A really, really new guy question - the lid

[LaughingBeagles]

So new, I might have even posted it in the wrong forum!!

So like most Noobs, I've been reading up on focusing my camera when taking the odd shot. And like most, I have awful trouble focusing my Canon 5D (or 550D for that matter) on my Celestron SLT 130.

No issues getting an image, it's the fine focus I struggle with. So Professor Google tells me that one way is the have two holes at the top of your scope and when the two images come together, you have focus.

My 130 came with a lid that appeared to have two caps covering holes, but when I went to check, only one has a cap, the other appears a solid piece of plastic.

Try as I might, I cannot find what the purpose of the capped whole and soild plastic next to it on the lid.

Any ideas?

My apologies if I have posted in the wrong forum (wasn't sure it it was equipment or astrophotography related).

Pete

[raymo]

The hole is for viewing very bright objects such as the moon. It can also
be used for solar viewing or imaging if some Mylar solar filter
material is fitted securely over the hole. The raised piece is for storing the cap when using the hole. {put the finder scope's, cap on, or remove the finderscope when observing the sun, very dangerous for the eyes}
The easiest and quickest way to focus at night is to get a Bahtinov mask
for your scope[about $40]. You can also focus on bright stars using your
camera's Live View function and magnifying the star by 5 or 10x. When
focus is obtained on a bright star, lock the focuser, making sure you didn't
upset the focus by doing that, and then move the scope to your target.
raymo

[Allan_L]

as raymo has said, :thumbsup:
plus one thing:
Once focused don't forget to remove the Bahtinov mask. ;)
Sounds silly, but happens way too often. :lol:

[LaughingBeagles]

Great posts and many thanks, will give it a go!

Pete

[StuTodd]

Try making your own mask.
Templates at http://www.deepskywatch.com/Articles/make-bahtinov-mask.html

:)

[yoda776]

Thanks for asking the question Pete and the responses everyone - that helps me too. :thanx: