Ok guys i've got my self a 10" dobsonian telescope for visual observing and would like to get started in taking some photographs. I am in the process of building a equatorial platform to sit it on and am now looking at what camera, lenses, and adaptors are required to make it all work.
Can someone point me to a good guid on how all this gear fits together?
I've been looking at DSLR cameras on e-bay but have no idea what i need, brand and key features required for astrophotography.
at the 500 mark currently the canon 1000d is on special at a couple of places -clive peters/jb hifi i think -you can get it new to start, otherwise buy secondhand -what model are you interested in...canon is by far the most popular astro camra -you will find more support for it
also, usually a dob wont focus with a DSLR youll need to move the mirror up for prime focus and when you want to do visual youll need an extension tube.
+1 for the Canon 1000D, I have one and you can now pick up a twin lens kit (the 18-55mm EF and the 75-300mm EF) for around $599-$600 as Daniel mentioned.
I have attached some stacked (8 x 30s) photos taken with this camera through an 8" Black Diamond for your reference. Most were taken at ISO 800 due to the relatively short exposure.
Great little camera and not too complicated to use, very simple to get good to great results. You will need a T ring to connect to the focuser and as mentioned, you will probably have to either fit a lower profile focuser, or, adjust the primary on its screws or buy longer ones to bring the mirror up the tube to be able to reach focus. (although I didnt need to with my Skywatcher 8" as it connected to the 1.25" eyepiece adaptor. On the 12" dob I have (also Skywatcher) it couldnt reach inward focus....
