DSLR piggyback suggestions

[kosborn]

Hi all,


I've been trying to get good exposures of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex (centered on IC 4603) but even at 550mm it's such a big object I would need a mosaic to cover it well. I thought about piggybacking my dslr and taking some 300mm with the dslr while getting a bit more detail with the SW Esprit at 550mm. Does anyone have good advice about best ways to piggyback a dslr?


Thanks, Kevin

[raymo]

Most scope securing tube rings have a threaded hole on the top, into
which you can screw a rotating ball joint which enables you to point the camera wherever you want. You can get a ball joint on ebay for a couple of dollars if you are prepared to wait for it to come from China.
I suggest 150-200mm for that target.
raymo

[kosborn]

Thanks Raymo,


I have until the moon wanes enough before I start imaging rho oph again so I'll look around and hopefully find something by then.


Cheers, Kevin

[xelasnave]

I took the top off an old tripod and fitted that on a rail on top which connects the four tube rings and this way I have the little fitting on the camera permanently so if I want I can just clip it in...
I also have a large alluminium foot that allows the camera to sit directly onto the mount...but have yet to make a small counter weight for that set up.
Alex

[ZeroID]

I find that screw mount on the top somewhat unreliable in securing the camera. I made a small flat footed bracket that attaches to the mount rings. The Lunt is great for that with a flat topped ring and several extra threaded holes for attaching other equipment. At one point I had the guide scope (SW80f5), an achro viewing scope (SW80f11) and a DSLR all mounted to a plate I made to fit the top of the Lunt. The achro was aligned with the Lunt so I could take a peek at the target during imaging. Kept me amused in the early pre PC control days.

[ZeroID]

You probably hardly need a CW for that Alex. Or just the extended bar could be sufficient. I have something similar for the DSLR on the EQ3 I play around with.

[xelasnave]

I have used it without a cou ter weight but I plan to make something up...a few sinkers in a resin case with the fastner set in that.
It would be nice to have it properly balanced.
Alex