Skywatcher 102 for astrophotography -- extension tube needed?

[Lee_P]

Hi all,

I have a quick question that I hope someone here can help me with. I'm looking to buy a Skywatcher Startravel 102, and would like to attach my Nikon D700 body to it for astrophotography fun. I already have a T mount / adapter. My question is, will I need an extension tube? And if so, any one in particular? Info on the Skywatcher website makes it sound as if an extension tube is only needed for terrestrial photography; but some comments made on this forum suggest otherwise. 

Any help you can offer would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 - Lee

[Alien 13]

Hi Welcome to SGL

You will need an extension of about 2" otherwise the drawtube will be near its end stop and less stable.

Alan

[Lee_P]

Thanks for the quick reply! I've done a search and have found these two:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/1-25-Orion-Telescope-Eyepiece-Extension/dp/B0000XMUH8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1399226924&sr=8-4&keywords=telescope+2%22+extension+tube

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revelation-80mm-Extension-Tube-2/dp/B0039ZNJOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399227024&sr=8-2&keywords=telescope+2%22+extension+tube

Are they what I'm after? Is one particularly better than another?

Thanks again,

 - Lee

[bogdog]

if you have a barlow lens that you can remove lens from the tube then helps coming to focus,i have the 102 also but use with nikon

as said above it is towards end of travel when it comes into focus make sure mount is up to holding all in place!!

i had it on a alt/az goto mount which is useless for anything heavy either side of balance,whenever i tried outward travel camera headed south....very quickly!!

[bogdog]

this is the barlow i mean

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-eyepieces/skywatcher-deluxe-2x-barlow.html

the lens at bottom comes off and you can use the short tube,the ones you posted are also ok and would do the job

[Alien 13]

Thanks for the quick reply! I've done a search and have found these two:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/1-25-Orion-Telescope-Eyepiece-Extension/dp/B0000XMUH8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1399226924&sr=8-4&keywords=telescope+2%22+extension+tube

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revelation-80mm-Extension-Tube-2/dp/B0039ZNJOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399227024&sr=8-2&keywords=telescope+2%22+extension+tube

Are they what I'm after? Is one particularly better than another?

Thanks again,

 - Lee

Something like this would do http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/baader-t2-extension-tube.html.

Alan

[Lee_P]

Thanks again for the tips; I've just bought the telescope and the suggested Barlow lens. 

[Lee_P]

My new kit has arrived; now all we need are some clear skies! Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated.