#1  
Old 01-04-2008, 10:27 AM
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cookie8 (Vincent)
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Off-axis guider: Advice needed!

Dear All
I am new to astrophotography. I reckon I've got everything required for prime-focus photography except a OAG to attach to my WO ZenithStar 2" focuser. What brand is available and where can I purchase one?
Please advise to relief my photography fever!
Cookie
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Old 01-04-2008, 11:15 AM
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Hi Cookie
I've found off axis guiders can work well with large scopes autoguiding with a guide camera but for manual guiding in small scopes its often very hard to find a guide star particularly away from the milky way.
It will be more expensive but buying a cheap small scope ( with solid focuser ) and rings mounted on top of your imaging scope.
This will also be heavy so you will need a sold mount but thats a good thing to have anyway good tracking will make manual guiding much easyer.
Have you tried photographing with good camera lenses ? its a great way to start.

Zane
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Old 01-04-2008, 02:34 PM
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cookie8 (Vincent)
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Thanks Zane
As you can see, I have a basic motorised mount with hand controller;polar scope;WO 80mm refractor with camera adaptor,t-ring and luminated reticule EP. The only missing link is a OAG. I rang Andrews today but they have nothing in stock for a refractor. I've come this far I wouldn't consider any other setup without trying this one.
Any advice?
Cookie
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Old 01-04-2008, 02:42 PM
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[1ponders] (Paul)
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I looked long and hard for a OAG for a refractor and ended up using one designed for SCT. I also needed the SCT adapter to fit into the 2"focuser. In the end I found it so frustrating I gave up and bought a guidescope. I'm much happier now.
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Old 01-04-2008, 04:26 PM
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cookie8 (Vincent)
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Hi Zane
Yes I guess I should start with some wild angle shots with the DSLR piggyback on top and manually guided(up to a few minutes) by the refractor.However I still cannot find a suitable piggyback camera bracket. Any suggestion guys?
Cheers
Cookie
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Old 01-04-2008, 04:34 PM
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I use a Manfrotto 484RC2 ball and socket. It carries the 300D and 135mm lens pretty well though that is about all I would put on it. Mind you the 135mm lens is heaps heavier than the camera

I got mine from www.centre.net.au but they don't seem to have them anymore. Camerahouse should have them
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Old 01-04-2008, 04:35 PM
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http://www.camerastore.com.au/ProSho...ad_details.htm

http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/prod...0cf00d12ab1bc4

http://www.myshopping.com.au/PR--223...Mini_Ball_Head
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Old 01-04-2008, 05:07 PM
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cookie8 (Vincent)
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HI Paul
Thanks heaps for your info.
But..... how do you attach this ball joint head to the refractor?
Cookie
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Old 01-04-2008, 06:07 PM
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[1ponders] (Paul)
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Ah now that is the tricky bit.

I have a short piece of aluminium bar (40mm x 4 mm) attached to the top of the tube rings. I have a hole drilled in the bar and the screw goes through the bar into the bottom of the manfrotto. Works a treat.

I'll take a photo and post it.


Edit: Here's one I prepared earlier. It also has the advantage of making the rings a bit more rigid as well which is a bonus.
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Old 01-04-2008, 07:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by [1ponders] View Post
Ah now that is the tricky bit.

I have a short piece of aluminium bar (40mm x 4 mm) attached to the top of the tube rings. I have a hole drilled in the bar and the screw goes through the bar into the bottom of the manfrotto. Works a treat.

I
stoopid question alert : how do you drill aluminium?i wanted to use a square aluminum section for a similar set up but it was impossible for my drill /drill bits

I tried and tried but gave up and used a piece of wood-which by the way has served me well for two years or more but Alu looks more professional
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Old 01-04-2008, 08:20 PM
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I just used a sharp drill. Actually I used 2 sharp drills, a fine one first and then the right size. From memory if you try to drill through a thick piece of aluminium with a large drill, the Al "gunks" (technical term) the bit.
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Old 02-04-2008, 10:51 AM
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Use some kero as well, to lubricate it, I have plenty of fuel drain stuff if you want, LOL
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Old 02-04-2008, 02:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by [1ponders] View Post
Ah now that is the tricky bit.

I have a short piece of aluminium bar (40mm x 4 mm) attached to the top of the tube rings. I have a hole drilled in the bar and the screw goes through the bar into the bottom of the manfrotto. Works a treat.

I'll take a photo and post it.


Edit: Here's one I prepared earlier. It also has the advantage of making the rings a bit more rigid as well which is a bonus.
That's a wonderful setup Paul. Thanks for your tips.
Cookie
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Old 02-04-2008, 11:17 PM
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OAG for refractors

Back to your original question: I agree with Paul, use one designed for a SCT and get it to fit your scope using the 2" Orion Prime Focus adaptor.
I've tried both the Meade and Celestron OAG and would recommend the Celestron; the adjustments are easier and the camera can be rotated without loosening the body.
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