Which mini-scope?

[JB80]

Hey all,

I'm giving some serious consideration to purchasing a new mini scope instead of a camera lens primarily for use with my DSLR and on the Polarie but of course this will mean size does matter.

Now I have no experience with these small scopes but I have been looking at something like the mini BORG 50 or ED45 as seen here http://www.scsastro.co.uk/catalogue/the-mini-borg-50-scope.htm
although I'm not entirely certain what adaptors I will need to go with it.

So I guess what I'm asking is I know of the Borg range and would there be a better option than the 50/ED45?
Also are there any other small similar type models out there that would be suitable to for the task I should consider.

My budget is about what it would cost for the complete Borg set up, I'm guestimating 250 to 300 pounds which would be around $500 AU.

Any ideas?

[pmrid]

You're going to have to contend with a couple of Polarie's limiting factors whichever way you go. Longer FL emphasises both inherent PE and mis-alignment effects. Also, the weight added by an attached scope will be compounded by the distribution of that weight sticking out the front of the camera making the whole thing tend to sag and drag. I hope that there are sufficient benefits in using a scope instead of a lens.
My approach has been to go for a wholly different camera and lens system - the new Olympus OM-D EM-1 with its 16 MP and Micro 4/3 lenses. This reduces the weight on my Polarie by about half AND gives me a huge variety of lenses and FLs I can use without stressing the drive system unduly.
Peter

[JB80]

I don't think it is the worst of ideas, the longer length doesn't seem to be too much of an issue with the Polarie beyond the capabilities of the tracker itself. Despite what the specs say in the book it can easily cope with 300mm for a minute or two if you ever feel the need to go for that long but as you say at longer FL artifacts like PE will be an issue whatever the lens.

Also looking around there are a number of successful results using the same or a similar set up.
Personally I like the rig in the link of M45.

http://www.singastro.org/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10473
http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/134002-another-image-using-the-new-vixen-polarie-m42/
http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/133868-m45-using-the-new-vixen-polarie-travel-mount/page-2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53052745@N05/10318590116/

I have seen more ridiculous set ups on the Polarie but I don't have any desire to push things beyond it's limits. I think something like this can sit comfortably within the 7lbs limit.

Other benefits are budget restraints, I think a small scope offers at the least equal budget and certainly in some instances a cheaper option than a quality lens and is almost certainly many miles better than any lens I currently own.

The weight is a plus, they are relatively light weight either comparable or less than some lenses.

It can also double up as a travel scope or spotter.

Like I said it's something I'm considering, I'm not totally sold on the idea yet but it is growing on me.

[pmrid]

I see what you mean about that M45 rig - using a Borg as well, I see. I must say it looks terrific. Now you have me thinking too!!

Peter

[JB80]

It was seeing that set up that got me thinking about it in the first place, I was considering splashing some cash for a new lens and then I recalled that picture and thought it is certainly something to look into.

[JB80]

I'm also wondering if these would be suitable, I can't see why not.

The weight of the 450D is 475gms and this TS 50 http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5632_TS-50mm-f-6-6-APO-Doublet-Refractor---Day-Night-Scope-and-Tele-Objective.html is 1270gms so even with adaptors and rings it shouldn't be more than 3kg all up.

Or even this.
http://www.optcorp.com/stellarvue-sv50a-ed-apo-refractor-ota-only.html

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-starwave-70-ed-premium-astro-imaging-kit-canon/p10001913

[pmrid]

I've been fiddling with my box of bits and trying to cobble together a Ball-Head with a Vixen saddle on top. I was wondering if you knew anything about that part of the rig shown in that M45 image. Is it a DIY job or a commercial item?

Peter

[Stardrifter_WA]

Hi Peter,

ADM Accessories have a Ball Head adapter. This link may be of some help.

http://admaccessories.com/MDS_bogen_camera_mount.htm?

There are a lot of Ball Head arrangements that would very easily adapt to a Vixen plate.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Tripod-Heads/ci/140/N/4075788769/


Cheers Pete

[pmrid]

Thanks for those links Peter. The ADM one is the wrong-way-up for this purpose - I need to be able to have a Vixen saddle into which I can sit a light scope. The ADM one is based on their mini-saddles and - as I said - is backside about.

I have a couple of spare ADM Vixen saddles already so I'm looking for a way of connecting one of them to the top of a Ballhead - and I now have quite a collection of these but - and there's always a but - I need to be able to pass a screw downwards through the Vixen saddle and into the top of a ballhead somehow. I would prefer to avoid paying hundreds of dollars for something from the UK or wherever if I can.

EDIT:

Next day and a rainy morning - perfect for playing in the shed: and ergo - I managed to find a way to connect a Vixen saddle to a ballhead and so I'm ready now for a little short body F5 80mm ED to turn up in the post and the kit is complete. Woohoo!! Pics if anyone wants them.

FURTHER EDIT:
Pics.


Peter

[Logieberra]

Borg do make a 'MiniBorg' line of scopes. Very portable. Heaps of adapter options. Japanese quality. Check em out.

[Logieberra]

Oops, you've found the borg line already. How about the little Tak FS60? Too big?

[JB80]

Peter, unfortunately I don't know the set up but it looks as if you have it sorted now.



Too expensive, I have no doubts about a Tak though. It would be nice.
Yeah I am leaning towards a Borg, probably the 50 although I'm not locked to it just yet.

[JB80]

OK, can anybody tell me just what I will need to make one of these usuable with a dslr?
It's a mini borg 60 f5.4