Jump to content

Narrowband

How to mount a camera lens + astro cam?


dannybgoode

Recommended Posts

Continuing my occasional series of potentially stupid questions...

Let's say I have a camera lens, a dedicated astro camera plus filter wheel and the means of attaching the two together. 

How do I then go about attaching that onto my mount and possibly add a guidescope and cam?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A lens clamp might be the first step.  Depending on the length of lens you are using, that may be all that's needed.  For my 200 mm Canon lens I found I needed two clamps. 

The guidescope and guidecam were clamped next to it on an aluminium plate but you can buy dedicated platforms with all manner of holes for scope rings and such.

Pictures and other suggestions in the thread here:

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, Philip R said:

No - I mean how to attach the camera, filter wheel and lens as an assembly onto the mount.  I have the various adapters I need to connect the imaging train together, I just need it on the mount :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, dannybgoode said:

No - I mean how to attach the camera, filter wheel and lens as an assembly onto the mount.

Simples!

scope-rings.png.c064bed55447d439c2d5aa25e8e108b6.pngdovetai-bar.png.ef59e39e0b789e573337b981df9c331c.png

 

Get some scope / finder rings of a suitable size. Attach them to parts of the assemble that do not move (i.e. aren't part of the focussing or aperture mechanism) preferably as far apart as possible. Then change the position of the rings ;) so that they will fit through the holes of a dovetail bar. The dovetail will attach to your mount.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What lens have you got?

I have the Samyang135mm lens and bought these from Astrokraken in France.   I mount it on top of my ED80 and use my finderguider attached to that.  Though the Astrokraken rings do have a slot for a finderguider, but I found the EFW got in the way of the finderguider. 

You might be able to get someone to create something similar for you if it is a different lens.

Or, if you have  a ball head, you could mount the ball head onto a dovetail or something and attach the camera to that.

Carole 

 

IMG_1146.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Probably the simplest method would be to use a camera dovetail with 1/4" tripod screws, like this

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetails-saddles-clamps/astro-essentials-dovetail-bars.html

Due to availability, I bought a video tripod dovetail, but I had to cut some of its ears in order to fit in the Vixen saddle of my HEQ5 mount.

N.F.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For me 3d printing has opened up ways of rigidly holding camera/FW/lens and attaching to a dovetail.  I was able to incorporate a microfocuser in the design too.

I did use guide rings (as posted above) to good success too.

 

IMG_0348.jpg

IMG_0333.jpg

Nikon QHY9 holder angle v15.jpg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@tooth_dr I keep looking at 3D printers thinking 'I really want one of those but can I really justify one'. And then people post some really handy looking stuff they've created and I edge a little closer to getting one :)

I want to make an adapter to mount my Bahtinov mask that i got for my 105mm frac onto my Sony RX10 and a 3d printer would make that a doddle too...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 minutes ago, dannybgoode said:

@tooth_dr I keep looking at 3D printers thinking 'I really want one of those but can I really justify one'. And then people post some really handy looking stuff they've created and I edge a little closer to getting one :)

I want to make an adapter to mount my Bahtinov mask that i got for my 105mm frac onto my Sony RX10 and a 3d printer would make that a doddle too...

A word of warning... a 3d printer isn't a tool, it's a hobby!

A very, very useful and rewarding one, though. 

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.