Bintel BT-202 and DSLR

[RocketMan66 (Neil)]

Does anyone have any experience with mounting a Canon 600D DSLR to a Bintel BT-202 dobsonian?

I understand that there are focusing issues to solve, perhaps by using a barlow lens.

Thanks in advance.

[loki78 (Jon)]

I have used my 600D with an 8" GSO dob which is essentially the same thing and yes, I had to use a 2X barlow to get focus, not enough back focus travel otherwise. I have heard of people getting lower profile focusers or moving their primary mirrors up the tube but I wasn't really interested in anything somewhat permanent or difficult

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

I have a BT-202 and use it for imaging with a Canon 400D fitted with a MPCC (Coma Corrector) - eg M20

In order to achieve focus with the DSLR I had to move the mirror up the tube towards the secondary. Sounds complicated, but is actually dead easy. I simply replaced the M6 collimation screws and springs with longer ones from Bunnings.

see here for details. Cost ~ $10-20, time required ~ 15mins, and totally reversible if you want to go back to the original setup

[RocketMan66 (Neil)]

Brilliant, thanks guys! I'll have a think about which way I will go.
Jon, can you tell me where you got your 2x barlow. Do you think it matters which one I select?

[loki78 (Jon)]

I got it from Andrews with my 8" Dob at the time. It's just a GSO one but will do you fine. Won't matter what one you get so long as it's not a real cheap and nasty $5 ebay special some brand nobody has heard of.