First time DSLR user - attaching to a Mak

[GazK]

Hello, first time imager here, just bought an 1100D. I'd like to strap it to my 5" mak for lunar imaging and it seems I have 2 options:

1) screw-in adapter like this - http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/celestron-maksutov-t-adapter.html

Advantages: secure

Disadvantages: no option to use a barlow

2) conventional adapter like this - http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/flo-125-inch-t-mount-camera-adapter.html

Advantages: can use a barlow

Disadvantages: DSLR on floor in pieces if it slips!

What does everyone else do? Also, where will the focus point be? Would I be able to use a diagonal or isn't there enough back focus?

[Owmuchonomy]

You Say you want it for lunar imaging, in that case I would suggest you don't need to worry about a Barlow and thus go for option 1. See what others say though. It's been a few years since I owned a Mak.

[happy-kat]

Personally for my telescopes I have done this.

One of these

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/t-rings.html

And then attached this to it

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/flo-125-inch-t-mount-camera-adapter.html

Then the camera just drops into the focuser tube like an eye peice would and tighten the little screws on the side of the telescope focuser barrel. Easy to attach or remove to the telescope and switch to an eyepeice during a session.

If you want to use a barlow too then you drop the camera in where in a viewing session you would have used an eyepeice.

Very likely you will not use a diagonal but you will have to experiment with your telescope and the camera.

What 5 inch Mak do you have?

[jgs001]

I think with the native focal length of the mak, the moon will fit nicely on the sensor of the dSLR, so use of a barlow probably won't be that useful. Unless that is you want to try using the video capture features, although I've not tried that.

I have used both methods at one time when I had a Skymax 102, both work fine. As you focus by moving the mirror, and there is more than enough mirror travel, focus without, and I'm sure with a diagonal, is not a problem. However, use of a diagonal for imaging introduces the possibility of extra flex in the system, and thus, I would not suggest doing so. You don't want to end up with a mix of in focus at top and out of focus at the bottom due to the camera being tilted a little. So best to avoid the diagonal.

[happy-kat]

Don't think you would be using a diagonal.

Image found on this forum looks like some electronic focuser too.

[glowingturnip]

Disadvantages: DSLR on floor in pieces if it slips!

just loop the strap of the DSLR round something - like round the finderscope bracket in the above pic

[GazK]

Thanks for all the responses. I want the option of Barlowing so I can go closer on craters etc!

I've ordered the non-screwed in option; as you say I can loop the strap over - I tried the barlow in the back of the Mak earlier and it seems pretty tight.