DSLR close-up question

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Check this link for the DFK
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/p...r/dfk21af04as/
and this one for the DMK
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/p...o/dmk21af04as/

Max exposure time 60 min

In testing the DMK 21AF04.AS I went up to 1800sec for a single exp.

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

The Canon 300D can be picked up on ebay for around $100 body only. You would need a 2" adapter to attach it to the 2" focuser of the ED80. If you looking for the same FOV as the TOucam, sorry Ken this will not happen (cheaply), although you can crop the full size image with good results. The other things you would need with a DSLR are either a serial adapter or Bulb cable to allow you to do longer than 30s exposures.

It's a completely different game than what you were playing with the Toucam. It can be frustrating at times as not everything works perfectly. Good luck with your decisions.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Check this link for the DFK
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/p...r/dfk21af04as/
and this one for the DMK
http://www.astronomycameras.com/en/p...o/dmk21af04as/

Max exposure time 60 min

In testing the DMK 21AF04.AS I went up to 1800sec for a single exp.

Thanks Paul.
I definately won't be going Monochrome. Colour is nice and simple

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Astroman

The Canon 300D can be picked up on ebay for around $100 body only.

Thanks Andrew, I have only ever seen them in there for around $500.

Originally Posted by Astroman

You would need a 2" adapter to attach it to the 2" focuser of the ED80.

I think my ED already has the adaptor.

Originally Posted by Astroman

If you looking for the same FOV as the TOucam, sorry Ken this will not happen (cheaply), although you can crop the full size image with good results. The other things you would need with a DSLR are either a serial adapter or Bulb cable to allow you to do longer than 30s exposures.

and probably a host of other 'things'.

Originally Posted by Astroman

It's a completely different game than what you were playing with the Toucam. It can be frustrating at times as not everything works perfectly. Good luck with your decisions.

It seems that whatever I move up to is going to be an exercise in frustration.

I've been spoilt with the simplicity of the Toucam.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I've been spoilt with the simplicity of the Toucam.

Ahhh but Ken there is a whole new world waiting for you out there.

Yes your Orion will have the threaded T on the end of the 1.25" adapter that slots into the focuser, and you can use that, but you will need one of these T-ring adapters and I would suggest one of these over the threaded 1.25" adapter that is already in the scope. It will give less vignetting (shadowing) around the edges being a full 2" wide. You can pick up the same thing but at bintel for only $59 and an EOS T ring for $35 (must be Canon EOS T ring)

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Ahhh but Ken there is a whole new world waiting for you out there.

Yes your Orion will have the threaded T on the end of the 1.25" adapter that slots into the focuser, and you can use that, but you will need one of these T-ring adapters and I would suggest one of these over the threaded 1.25" adapter that is already in the scope. It will give less vignetting (shadowing) around the edges being a full 2" wide. You can pick up the same thing but at bintel for only $59 and an EOS T ring for $35 (must be Canon EOS T ring)

I can't even afford a picture of a camera let alone the real thing and Andrews got me buying cables and bulbs (whatever they are), and you've got me buying adaptors

[xelasnave]

Ken you can afford it..you are just feeling guilty about spending that sort of money... dont... when you accept that you can happily save for it... eat less or something..sell some art work you can do it when you dont feel guilty.

You will pick up a cheap SLR its getting that time.

I would not be worried by the field of view just work with what you get.. it will all seem right after a while...if you want a smaller fov make sure you capture well and crop smart.

I feel confident that whatever your selection you will have fun.. 300d and a 80mm is as about as much fun as you can have... and wide fields just with the standard lens from where you are will be fabulous.

You really only need the camera (card power pac etc standard come in the deal stuff) a T ring and a remote and you are doing it...sure there is other stuff and there always will be..go for what you personally can get your hands on..that is what you have to work with and the option I suggest , with a bit of hunting wont be the end of the world price wise... say a good or even fair300d at $350 as a max and hope for that...I know you will be able to push the 300d or anything you get to its limit..and thats all it is about really..doing the best with the gear and the night before you.

I settled down to what I could manage realistically and have yet to push that gear to its limit and your efforts I must say encouraged me to stick at it..so here it is back for you.

good luck..I know how you feel but it wont be long I just know it.
You know that you can take a dslr and do great things with it ..your location will give you a big edge in captures ... be patient it will all unfold as it should.
alex