Using a small refractor(?) to photograph birds

[Brian W]

Hi, I need some advice. I am looking for a spotting scope to attach to my Sony Alpha a58 that will allow me to take reasonable shots of the moon and nebulae as well as shoot small birds and critters from 15 to 25 meters.

B&H suggested
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485314-REG/Celestron_52291_C5_Spotter_5_0_127m m_Spotting.html

Comments or alternative suggestions?
Brian

[bojan]

Brian,
this looks like a good choice for birds and Moon... but you will also need a sturdy mount for it.
As for nebulae, tracking-capable mount is a must.

[Brian W]

Would this be sturdy enough?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1128583-REG/manfrotto_mt190goatb_190go_aluminum _tripod.html


I am a rank amateur and wonder if you have an opinion on how this spotting scope would work as a digiscope?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/276098-REG/Kowa_TSN_601_TSN_601_2_4_60mm_Spott ing_Scope.html
Brian

[bojan]

I think not... too flimsy. And adapter is not right, for C5 (this is telescope with 1250mm FL!) you need Vixen-style receptacle.
Have a look at this link: http://scopeviews.co.uk/CelestronC5XLT.htm

[Brian W]

Perhaps I should be looking at more of 'Spotting' than 'Celestial' scope?

[dannat]

problem with spotters brian is you are imaging thru the prism assembly inside the scope [its used to erect the image] at the price point a mirror scope will give a better image, cheap spotters will produce false colour

[bojan]

Take a look at this (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1277303&gclid=CNnGzvDV_9ECFUV_vQodNMcL-w&is=REG&c3api=1876%2C50960586482%2C%2C&IWB=AU&A=details&Q=&pcur=ZAUD) 500m lens, for example.
It is very light (700g), and with suitable adapter (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=M42+eyepiece+adapter&biw=1817&bih=795&tbm=isch&imgil=fId3dAwCYipk2M%253A%253B1tYij nFo5lpiaM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25 252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252FM4 2-to-30mm-to-23-2mm-Microscope-Adapter-Camera-Eyepiece-Tube-w-C-mount-Thread-%25252F221835444906&source=iu&pf=m&fir=fId3dAwCYipk2M%253A%252C1tYijnF o5lpiaM%252C_&usg=__xWot881OB-mOWcY9pDzS5rbq6r4%3D&ved=0ahUKEwj15N3L2P_RAhVDmZQKHXyQBS wQyjcIVQ&ei=dqKaWPXRCcOy0gT8oJbgAg#imgrc=_) you can fit eyepieces on it and use it as telescope/spotting scope.
According to Bob Atkins, here (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/mirror.html) and here (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/pro_optic_500_f6-3.html) it is not brilliant, but I found my specimen (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=130976&highlight=Samyang) is much better than his. His results are worse probably because he noted that lens does not have focus backlash... but I found it has, so focusing is a bit delicate operation.