camera piggyback on an 8" ?

[silv (Annette)]

Hey Guys,

I've got a new used 8" Newtonian and an EQ GoTo mount.
How would I best mount my camera piggyback on top of the scope?

How did you do it? Maybe you've got a picture of your setup?

attached pics:
1. scope. There's a "handle" on the top connecting both tube rings. I could drill a 1/4 hole through it and put a 1/4 20 threads screw and a washer through it. But sometimes, I will have turned the tube for comfortable viewing which might point the camera at my belly instead of the stars?

2. viewers: could the cam maybe be put on top of the view finder? btw: the prev. owner said the view finder is rubbish. Maybe I could remove the tube and screw the 1/4" through a new hole in one of the brackets?
3. no viewers

4. a flexible ball head: would love to be able to use this for it's flexibility
5. camera, ball head and a lighter for size comparison.

6. cheap tripod: possibly usable? I have read somewhere that someone has sawed off the legs and put it on to his scope. But I might be mistaken and can't remember where on the web I have seen it.

Any input most is most welcome.

Ah, and if you suggest your ideas - maybe you can add just a little how-to description for a beginner in DIY? So much appreciated! thanks!

[silv (Annette)]

The Sony Nex-5N weighs 287 grams (includes battery).
The lens 18-200 mm weighs 524 grams = 811 grams.

The ball head weighs a tad more than an iPhone.

[silv (Annette)]

I have been searching the web for an 8" tube ring I could order that already has a (or more ?) 1/4 " 20 rod - but so far no luck. Maybe, they just don't make them for this particular size?

[CapturingTheNight (Greg)]

Hi silv,
I would just be attaching a ball joint tripod head to that top plate that is already there. It looks like there is already a thread there to do so, but if you don't find this "beefier" enough or not the right size for the thread on the bottom of the ball head, then I would drill a new hole in the middle of that plate and put a bolt through it. A ball head allows you to point the camera where ever you want in the sky regardless of where the telescope is pointing at the time for piggyback photography. As long as you are polar aligned, with an equatorial mount your telescope could be pointing east and your camera pointing straight up for example and it won't make any difference.
I'll attach a pick of the ball head setup I use if you just want to run a camera on the mount without the telescope.

Out of curiosity- are you on DeviantArt??? (forgive me if I'm wrong)
Cheers
Greg

[niko]

The bottom tube ring in Picture 1 shows a 1/4" screw and locking plate that the camera should screw directly on to.....?

[silv (Annette)]

niko, how in god's name did you see that???
and Greg, you, too, did see it - only I didn't.

Yes, it indeed has a 1/4 20 rod... just NOT sticking out of that washer around it.

*goes hiding under the table*

Okay, then I'll use this. Thank you!!

P.S. Yes, Greg, forgive me, but I am indeed on deviantart and forgive me again, it was YOU who sent me to iceninspace Thank you especially for this!

[silv (Annette)]

Niko, the "locking plate" is the oblong metal thingy that I called the "handle"? Aha! So the camera or ball head is meant to do the locking of the plate to keep the tube ring in place.. uh?
I'm asking because that metal is of the same colour as the tube but of a different metal than the die cast aluminium tube rings. Could be either an addition by the previous owner - or meant for this tube and shipped with these rings. The manual doesn't mention the plate.

The mounting plate on the bottom of the tube (I though that was called a "dove tail"...) (you can't see it in the pics) is of the same color and metal like the tube rings. Clearly, those items belong together.

I like the handle - sorry, locking plate. Just curious as to where it's from.

[CapturingTheNight (Greg)]

Originally Posted by silv

P.S. Yes, Greg, forgive me, but I am indeed on deviantart and forgive me again, it was YOU who sent me to iceninspace Thank you especially for this!

My hunch was right. Glad to see you getting some great advice and help here. Told you it was the place to be.