Canon EOS 600D & Skywatcher Evostar 120

[Jandy100]

I have a Canon EOS 600d and would like to be able to mount it to our Skywatcher Evostar 120 refractor telescope.

I was looking at T rings and adapters, but have seen some discussions on the Max DSLR adaptor.

I'm looking for peoples opinions on what would be the best option?

I’m not quite sure how the connections all work, and how it fits with the various eyepieces? (if it does?) Does the camera become the eyepiece?

I have the following eyepieces I mainly use, in case it doesn’t! – BST Explorer ED 8mm, 15mm and 25mm.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[swag72]

Imagine the telescope as a very big lens and you connect your camera direct to the back of the scope. I have a SW120 and it's a good scope. Ideally you'll want a focal reducer to go with it as well that will fit between the scope and camera. When next on my PC I'll link you to the bits if somone hasn't already. Phones are a nightmare.

[swag72]

Regarding your scope is it this one? http://www.firstlightoptics.com/evostar/skywatcher-evostar-120-ota.html

I ask as this scope is not idea for imaging, I was thinking of the SW120ED that I have.

[Bizibilder]

You just need a t-rung and adapter (http://www.firstligh...rs/t-rings.html) and adapter (http://www.firstligh...ra-adapter.html) to mount your Canon camera to your scope. I have suggested 2" fittings as I find they are more substantial and stable than 1.25" - the extra cost is not great. You will get some exellent images from your set-up, especially the Moon and, with appropriate filters (http://www.firstligh...film-nd-50.html), the Sun.

For planets you may need a Barlow lens and webcam type camera as these are more suited to this sort of photography.

For DSO's your set-up will work but you may get slight colour fringing around bright objects (like bright stars) but don't let this put you off! You can still get exellent images. You don't say if your mount is motorised? If not then DSO long exposures will not be possible anyway. Maybe an RA moter drive could be your next target? (I love spending other peoples money!!! )

[Jandy100]

Regarding your scope is it this one? http://www.firstligh...ar-120-ota.html

I ask as this scope is not idea for imaging, I was thinking of the SW120ED that I have.

That is the one I have, I know it'll be just for planets rather than DSO's, but worth a try!

For planets you may need a Barlow lens and webcam type camera as these are more suited to this sort of photography.

For DSO's your set-up will work but you may get slight colour fringing around bright objects (like bright stars) but don't let this put you off! You can still get exellent images. You don't say if your mount is motorised? If not then DSO long exposures will not be possible anyway. Maybe an RA moter drive could be your next target? (I love spending other peoples money!!! )

I have a barlow lens, and will probably go for a webcam in time. The mount isn't currently motorised, but, again, that's something that I think I want to do in the future

Was interested in people's opinions between the T ring/adapter or the Max DSLR adapter (as I've not heard of these!), your post is very helpful and directs me to the T rings.

We've only got three weeks until we go to a cottage on the edge Galloway Forest in Scotland, so I may just go for the safe option of the T ring if I don't hear anything about the Max DSLR.