piggyback a camera on 8" newtonian (Eden Optics)

[silv (Annette)]

Hey folks,

I only wanted an EQ5 GoTo mount for extended exposures with my camera - but now I got a used EQ5 with added GoTo plus a modified 8" Newtonian.



I only want to get my cam tracking the stars, for now.
But I don't find a tube ring for 8" with the 1/4 inch thread that can hold the ball head.

The tube itself also has a metal dove tail (?) on top which functions as a grip for portability, I think. Maybe for stabilizing, too. Dunno.
The former owner was not convinced that a simple 1/4" hole and a screw with a washer would be a good idea to fasten the tripod head for the camera.
And I think I understand one of the reasons: this metal grip is not always on top, depending on where I point the tube and how the most comfortable viewing position then would be, I will probably twist the tube this and that way - which would make the camera potentially take a picture of my belly instead of the sky.

How did you piggy back your camera to your scope?
Any info very much appreciated!

[silv (Annette)]

The tube also has a red dot finder and a 50mm finder scope attached. Haven't taken those off and inspected for possible use of the mounting method there.
To be honest, the whole thing is still in the booth of my car... because of the high moon in the evenings and because I am overwhelmed by the telescope and the question of how I can take my pictures, now.
Which is really all I want to do: longer exposures and discover the beauty back on my computer...

Anyway: how should I get my camera mounted?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Hi Silv, you can mount the camera anyway you want as long as it is secure and points in the right direction when you want it to.

Without seeing what mounting arrangement you have on your scope it is hard to make a recommendation. On SKII I added an alum sqaure section with suitable holes etc and just used a longer correctly threaded bolt. But some scope rings come with a camera mount stud already fitted as my little achro 80 does.
If you want to post up a few pics of your setup so I can see what you need if there is no obvious mounting hardware I can probably make you something up. I'm in Auckland and got a pretty useful sort of workshop.
let us know if I can assist. Pics first please.

[silv (Annette)]

Hey Brent,

thank you for your reply and offer - again!

I opened a new thread here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=91800

Hopefully, it's written more inviting than this one - with all the colorful pictures I have added, there.