DSLR on Mount

[Kenza]

Hi, i don't know if this topic should be in this section but here goes.

I want to attach my Canon 550d + EF 70-300mm L lens on an EQ6 Syntrek (just the camera, without the scope). What do i need? I presume I can buy a ball head but is that all?

[jgs001]

Hi, I'd get a medium length of dovetail, afix a ball head to that, and mount it directly.

[Kenza]

Can I use the dovetail from my Equinox 120?

[jgs001]

Probably... I'm not sure what size that is

[Photosbykev]

If the dovetail fits the vixen dovetail mount on the EQ6 then it would be fine. You just need to mount a ball head to the dovetail by drilling a hole if there isn't one suitable and then fix with 1/4" or 3/8" unc (whitworth) bolt

[Black Knight]

Should work fine Bern at MA sells a ready-made dovetail with 1/4" camera screw already mounted for convenience http://www.modernastronomy.com/accessories.html#accDovetails

[Kenza]

Thanks guys! I'll try it.

[fredster]

Should work fine Bern at MA sells a ready-made dovetail with 1/4" camera screw already mounted for convenience http://www.modernast...ml#accDovetails

That's the one i have but to be honest i could have saved quite a bit buying a multi holed dovetail from Astroboot and a 1/4" whitworth bolt. But if you want something ready made and looks good, i recommend this from Bern.

[Keiran]

That's the one i have but to be honest i could have saved quite a bit buying a multi holed dovetail from Astroboot and a 1/4" whitworth bolt. But if you want something ready made and looks good, i recommend this from Bern.

I made one, its easy to do and cheap.

[sologuitarist61]

Should work fine Bern at MA sells a ready-made dovetail with 1/4" camera screw already mounted for convenience http://www.modernast...ml#accDovetails

Thanks for that link. I knew I'd seen one somewhere during my trawls through the internet but couldn't remember where - great

[GlassWalker]

I got the photo dovetail from Bern too, and have a little tip - get some adhesive rubber or similar and stick it on it for extra grip. Ok, I was trying to hang 3kg of lens off one of those, and it kept twisting off until I put the rubber on it for extra grip. I didn't use a ball head though, just aim it as you would a scope, unless you really need rotation for framing. Assuming that lens doesn't have a matching tripod ring.

[sologuitarist61]

I got the photo dovetail from Bern too, and have a little tip - get some adhesive rubber or similar and stick it on it for extra grip. Ok, I was trying to hang 3kg of lens off one of those, and it kept twisting off until I put the rubber on it for extra grip. I didn't use a ball head though, just aim it as you would a scope, unless you really need rotation for framing. Assuming that lens doesn't have a matching tripod ring.

Good point. you need something like rubber to give a bit of compression agaist which the weight of the camera can work.

[allcart]

For quick setup and shoot, I am using a Manfrotto 323 quick release plate fixed to the dovetail. The cam and be removed and re-attached in seconds without losing alignment.