[Robbie]

Thanks for taking the time to share that information. I managed to at a cost of mere millions walk out of a store with a canon 50d + 55 to 200 zoom lens then got in touch with supplier for t rings adapters and a piggyback bracket. I spent last night playing with it and was a bit daunted by the functions but after a few hours the penny dropped.
I had to order an ac power supply of course none available locally so I will have to suffer with batts for a while until it arrives.
The live shoot software allows full control from laptop, bulb from the laptop is press to open shutter press to close unlike hands on which is press to open release to close. so no remote is required.

I have been browsing the net for astropics with this camera and I must say even the unmodded pics are impressive so I will use it stock standard and just buy filters as my experience increases.

I cant wait to get to work with this camera and look forward to posing first light with it.

Again many thanks for the info