Skywatcher 130P and Sony A200

[fredbloggsXIII]

I have been advised that it is not possible to use a DLSR with a Skywatcher 130P but I have read on the internet that using a barlow eye piece with a T adaptor works. Can anyone confirm this? An example of a photo taken through the 130P would be nice too

[JamesF]

If it works with a Canon DSLR then I think it should work with the Sony as the register distance is very similar. Might be worth a search for posts relating to imaging with a Canon DSLR with the 130P and a barlow to see if anyone has done so successfully.

James

[sparkyjon]

correct me if i'm wrong i probably am, but i think the 130p is fine for use with a dslr , isnt it the 130m or something like that ,has trouble with focus on dslr's , due to the mirror being different.

[fredbloggsXIII]

correct me if i'm wrong i probably am, but i think the 130p is fine for use with a dslr , isnt it the 130m or something like that ,has trouble with focus on dslr's , due to the mirror being different.

My wife did stipulate the intention of using the scope to take photo's when she ordered it but now I seem to be being advised otherwise. I am ordering a barlow anyway so I think I will get a cheap t ring off ebay and give it a try.

I have taken photos through an eyepiece which were actually not bad but I want to fix the camera in place and try to get some planet shots

[JamesF]

correct me if i'm wrong i probably am, but i think the 130p is fine for use with a dslr , isnt it the 130m or something like that ,has trouble with focus on dslr's , due to the mirror being different.

The 130M has a longer focal length spherical mirror, AFAIR. I don't think the 130P is free of the problem though. The description of the 130PDS says that it has a shorter tube than the 130P to allow easier focusing with cameras which suggests there's a problem with the 130P at least some of the time.

James

[ronin]

Isn't this a case that to attach and image on a DSLR there is insufficent inwards travel so you need to replace the focuser with a lower profile one? At least for prime focus imaging.

For planetary imaging a barlow is best used in any case as planets are generally bright enough that the magnification can be handled OK with regards to brightness.

[fredbloggsXIII]

Thanks for the advice. It would be just for planets and the moon really. Perhaps some star trails too.

[nephilim]

I've read that the problem can be solved by moving the primary further up the OTA using longer colimation bolts. James F is correct in saying that the 130PDS is fine with a DSLR at prime focus, the 'P' & 'M' versions arnt.

Steve

BTW with planetry imaging you'd be a lot better off using a webcam as DSLR's are more suited to DSO imaging.

[JamesF]

Star trails are probably easiest done just with the camera on a fixed tripod. No need for the telescope at all.

James

[Csharmy]

I have the 130P and Sony A330 and yes all you need is a 2X Barlow and T-Ring adapter

Example: this was my first attempt focusing isn't great, always shoot in RAW aswell

[Mattscar]

I also have a 130p and am currently going down the webcam route of imaging. But I'll also put in a punt for afocal photography, heres an example I took with my iPhone held up to the eyepiece.