taking photos??

[wishingonastar]

Hi there, we are new to astonomy and looking for some advice!

We have a Celestron C8 N and a Canon 400D. Fancied trying a bit of astrophotography, so bought a T-Ring and adapter, but once we have set it up, dont seem to get any focus.

Was wondering if there is something we are missing??

Thanks for any help.

[ollypenrice]

Do you think the camera is too close or too near?

Olly

[ottUp]

Chances are you need to move the camera farther from the scope. Try this:

• Focus on an easy bright target (like the moon) using a low-power eyepiece
  
• Carefully remove the eyepiece without changing the focus.
  
• Hold the camera, sans lens, in front of the eyepiece hole, but don't mount it. Move the camera back and forth in the air and see if you can find the point of focus.
  

I'm guessing you'll find the focus point is a couple of inches farther from the tube than where the camera would normally sit. If this happens, then you need to buy or build an extension tube - just a hollow tube that extends the T-mount a couple of inches away from the scope. Mounting the camera in the diagonal might achieve this too, although this should not be considered a permanent solution because you loose a bit of light on the mirror.

- Richard

[wishingonastar]

thanks, will give that a go............when we next have a clear night!