What do I need to attach a Canon DSLR to my Scope?

[blinky]

As the subject says. I am trying to persuade the missus to buy me the Canon 350D that is on offer at Jessops. My Scope has a 2" Focuser on it and the person I bought it from (Our very own Chewy!) Said that the focuser has a camera atachment 'bit' (He did not use they words but I was quit excited about getting th scope in the first place that I was not really listening!).

The focuser has a bit that screws off leaving a 2" 'ish 'hole' with a thread. I am wondering if all I need is one of the 2 bits you normally need?

please 'elp!

[blinky]

And what are my options for remote control? I know there is an IR one but can I juse use my laptop instead? And what applications do I need?

Looks like she is saying a big 'NO!' at the moment but deff going to get one in the next couple of months.

[Jamie]

If the scope has a camera thread on the focuser then all you "should" need would be a T adapter.

They are cheap about £7/£10 Jessops will have them (think there is one on UK buy & sell )

In saying that be prepared to buy some sort of extention tube in case you can't reach focus...

[Jamie]

You can control your DSLR from the lappy.

There are quite a few bits of software you can use to control it (not all of it too pricey)

[blinky]

Thanks for the prompt replies Jamie. Just what I wanted to hear!

[Kai]

If you want to do long exposure then you will need a cable to keep the shutter open and control from the laptop.

Andy @ Astronomiser does them for about £17 i think

[blinky]

So I cannot use the IR remote for long exposure?

[moondog]

Don't know about the IR as I couldn't get one for my Canon 350D (and they were damned expensive).

I use the Canon cable release. Set the Canon 350D to 'manual' and 'bulb' and you can keep the shutter open for as long as you want. You can lock the release down with the button on the cable. You will have to time it with your watch though.

The Canon cable release is I think about £30 or so.

MD

[Kai]

So I cannot use the IR remote for long exposure?

You can but it bleedy expensive.

I use the cable in conjunction with Dslrfocus as this lefts me program a sequence of various exposures / Iso settings and then just press start, easy peasy

[Jamie]

So I cannot use the IR remote for long exposure?

You can but it bleedy expensive.

Hmmmm... In what way expensive???

[Tinkerbell]

Canon remotes are not that expensive < http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/page393.htm >

But a few of us are using the Canon TC80N3, on this page < http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/page323.htm >

Astronomiser does the mod for the 350D and it means automated operation.

Set the duration then the delay then the number of shots and jobs a goodun.

[Kai]

But a few of us are using the Canon TC80N3, on this page < http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/page323.htm >

Astronomiser does the mod for the 350D and it means automated operation.

Set the duration then the delay then the number of shots and jobs a goodun.

This is the one i was thinking about @ £85 Jamie

[blinky]

It seems cheaper/better to go with Astronomisers cable. Also means I can use auto focus with the computer/DSLR?

[daz]

The IR remote does do long exposure, but up to a max of 30 seconds. This is the max bulb setting on the 350D. The IR remote has 2 modes of operation, immediate release or 2 second delay.

I use an Astronomiser cable running ImagesPlus (was using DSLRFocus, but upgraded )

[daz]

You'll also need a prime focus adapter to connect to the T-Ring to the focus draw tube.

Check out Scopes n Skies - around £17 IIRC.