Attaching Nikon D300 to Skywatcher

[sophh6699]

I’m just wanting to start out taking photos of objects other than just the moon, and i have a Nikon D300. What attachments would I need to set this up? I’m not sure if they are camera specific attachments or just universal. Thank you! 

[Bivanus]

Hello there. I use a Canon DSLR, regardless, any DSLR to scope connection usually has an dedicated adaptor from the camera lens mount to a 1.25" or 2" tube design to fit into the receptacle of the scope focuser. Since you did not mention what Skywatcher I'll presume it has a 1.25" focuser so you would most likely need an adapter similar to this https://www.astroshop.eu/t2-rings-lens-mounts/skywatcher-camera-adaptor-t2-ring-for-nikon-dslr/p,55142 and a tube similar to this https://www.astroshop.eu/barrel-adaptors/omegon-adaptors-t-2-to-1-25-nosepiece/p,33230 

If you happen to have a 2" focuser you could use a M48 adapter like this https://www.astroshop.eu/t2-rings-lens-mounts/ts-optics-camera-adaptor-m48-nikon/p,61441 with a 2" tube like this https://www.astroshop.eu/other-adapters/omegon-nosepiece-2r-ver-2-m48-to-2r-/p,21988

I'd say you might want to revisit the moon with this gear and make your hand at focusing , ISO selection and aperture settings, the scope will act as a lens HOWEVER only as a MANUAL lens - you will be able to use it only in Manual mode and will have to be aware of the required setting. Not gonna lie, I'm still learning too but I've ...ahem...graduated to planets 😅

[sophh6699]

23 minutes ago, Bivanus said:

Hello there. I use a Canon DSLR, regardless, any DSLR to scope connection usually has an dedicated adaptor from the camera lens mount to a 1.25" or 2" tube design to fit into the receptacle of the scope focuser. Since you did not mention what Skywatcher I'll presume it has a 1.25" focuser so you would most likely need an adapter similar to this https://www.astroshop.eu/t2-rings-lens-mounts/skywatcher-camera-adaptor-t2-ring-for-nikon-dslr/p,55142 and a tube similar to this https://www.astroshop.eu/barrel-adaptors/omegon-adaptors-t-2-to-1-25-nosepiece/p,33230 

If you happen to have a 2" focuser you could use a M48 adapter like this https://www.astroshop.eu/t2-rings-lens-mounts/ts-optics-camera-adaptor-m48-nikon/p,61441 with a 2" tube like this https://www.astroshop.eu/other-adapters/omegon-nosepiece-2r-ver-2-m48-to-2r-/p,21988

I'd say you might want to revisit the moon with this gear and make your hand at focusing , ISO selection and aperture settings, the scope will act as a lens HOWEVER only as a MANUAL lens - you will be able to use it only in Manual mode and will have to be aware of the required setting. Not gonna lie, I'm still learning too but I've ...ahem...graduated to planets 😅

thank you so much that’s really helpful :))

[Bivanus]

Glad to help. Also, even tho it's a bit more expensive and unless you happen to be one of those happy few living in areas lacking things like street lights , do look up for a UHC filter to cut the glare a bit. I use a Optolong one, and it made lot of difference for me. Something like this https://www.astroshop.eu/uhc-filters/optolong-filters-uhc-filter-1-25/p,67543 There other more expensive and a couple cheaper, as other will confirm in this business you usually get what you pay 😉