Where can I get a piggyback adapter?

[Marko of Oz]

Like in the attachment. So I can attach a dslr to my tube rings.

I've searched a bit and gone through ebay, astroshop, bintel and can't find one. Not even sure what it's called.:shrug:

Didn't come with my rings originally :(

cheers

Mark

[raymo]

You could make up a makeshift one yourself if your rings are like all the others I've seen or owned.It should already be threaded with the standard camera 1/4" thread. Just screw in a countersunk screw from the underside of the ring and tighten it firmly. You could either cut the bolt to the length that
ends up with it nipped up when the camera is facing forward, or use a nut
which you nip up when the camera is facing in the direction you want.
raymo

[Marko of Oz]

Thanks raymo. Now that I look at it more closely the hole isn't even threaded.
I'll work out something along the lines you suggest.

cheers

Mark

[raymo]

That's unusual, normally they are countersunk and threaded so you can screw in a countersunk head screw which won't damage the scope's tube.
raymo

[doppler]

If you bolt the camera straight to the rings you will be limited to longer focal length lenses, wide field will pick up the end of your telescope tube. I use an old tripod head on mine but something like this would be better.
http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/Mount-Accessories/Orion-Precision--br-Slow-Motion-Mount/1168/productview.aspx

[raymo]

I thought I would have that problem Rick, but I was surprised. My camera
used to bolt directly to the front ring. With the dew shield fitted it is about
65cm from the front of the shield back to the front of my 18mm lens, and
no sign of the shield, so obviously the lens would have to be wider than
18mm in my case. They are a very good accessory anyway, allowing the
camera to point where you want it. You couldn't make one for the price.
He has, of course, still got to drill and tap the ring.
raymo

[doppler]

You are probably right there Raymo, I have my piggy back set up on a 120mm refractor and the primary cell is fatter than the rings, but if I take the dew shield off its better (although this not a problem with the tripod head attatched). A bit of up and down movement helps to better frame the subject.

[RKenning]

I fabricated 2 pieces of aluminum flat bar together (30mm x 3mm) and mounted a Sigma 150 -500mm lens for piggyback shots. It provides a rigid platform without too much weight.

[RobF]

I've done similar in the past for my Newt. $20 worth of bits and pieces from Bunnings and some patience with a drill. Can also mount a decent ball head on the bar for even more flexibility selecting FOV.