camera/scope adaptor

[Madz]

With the lunar eclipse coming up this weekend, I was wondering how to go about buying an adaptor for a reflector scope which takes 1.25" eyepieces (standing proud of the drawtube) and Fuji S7000 camera. I've no idea where to start on this, so any advice will be gratefully received.

Madz

[carlos_dfc]

Hi Madz

I've no idea what a Fuji s7000 is like - so I'll explain both possible methods...

One is called 'Prime-focus'
The other is 'A-focal'

Prime-focus
If your camera has interchangeable lenses (an SLR) then you get a T-mount, which goes on instead of a lens - then a screw-in 1.25" barrel, for the T-mount.
The 1.25" barrel goes into the focuse (INSTEAD of an eyepiece) and you effectiely use the telescope as HUGE telephoto lens.

A-focal
If the camera has a fixed lens - you can get a bracket (link below) that you can use to position the camera accurately in front of the eyepiece. Basically it is a mount that clamps onto the eyepiece, and has an adjustable mount that fits into the camera's tripod bush.
Focus the telescope by sight, then the camera's autofocus can do the rest.
This method is also known as 'digiscoping'

ScopeTeknix ScopeTeknix Universal Digital Camera Adaptor ST98

Some eyepieces (but not many) have a screw-thread around the eyelens, allowing you to get a barrel that can be attached between eyepiece and the camera's filter-thread.


Alternatively, you can just hold the cam up to the eyepiece..
I've had a reasonable Moon pic just by hand-holding a cheapo digital cam up at the eyepiece of a pair of £10 binoculars.

[earthman]

Hi Carlos, just wondering what size was the £10 pair of binoculars? I am impressed with the quality of the picture.

[carlos_dfc]

For that pic - I was experimenting to see what kind of pic I could manage with the simplest and cheapest setup.

The binocs were the 10x50 Bressers that 'Lidl' periodically have on offer for just £9-99.

Surprisingly good binocs for that price - as good as 10x50s I've used that cost 5 times as much.

[Madz]

I have 2 digital cameras but neither are dSLRS, so that piece of kit looks just the job! Thanks Carlos,

Do you know of other places to get them as well?

Madz

[earthman]

Originally Posted by carlos_dfc

For that pic - I was experimenting to see what kind of pic I could manage with the simplest and cheapest setup.

The binocs were the 10x50 Bressers that 'Lidl' periodically have on offer for just £9-99.

Surprisingly good binocs for that price - as good as 10x50s I've used that cost 5 times as much.

Oh yes, I do remember those Lidl bino's, wish I bought a pair now.

[joekid]

hello, ive just bought an slr,and have planned to photograph the moon , + i want to use a spotting scope ,and use it for wildlife too, ive heard of people getting good results but, havent seen many l.if this is right it is more realistic to me than ,not being able to buy a long expensive telephoto lens,/any reccomendations, ive got a budget of £250, any info welcome ,

[richardkm]

Originally Posted by joekid

hello, ive just bought an slr,and have planned to photograph the moon , + i want to use a spotting scope ,and use it for wildlife too, ive heard of people getting good results but, havent seen many l.if this is right it is more realistic to me than ,not being able to buy a long expensive telephoto lens,/any reccomendations, ive got a budget of £250, any info welcome ,

Not many decent spotting scopes on the market at that price. Have a look at the Opticron range.

In my experience, you get much better results digiscoping with a compact digital camera than with a SLR attached. The screen of the compact gives a much brighter image for focussing than the SLR screen and you get a wide range of magnifications compared with the fixed focal length if you use a SLR.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by joekid

hello, ive just bought an slr,and have planned to photograph the moon , + i want to use a spotting scope ,and use it for wildlife too, ive heard of people getting good results but, havent seen many l.if this is right it is more realistic to me than ,not being able to buy a long expensive telephoto lens,/any reccomendations, ive got a budget of £250, any info welcome ,

Warehouse Express - We will not be beaten on price - Photographic Equipment, Digital Cameras, Lenses and Accessories
have a look here at the Opticron Mighty Midget 2

[richardkm]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Warehouse Express - We will not be beaten on price - Photographic Equipment, Digital Cameras, Lenses and Accessories
have a look here at the Opticron Mighty Midget 2

Also, have a look at Birdnet Optics: Birdnet Ltd.. It might be worth looking at 2nd hand scopes.

[smartie]

We've found this company a good source of second hand equipment and very helpful:

Kay Optical UK- Binoculars - Telescopes - Microscopes - Night Vision Astroscopes - Optical Instruments - Sales, Overhauled, Serviced & Repaired

As it happens we were looking for another second hand scope to replace the one we already have from them (nothing wrong with it, just want a better one) and they seem to have some decent deals.