Mount. <br /><br />Now you can go in several directions. Many folks like "Afocal" photography. This is shooting an image through the eye piece of the telescope. Using an adapter to attach the digital camera to the eye piece is a tremendous help. Orion has the "Steady Pix" adaptor for about $30. Using a digital camera with timed exposure is a great help, but not necessary on extremely bright objects, like the moon. <br /><br />Some folks use a web camera for planitary imaging, linked to a computer. <br /><br />Personally, I use the imaging camers from Meade. The DSI and DSI Pro. Orion also makes imaging cameras like this. The StarShoot and StarShoot DSI. These types of cameras are starting to take over the Imaging world. Their image quality and ease of use and relative low cost are a tremendous advantage. You still need a computer, and a laptop ( XP ) is almost a must.<br /><br />However, I would recommend, for a minimum cost statrer setup for astrophotography: Orion Astroview Mount and optional RA Clock Drive ( $ 270 ), Orion StarShoot DSI ( $399 ). You provide the laptop (XP). You can attach any small refractor or reflector telescope to this mount and be in business. <br /><br />If you don't have a telescope. Forget it. Buy a Dob, and start at the beginning like the rest of us.<br /><br />Clear Skies<br />Bill