Mounting a DSLR with Lens Only - Help

[coxy322]

Hello.

Since getting into AP with my 200P and newly aquired Canon 1100D I have been showing my friend the shots I am getting.

He is into normal photography but wants to try shooting the moon and some larger deep sky objects (thinking Andromeda etc) and get some good star/wide-field shots.

The question is, without the need for a scope, what is the best / most suitable way to mount a camera with large 200mm or 400mm lens to track the objects in sky? Use any old EQ3/5 :- do we need adapters or clips?

Any advice here is much appreciated.

Ash

[Dave Smith]

Have a look here Accessories @ Modern Astronomy

About half way down the page "Deluxe Vixen Style Photo Dovetail"

Dave

[coxy322]

Thanks Dave.

So just motorise the mount and aim for correct balance / counter weights etc?

[Dave Smith]

That's right, but make sure you have polar alignment.

Dave

[prokyon]

Hi Dave,

I use that for my Canon Ef 200 lens. I am very happy with it!

Baader Leitrohrschellen Typ 1 für Tuben 60-120mm

Regards

Werner

[Viv]

Ash - that's something I want to try this year as well.

Am still looking, to also be able to use, my guider - so i get get some good long subs.

So I think ST80, in a set of normal rings, attaved to a dove plate. Then another dove on top, with a standard camera (whitworth) screw.

[RikM]

I use an EQ3-2 with the dual drives and a short dovetail with a pan/tilt head off a camera tripod mounted on it. With a good polar alignment I can get 3 min subs at 300mm.

[Digz]

Check this thread out:

http://stargazerslounge.com/showthread.php?p=1800887#post1800887

Hopefully the image links can get fixed, in the mean time check out my gallery for photos of the rig.

HTH

[coxy322]

Thanks for all the pointers chaps.