Attaching DSLR to SW ED80

[Dealy (Kev)]

Hi,

Another question from a beginner.

I'm trying to attach a DSLR to my SW ED80 scope but am unable to reach focus.

I've tried with and without a 2x barlow and with and without a field flattener.

Am I having a bad brain day and doing something silly or am I missing something? Do I need an extension tube?

Can someone please photograph their setup for me - maybe with and without barlow and flattener?

Any help much appreciated.

Kev

[traveller (Bo)]

Hi Kev,
I have an Orion ED 80, which from memory has the same focal length as SW ED 80. Anyway, by the time I add on an Orion field flatter onto my Canon DSLR (40D), I need to extend the drawtube of the scope out by about 60mm.
I have permanently marked the spot with a line, so all I need to do is to draw it out, attach the DSLR and flattener then fine focus using live view.
I also recommend getting a electric focuser as it will make your life so much easier.
Cheers,
Bo

[rogerco (Roger)]

I have just been playing around with my ED80 + 2.4x barlow and my QHY8 camera (not much different to DSLR) I have had to include an 80mm extension tube between the scope and the barlow, the camera comes after that.

It helps to set these things up in the daylight focussing on a distant tree or power pole.

The ED80 is designed to have a diagonal in the optical path so when you replace that with a camera you need the extension tubes. I suggest you get a set so that you can match up different bits and pieces.

[acropolite (Phil)]

+ 1 for the Orion Reducer Flattener, works very well even on FF sensors, nothing needed except a T adapter with the F/R. (there is a special wide adapter for FF use).

[Dealy (Kev)]

Thanks for the help.

Hidden in the telescope kit was a 40mm extension. With that and the flattener I was able to reach focus.

With the Barlow I still couldn't reach focus so I took your advice and ordered an extension. The guy at Bintel confirmed that I needed one.

Thanks again