Attaching camera to my scope?

[Jen]

:hi::hi: Gday
I was just wondering what the piece is called that you use to attach the camera to the scope. Where can i get one from and how much are they :question: Im scared to order on line as i have no idea what im asking for :rolleyes::) (yet)

:thanx::thanx:

Oh its a canon 500D if that helps :D

[Davros]

Hi Jen
You need a T ring adaptor which is camera specific and a T mount which is basically a tube the size of an eye piece. Screw ring onto T mount and then attach to camera like a lense and away you go.

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thanx: Thanks Mick

So i just ask for T rings and a T mount and thats it ;) wow thats easy no size or anything like that maybe should come to mind when ordering :screwy:

So if i wanted to also connect it to my friends 20inch scope do i need a different size one or is it one size fits all :):question:
:thanx:

[marki]

Jen you need this https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm and depending on the size of your focuser (I am assumming 2" ???) something like this https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm or this https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm. There are lots of different options for the nose piece but the EOS ring is pretty standard. Most online suppliers can get these for you so shop around for the cheapest price. People who use 2.6, 3, 3.5 and 4" focusers will generally have an adaptor that will let you plug in the 2" nose piece so yes you can even use it on a 20" scope.

Mark

[Jen]

:thanx: Hey hello Mark
Thanks but all those links you put up all take me just to the home page of bintel :screwy:

[Octane]

Jen,

As has been mentioned, you need an EOS T-ring and T-mount.

The EOS T-ring has the same bayonet as your standard EF lenses you use on the camera. You attach the T-mount (tube) to the T-ring usually by three tiny screws in the ring. Then slide the assembly into your focuser as usual.

Shouldn't cost more than $50.

H

[marki]

Ooops :P hang on. http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-052D

and http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-052D (bit expensive, there is a cheap at bintel one under imaging and accessories, page 3, box 9) :D

Cheers

Mark

[Jen]

:lol: LOL Mark both those 2 links are the same (just a ring) :lol: are you having a bad day today LMAO :screwy:

:thanx::thanx: thanks H and Mark wow there is nothing of these pieces.

Im too scared to attach my camera to that thing it looks like it would still fall :rolleyes: ok i will have to put a pillow underneath it just in case :lol::lol:

[gbeal]

Nah, just do what I used to, hang the camera strap around the focuser or finder, just in case.
Gary

[mithrandir]

These links work any better for you?

2" to 1.25" adapter with T-thread
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7472
Canon T-ring
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=5551

You screw the t-ring on to the adapter, click the camera onto the t-ring exactly the same as you would a lens, then slide the adapter into the focuser, and tighten exactly as you would with an eyepiece.

Wrapping the strap around something is optional, but does get it out of the way.

[erick]

Jen, ask for secondhand in the classifieds first. I'm sure you'll save some money. The only risk is receiving a badly worn T-ring, perhaps?

ps, if you are buying new, see if you can extend to one of these:-

http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-055A

I'll bring one to SV camp if you want to have a look.

You still need the T-ring as well.

[marki]

Doh :P:D:D:D:D IT was late and we had a twilight swimming carnival at school so I was pretty tired. Will endevour to check my links next time :P;):thumbsup:

Mark

[kinetic]

Now for the bad news Jen,

once you have all that sorted it may not come to focus!:(
I hope there is enough inward travel on your focuser for
it to do so...but it possibly won't be.

Don't panic....there are ways around that. Best just to get the
adaptor they have mentioned first and test it.
You will need it anyway, even to proceed to the next step.

Steve

[Chillie]

Thank you Jen for starting this thread. I was thinking along the same lines about getting an adaptor.

Nice timing too. If you can get your gear before Snake Valley, you can get the guys to teach you how to use it.

[Chillie]

Steve, Is there any way to correct focus other than to move the primary mirror up the OTA?

Modifying a Newtonian Tube for DSLR Photography (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../63-441-0-0-1-0.html)

[marki]

Jen has a unique solution to this if it becomes an issue :P.

Mark

[jjjnettie]

Ooooh yes Jen. I have one of those. They're a brilliant piece of kit.
Holds the camera in the focuser very snuggly, no slop at all. But it's easy to loosen and reframe what you're shooting.
I'd highly recommend it, if you can afford it.
There is a very good chance that you may be able to achieve focus using this adaptor. It butts the camera right up tight to the focuser.

