What do I need now?

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

OK, I've gone and purchased a Canon EOS 10D. It may not be the most appropriate camera for astrophotography but I like it, and it will be in my hands soon. What do I need to purchase now to connect it to my dob for prime focus work? (T-Ring, and what else?) I already have an afocal "thingy" which no doubt I'll try, but I would like to try prime focus work too. I guess my interest will be in objects that are easily photographed and within the limits of the dob, ie. that don't require tracking.

This purchase, or even the forward step toward astrophotography is about 12 months ahead of my original thoughts (does that sound familiar?). So, I haven't had much time to learn what equipment and accessories are required, or how its done etc, and now seek the aid of the forum. The camera will come with Photoshop which I assume is the same as used by some, for some of the image processing. All advice and assistance will be sincerely appreciated.

Graeme

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Graeme have a look here....http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.p...3985dbf886e409 though it is doing to be a challenge without tracking. Your exposure times with no trailing for non tracking mounts is determined by the FL of your lense/telescope. At 0deg dec Time = 700/FL, near the pole T=1000/FL. So the longer your FL the less time you have for trailing. Maybe try to make a Barn Door Tracker for some widefield imaging. See jjjnetties thread here for info http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ead.php?t=6307

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

Thanks Paul, those articles will be invaluable.


After submitting my question I remembered that the club (GAA) does have tracking scopes that I'll be able to use and see what can be produced. I'm still curious though as to precisely what adaptor I need to attach to the T-ring, to attach to the sight tube?

Thanks,

Graeme

[acropolite (Phil)]

Graeme, what adapters you need really depends on what you are trying to adapt to. You mention tracking scopes, e.g. SCT's. Scopestuff in the US has inexpensive adapters for all sorts of OTA's. www.scopestuff.com For example in my case with the LX90 I ordered the following items from Scopestuff.
#TASS - SCT T-adapter for Direct Photography, Short (collar ring type)
#TTCE - Camera to T-thread Ring for Canon EOS

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

Phil, Let's stick with the dob for the moment. On looking at the scopestuff site I can see I need the #TTCE, it's the next part that is tripping me up. For example, is it the #TAPP or other, that I need next?

Thanks,
Graeme

[acropolite (Phil)]

Graeme, I'm lost there too, the #TAPP looks like the right part and you can also slip in an EP as well. I remember reading of problems with focusser travel using prime focus on some dobs. It would be worth emailing Jim at scopestuff, he will probably be able to give you an answer. Bintel have a similar adapter listed for Newts for $45 OZ (the scopestuff one is $19US)

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

Phil, thanks again. I'm getting a better idea of requirements as I research a bit more, and then again a bit more confused too. You mentioned the Bintel universal camera adaptor, but I also notice they have the Orion universal or variable camera adaptor and I can't determine exactly how they're used in comparison to the Bintel or Scopestuff units. And this is just the start!


Graeme

[acropolite (Phil)]

BTW Graeme, in case you're not aware the 18-55 zoom lens supplied standard with most EOS D cameras doesn't fit the 10D (without modifying the lens). Apparently the mirror hits the rear of the lens.

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

Phil, Fortunately I bought the EOS 10D body only, because I expect to use lenses from my EOS 10 (a 35 to 105mm & a 100 to 300mm).


Graeme

[davidpretorius]

hmmmm, just a thought, don't forget some magnets for counterbalancing the camera on the dob!!

my digiscope is quite light, but still gets a bit ****y when down low on the horizon, so a camera will need a counterbalance i would think.

ken BD has got some magnets on his 12" dob

[hogly52 (Graeme)]

Dave, counterbalancing is something I've been trying to get my engineering brain around for quite awhile, and if I want to try to attach a camera as well, I'll need to think and act faster. At the moment the fan battery pack is cable-tied to the OTA allowing the opportunity to slide in some tools to provide a counter-balance. I like the speaker-magnets idea for their mass, simplicity and ease of adjustment, but have not been able to obtain any in my current location.

Thanks,
Graeme

[RAJAH235]

Graeme, anybody do any snorkling/scuba diving near you? Their belt weights work well. L.

[asimov (John)]

You could try your local tip/dump for old car speakers..