Barlow and Camera adapter

[shallowskies]

Hi there

I recently purchased a explorer 150pl and it said it had a direct DSLR connection plus a barlow with a camera adaptor. I noticed when I tried to connect my Nikkon D90 it didn't fit. Is there an adaptor I can use to connect my camera?

Finally would it be beneficial to buy a 3x barlow?

Thank you

David

[brantuk]

If you unscrew the end of the focuser tube you'll find it leaves a T-thread which will take a camera t-ring - that's how mine is at least

[shallowskies]

Thanks again Brantuk. So I need to get a T-ring. I imagine they won't be too expensive. Do you think a 3x barlow would be a good purchase?

Cheers

David

[brantuk]

Yep a T-ring is all you need and it goes straight on that thread - about £12-£15. I'd try the 2x barlow before getting a 3x. Barlows effectively increase the focal length and your scope is the PL so you have 1200mm at f/8 allready.

Don't forget barlows also increase atmospheric imperfections and make the image fainter. Personally I'd get a 2x powermate to improve on the barlow quality (or a Celestron Ultima / Orion Shorty). Perhaps borrow a 3x and see how it works out

[shallowskies]

Brantuk to the rescue. Sorry for being a hindrance. Thanks again. I have 2x barlow but I was just seeing how much I could push my scope and if it were suitable to add the 3x barlow. My next purchase will be to get the t - ring.

Cheers

David

[brantuk]

Well you can push it if you wish David - but watch you don't get any vignetting which I understand can happen. A 3x tele-extender might give better results but I'm only going on what I've read, rather than personal experience here.

Might be a good idea to research how vignetting's caused on stronger magnifications - or maybe someone will offer further advice.

[shallowskies]

Nice one Brantuk.

Cheers

David