[Jen]

:thanx::thanx: Thanks Guys :thumbsup:

Thanks Eric im trying to get organised so that i have all this stuff before i get to Snake Valley so you guys can show me what to do with it next :P

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: Hey Chillie your welcome time for you to go shopping again buddy :) Yep thats the plan to have all this organised before i get to Snake Valley :D

[erick]

And I'll bring my hacksaw so we can saw the end of your tube off to reach focus! :scared:

[Chillie]

That does it! I'm bookmarking this thread for future reference.:)

Great info here.:thumbsup:

[Octane]

I am very, very daft.

Can you explain to me how this system works? Even after reading the MyAstroShop link, I still don't quite get it. What does it have over a standard T-ring and T-mount? If I upgrade the focuser on my refractor to a Feathertouch, can I still use this instrument?

Thanks for any answers.

H

[Jen]

:scared::scared::scared: That sounds like a scary thought :scared::scared::scared:

:scared3:

[Chillie]

Not for a while. I bought that tripod that I was telling you about in the other thread.:cool:


You'll learn from the experts. Keep practicing you polar alignment before hand. You know ... Practice makes perfect.:thumbsup:

[Chillie]

Have a read through this article Jen:

Modifying a Newtonian Tube for DSLR Photography (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../63-441-0-0-1-0.html)

[Jen]

Yes i did it looks very frightening i read half of it then i had to run out and give my scope a big hug :lol::lol:

[marki]

What were you saying about a hammer :lol:.

Mark

[Chillie]

I should have had my scope out tonight but I'm too tired.

I'm NOT moving my primary mirror just so I can take pictures. Remember I have a Dob.

[Davelrkn]

Hi Jen
So many posts here and not sure if this has been mentioned before.
I would not want to happen to you that happen to me as I ended up having to buy two TMounts
I bought my first one from a well know large Photo supplier here and found it had heaps of movement and could not adjust out.
I ended up getting one from a Telescope Shop which was around the $50 mark were the first one was around $24.
Cheers
Dave

[Phoenix]

I'm with Octane... what does the MAS280 have over the standard T-ring and T-mount?

nix

[erick]

For Octane and Phoenix:-

http://www.stark-labs.com/blog/files/category-equipment-impressions.php

http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2009/Home/August/Week1/RDMHomeAug0309.htm#HoTechSCA

http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2009/Home/August/Week1/RDMHomeAug0409.htm#HoTechSCA_Instal lation

http://www.hotechusa.com/category-s/9.htm

[Octane]

Eric,

Thanks, so much.

Second question. It costs only US$55 but, sells here for $110 at MyAstroShop! Is there somewhere cheaper to get this nifty gadget?

Cheers.

H

[Mighty_oz]

Before u cut that lovely tube see if someone has a low profile focuser to try out if u can't reach focus might just work.
Just my 2c worth.

[Phoenix]

Thanks for the links Eric - very interesting indeed! I hope Jen finds these links useful as well.

Cheers
nix

[erick]

Humayun - the usual argument - buy local and pay a bit more; buy online from USA and pay a bit less - each to his own. Mine came directly from the manufacturer.

Jen - just kidding about the hacksaw. Trying a low profile focusser is the place to start.

[Octane]

Eric,

How did you manage that? I tried ordering from the Hotech site and it only has options for shipping to the US or Canada? Should I email the proprietor directly?

Cheers.

H

[Screwdriverone]

Hi Henry,

You might find focus on the DSLR impossible with your (and my) scope. I tried using a Televue adaptor onto the DSLR T Ring adaptor and couldnt get enough inward drawtube to get focus.
I was using a Canon 1000D.

I will try to achieve mirror up the tube scenario by sliding the secondary cage "down" a bit on the retractable truss tubes. I will test it hopefully soon and let you know.

Cheers

Chris

Ps. Hi JEN!

[Chillie]

Looks great but I can think of a way they can improve it that will solve the focusing issues.

Why not ad some optics (maybe adjustable) to the SCA that extends the "eye relief" (or whatever the DSLR equivalent is)? Just thinking out aloud.;)

Also another question. Do I go with a 2" or 1.25" SCA? Which is better, and why?

[Chillie]

Anyone want to comment on this and answer my questions?

I'm sure the answers would benefit others as well as me.

