peroni

I love it!

Been thinking about a pier for a while now and this option has been on my list. Great write up that I will follow and copy without shame 

This looks like a pretty neat idea. I'll be interested to monitor the progress you make 

Do you have any thoughts on how the two parts would be joined together after cutting? Hinges to flip the top over? Or a gutter/channel so top sits nicely on the bottom part. You'll want to keep the rain out.

So I'm thinking maybe a cone that attaches to the end of the lens, roughly the same length as the lens, and widening to 3x the aperture. But then the tricky part is attaching it to the lens. Any recommendations for that? A straightforward tube would have been so much easier because it would have held itself in place unlike a cone, but then it couldn't be very long.

I use a straight forward tube with my lens, scope, and finder guider. This will allow you to adjust the length of the dew shield by sliding up and down the scope/lens should you start to see vignetting.

Obviously for a scope as it is fixed focal length it's easier to determine the length of dew shield.

For the lens, a bit more trial and error. If you open the lens to a short focal length then a shorter dew shield is required. Not sure if the benefits of shield would be lost at say 18mm FL

My vote says try the tube first. If it doesn't work. Go down the more complicated cone route.

I've got my camping mat. Does anyone have an idea of how long I can make my dew shield for my 1100D with it's default 55mm lens attached (and fully extended)? It has been suggested that I could make the dew shield in a funnel shape (kind of like those things dogs sometimes have to wear), which could be an option, but obviously I would prefer to make a straight tube if I can, because it would be a lot easier. I suppose if I went for the tube option then I could just make it long, and then cut it down a bit more each time until it doesn't cause a problem.

I think the rule of thumb is to extend the dew shield by 2 x aperture, adding a bit to fix to the end of the scope / lens.

I made mine to be 3 x aperture and all is ok

I have the camping mat as well but joined mine by taking some wool and a large needle to sew up the join. Works a treat and is nice and snug.

For my finder guider I grabbed a neoprene beer mit and cut the bottom off.

I've been thinking about getting into guiding lately and this guide has been the perfect intro. Thank you Ian.