Basic equipment advice needed

[Pain in the Neck]

I’m hoping someone can help this beginner with what ‘bits and bobs’ I should buy to start my astrophotography journey. Many apologies if this has been covered (many times) before!

I have a Skywatcher Explorer 150P-DS on an HEQ5-Pro mount, and various Baader Hyperion eyepieces. I want to somehow attach my Canon EOS 100D (18-55 zoom) to this setup to capture some DSOs, and perhaps some nice planetary images.

First things on my shopping list are the Baader  SP54 DT rings and adaptors (2958058) and the Baader SP54 11mm extension ring (2958090). I figure that should connect my camera (with lens) to the EPs (is this afocal or eyepiece projection?).

However, I think I also want (or need) to attach the camera (without lens) to the telescope (I think this is called prime focus). Can anyone please tell me what I need for this? A T-mount would seem to be a requirement, but is there anything else???

As usual, I’m more than happy to play around with the kit to see what suits my needs, but don’t particularly want to waste money on something I don’t need / can’t use.

Any help or advice gratefully received!

Charles.

[fozzybear]

5 minutes ago, Pain in the Neck said:

I have a Skywatcher Explorer 150P-DS on an HEQ5-Pro mount

if wanting to to do AP then a Coma corrector either SW one or Baader MPCC  or other manufacture. And a T2 attachment to the camera

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/coma-correctors/baader-mark-iii-mpcc-coma-corrector-photographic.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/coma-correctors/skywatcher-coma-corrector.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-m48-camera-adapter.html

[Pain in the Neck]

Thanks for the very prompt reply fozzybear - I’ll check these out.

The Baader mpcc is on my wish list, but I was looking to get basic connections sorted out before looking at refining the images. Coma correctors and all the stacking and processing can come afterwards!

[fozzybear]

on the 150-pds I have one change the focuser drawtube end piece (Black piece)as those pesky thumbscrews play havoc in not squaring eyepieces and other accessories (tilt) 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-2-inch-compression-ring-adapter-for-sky-watcher-newtonians-and-72ed-refractor-m54.html

If you want to use just your camera (canon with t2 adaptor) then you will need some extensions to meet the back focus required in the mean time 55mm +-

[wimvb]

On 05/09/2020 at 01:00, fozzybear said:

If you want to use just your camera (canon with t2 adaptor) then you will need some extensions to meet the back focus required in the mean time 55mm +-

When I had my pentax dslr connected to the Baader cc, just the t-adaptor gave the correct distance. Most (mirrored) dslrs have a flange to sensor distance of about 44 mm, and the t-ring thickness is 11 mm = 55 mm. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_mount

[Pain in the Neck]

Thanks fozzybear and wimvb.

I had some time to spare between DIY jobs today, so had a chance to do my own research on this (it was probably laziness that prompted the original query!).

Baader bits to order as follows: -

For ‘Afocal’
2958058 = DT ring  to attach DSLR lens to Hyperion EPs

 

For ‘Eyepiece Projection’
2958550 = T ring
1508155 = 7.5mm ext tube
2958080 = M43 to T-2 ring
 

For ‘Prime Focus’
2408318 = T-mount (possibly duplicate functionality with the 2958550)
2408150 = 2” T-2 nosepiece

So now I think I’m sorted - time will tell if I’ve got it wrong!
Now, where did I leave the credit card....

 

[Greg Shaw]

With the Sky Watcher 150PDS scope the 2" to 1.25" adaptor that comes with the scope unscrews to reveal a T2 thread so that you can fix your camera directly to the focuser. I don't think you will need any extension tubes using that attachment for prime focus.

Fozzybear is this fitting any good? I had my eye on it but was told it wasn't that good. I have been searching for better attachments too because I don't like the standard screw fixings.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-2-inch-compression-ring-adapter-for-sky-watcher-newtonians-and-72ed-refractor-m54.html

[fozzybear]

5 hours ago, Greg Shaw said:

With the Sky Watcher 150PDS scope the 2" to 1.25" adaptor that comes with the scope unscrews to reveal a T2 thread so that you can fix your camera directly to the focuser. I don't think you will need any extension tubes using that attachment for prime focus.

Fozzybear is this fitting any good? I had my eye on it but was told it wasn't that good. I have been searching for better attachments too because I don't like the standard screw fixings.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-2-inch-compression-ring-adapter-for-sky-watcher-newtonians-and-72ed-refractor-m54.html

I was unable to find any other type of fitting i know it is not cheap but better than those thumbscrews. the only problem I have is with my MPCC there is an undercut on it and the compression fitting on the scope just grips it. otherwise fine

[Greg Shaw]

Ah yes I have heard about that. I was planning to get the MPCC but have decided on the Explore Scientific CC https://www.firstlightoptics.com/coma-correctors/explore-scientific-hr-coma-corrector.html which has more flexibility when it come to focus and ensures that the focus tube does not block and primary light.

Also when I read into the MPCC you have to get a number of other adaptors to be able to get the 55mm distance and with those added onto the MPCC price it wasn't far off the Explore Scientific CC version (like £20 more)

Think I will give the fitting you mentioned a try an its not too bad in price.

Edited September 9, 2020 by Greg Shaw

[Pain in the Neck]

14 hours ago, Greg Shaw said:

With the Sky Watcher 150PDS scope the 2" to 1.25" adaptor that comes with the scope unscrews to reveal a T2 thread so that you can fix your camera directly to the focuser. I don't think you will need any extension tubes using that attachment for prime focus.

Thanks for this tip @Greg Shaw

I intend to order a few different attachments anyway (as I said in my original post, I’m quite happy to have a play), but your tip might save a few of my hard-earned pennies.

Charles.