[Jen]

:) Yep Chillie im waiting patiently with you too on this one :thumbsup:
Sounds like a bit of a task maybe if i just piggy back my camera and use my DSI cam instead :question::question:
I have no idea what the hell im doing yet :lol::lol::lol:
I dont wanna fork out that money if its not going to focus :shrug: can we try before we buy :lol::lol:

[Davros]

You could try a combo of low profile focuser and adjusting your primary in its cage to achieve focus. Worst case trim the tube. My dob was shortened 35mm for this purpose by the previous owner Dave Waldo. Their should be some archived posts about it. Alternatively put up a new topic asking if others have achieved dslr focus using the same scope as yours.

[erick]

Yes Jen, best to try at Snake Valley - there should be enough bits and pieces to see what can be achieved with your scope. A webcam in a low profile 1.25"-->2" adapter (Ken had I I experimented with two years ago) should work and you can get a nice crescent Moon and perhaps Saturn?

Henry, go 2" - always go 2". Perhaps adding a barlow lens might allow focus to be achieved -I cannot quite remember now what it does to achieving focus.

[stephenb]

I have a T adapter I'm happy to sell cheap. I used it on my 350D. As good as brand new (pretty sure it is the EOS T-ring and T-mount all-in-one). I was only looking at it last night, contemplating selling it.

If you're interested Jen, I can try to get it to Eric, to give to you at SV (I cannot attend). Eric is that okay with you? Otherwise, I'll put it up in the IIS Classifieds if you don't need it.

What are they going for at BinTel? (I can't find them on their site).

[kinetic]

As Eric says Henry, If at Prime (Or Newtonian to be exact) focus, your
DSLR doesn't focus due to lack of inward travel and all other options
won't work either..ie low profile focuser....and the drastic measure of
doing the tube chop is off the cards, then another option is introducing
some magnification before the camera. IE barlow or Televue Powermate
or even eyepiece projection.

This presents a few bigger problems for you as well. Nothing comes easy
in this hobby eh? :)

Focus is now a problem due to usually not having enough OUTWARD
travel because the Barlow or Teleview lengthens your effective
focal length.
With only minimal power it should still be able to focus , if not
then an extension tube of 25mm or 50mm will get you back within a
focusable range....BUT...
Your drive needs to track better if you intend to do
any long exposure and your mount needs to be polar aligned.
However some people have obtained fantastic results with hand
guided planetary/ moon stuff with some barlow power added between their
scope and camera/webcam etc.
The moon is a great first target for this as you have lots of brightness
and the webcam will auto adjust to a fast frame rate to minimise your
hand shake with hand guiding....or just letting it drift due to us spinning.
I think some of Mike S' first Jupiter stuff was hand guided, I might be
wrong here. He also did some fantastic stuff hand guiding on the International
Space Station with his DK21 camera (basically a souped up webcam).

Hope this helps.

Steve

[Chillie]

Hi Steve and Erec,

Thank you for the detailed explanation. Sounds like it's all too hard. All I wanted to do was put the DSLR into the focuser and take a "snap shot" (one frame) using a shutter speed fast enough not to cause motion blur but still capture a clear image.

I am not interested in stacking or any computer editing other than cropping ans resizing using Paint (Windows).

[Jen]

Ok sounds great to me thanks Glen, i will wait for the Snake Valley Camp and suss it all out. If all goes well i can give the money to Eric we have done some wheelin and dealing together already so yeah Eric wont mind at all (will ya Eric) :D:P

[Jen]

:lol::lol: lol Chillie yeah it sounds complicated dosnt it :confused2::screwy: Good luck with yours mate if you have any success let me know :lol:

Maybe i should just give mine to someone and close my eyes and ears and say "make this work" :rofl::rofl:

[erick]

I'll just take my middle-man cut!

[erick]

In that case, you need to shoot the Moon since it is bright enough for a short exposure shot that won't be blurred by the earth's rotation. Yes, if the camera won't reach focus in the focusser, poke it into a 2" barlow and see what happens!

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: hey :poke:

[Chillie]

Thanks Erec.

If the moon is all I can shoot using the snap shot approach (remember I only have a Dob), I'll keep my money and forget about astrophotography.

All the best with your astrophotography Jen. I wish you well in your endeavours.

[erick]

OK, I have this now, Jen - thanks Stephen. I'll bring it to camp. You can now poke your camera at prime focus into a 2" focusser. That's a good start!

eric

[Jen]

:D Awsome thanks Eric & Stephen i will see you in two weeks woohoo i cant wait :P

[danielsun]

Hi Jen, I also had the inward focus problem on my 200mm f6 and the super low profile crayford fixed that.:thumbsup:
Also Jen If your gonna start taking pics the one thing I highly recomend is to get yorself is a remote switch for opetating the camera.Its just a little switch on a wire so you don't ruin your shots by pressing the button on the actual camera. The Canon RS60E3 is ideal. http://www.cameraworld.com.au/Canon_RS60E3_Remote_Switch_p/canrs60e3.htm cheaper here http://www.shopbot.com.au/pp-canon-rs-60e3-price-54146-1778727.html
BTW, noticed your new avatar and couldn't help wondering if you have done something different with your hair or using and new brand of make up? :question: :whistle::scared3: :rofl:

Cheers Daniel.

[mswhin63]

Hi Jen, wondering your scope is skywatcher and would like to know what ind of focuser (Standard Crayford or RP). My 12" DOB has a standard crayford focuser and can swap out a 1.25 and 2" eyepiece adaptor.

My 1.25" adaptor can unscrew to expose a "T" Thread and can fit a "T" to EOS Adaptor directly to it giving me an extra 1" of extra focuser travel. I purchace a "T" to EOS Adaptor - https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=5551 which is all I need for the Skywatcher 1.25" attachment.
I also bought 2" "T" adaptor - https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=7403 which i use with my 2" 3 x Barlow.

I can't take any photos of my stuff as the camera I have is the only one. Can't take a phot of the itself :D.

(ADDED) Seeing it is late I decided to add some images knowing few people are watching this late.

In order is the sequence of placing my EOS adaptor to my SW Crayforf focuser. Could be handy for others if you do not have this type of focuser.

Standard 1.25" SW adaptor for the crayford
Unscrew the 1.25" barrel
The "T" Thread is exposed (Outer Thread)
Screw on the EOS to "T" Adaptor
Complete assembly
This method gave me a full 1 1/2" of extra focuser travel inwards which I needed as for the moon shot I have taken even with this configuration I only have about 1mm of inward focuser travel left.

You may expereince the same issue as me with the standard Crayford Focuser. The 2" - "T" adaptor (not shown) is used for Barlow use.

[Jen]

:lol::lol: lol Daniel u like my new hair do hey LOL :rofl::rofl:

Thanks for the tip i will take more notice of your set up at Ballarat :P

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: thanks Martin so there is hope for me yet, before i do the last option and chop the scope up :lol::P

[Visionoz]

Well to sort of "future-proof" your purchase/investment - if you get the 2" right off day one, then when you step up to the larger focusers diameter or 2" astro-imaging accessories, you do not need to replace it with another one (if you had purchased a 1.25" one to start with in the first place)! :)

HTH

Cheers
Bill

[Jen]

:thumbsup::thumbsup: thanks Bill :D

[bartman]

Just my two cents.......to get focus I unscrewed the lens part of my 2x barlow and screwed it into the T-adaptor mount.
Worked for me
No need to cut the tube!
I just received my moonlight focuser and it has a much lower profile than the old skywatcher one. I'm yet to try it out though ! ( without the barlow on the camera)

[Jen]

:hi: Hi guys just thought i would let you all know how i went with setting up camera to scope :thumbsup:
First of all thanks Stephen for the lend of your pieces but i didnt realise that the 2inch was too big DOH.. but thank you for your kind gesture :thumbsup:
But lucky enough good ol Douggy had one that he dosnt use any more so (thanks Doug) woohooo i was on a winning streak
Butttttttttt......... Yep you guys were right it wouldnt travel down the focuser enough to get focus :rolleyes:
So went to plan B first (handy man) Eric got the saw out :eyepop: but thought nah thats too scary LOL :lol: So we went shopping in Ballarat bought some longer screws and moved the primary mirror up the tube and whamoooooo it works woohoooo ;)
Keep an eye out in the DIY section i will post some pics and the steps we had to take along the way
So im a happy little imager right now :P:D I love my Omega Centaurus pic ;)
Thanks guys :)

[Chillie]

Good to see you're up and running Jen.

I'm still learning how to use my 450D. I think I could achieve the same as you with my collapsible Dob by not extending it all the way.

[Jen]

:D Thanks Chillie :thumbsup: good luck with yours ;)

[Chillie]

Thanks Jen. I have a T2 mount for my Nikon B-301 35mm SLR. So I could check out my idea using that. I just need to get motivated to drag my scope out. I haven't had it out all year.