When attempting astrophotography you will most likely want to find the best camera and telescope combination.
Camera Ease
One of the first things you will need to look into when considering the best camera useable with telescopes is how easy the camera is to use in the first place. You will want to find a camera which allows easy use no matter what you want to do with it. Check out the features and the complexity before buying it. If the camera seems too complicated for you then it probably will not be good for use with the telescope either.
Ease Of Attachment
While you are looking into the best camera for a telescope you will need to consider how to use the camera in conjunction with the telescope. If you are simply going to use a tripod stand next to the telescope than the attaching the camera the best way to the telescope will not matter. Otherwise there are usually different ways to “piggyback” the camera to the telescope best.
Screw on
Snap-on
Rings that are a “screw up/down” option
“T” mounts
To find the best camera to telescope attachment will mean going through a range of products and prices. This will depend on the quality and use of the attachment that you want. There is also the option of building your own attachment. Finding the best camera to telescope attachment simply involves some research.
The Telescope
While it is important to choose the right camera, the best telescope for your needs is also important since this is most likely the most costly part of the hobby. Here are a few telescope purchasing tips:
Get as much aperture as you can handle, but do not exceed it
Do not get a telescope which is too big or complex to easily set up and use
For a first unit, a basic model with 90mm aperture is acceptable
The next step up from the basic model is a Newtonian reflector with a 6” aperture.
If you are planning to use the unit in astrophotography, check to see how well it can have a camera attached to it.
Most of the time, the best camera and telescope combinations do not have to be pricy. Many times a good home camera or digital camera can be found used. If you look, you may find a good telescope as well; for this you will need to do some basic research to find out what the best model for you would be. If you are already into astronomy then this is an easy task to accomplish.
For someone into the hobby of astrophotography there are two basic tools required, the telescope and the camera. The only issue is how to connect the two for use. The solution to this problem is the camera adaptor for the telescope. Adaptors connecting a camera to a telescope range in price and features. Listed below are five low cost camera adaptors for telescopes and their advantages and disadvantages.
Push-Fit Adaptor
This camera adaptor for a telescope is manufactured by Scopetronix. This is also the least expensive adaptor with a price of $24.95
Requirements – this adaptor uses a 22mm thread used mainly by Nikon or similar digital cameras; you also need a 35mm O.D. top
Advantages – one of the best camera to telescope adaptors because it requires no additional components.
Disadvantages – a limited range of eyepieces can be used with this adaptor; you should check for the requirements of this unit against your equipment first. There is also a weight issue which makes the camera hang thereby needing the eyepiece to be refocused to compensate.
TeleVue Adaptors (DEC Series)
The DEC Series of camera adaptor for telescopes is made by TeleVue. The price of $30.00 makes this one of the least expensive adaptors.
Requirements – this adaptor uses a threaded lens barrel, but can be used with a snap-on adaptor providing for the extra step up/down ring.
Advantages – does not require a T-ring or a step up/down ring for lens barrels with 28mm, 37mm, and 49mm threads.
Disadvantages – there is a weight issue which causes the camera to hang. An older version also exists which fits fewer models of telescopes
Digi-T
The DigiT is one of the Scopetronix line of camera adaptors for telescopes. While prices above the Push-Fit Adaptor, it is still a good value at $29.95.
Requirements – this adaptor is also a threaded lens type but can be used with a snap-on adaptor interface for a T-ring or step up/down ring.
Advantages – this adaptor can fit eyepieces with a top diameter of 1.22” or 1.26” as well as some 1.25” with the rubber eyegaurd removed.
Disadvantages – special requirements limit the range of eyepieces which can be used with this adaptor. There is also a weight and camera hang issue with this adaptor.
Steady Pix
The Steady Pix comes from Orion Telescopes with a price of $34.95 for this telescope camera adaptor.
Requirements – this adaptor requires the standard ¼-20 tripod mounting hole.
Advantages – this adaptor does not need a camera with a threaded lens barrel.
Disadvantages – achieving precise alignments is harder because there is no threaded coupling. This adaptor does not enclose the camera lens to shade out stray lighting.
Uni-T
The UniT is on the high end of the low cost Scopetronix range, coming in at $34.95.
Requirements – this is a threaded lens barrel adaptor which can be used with a T-ring or step up/down ring
Advantages – this adaptor will handle a broad range of .965” and 1.25” eyepieces as well as eyepieces with an outside diameter of .25”-1.5”.
Disadvantages – with the adjustable diameter there is the tradeoff of easy alignment. The thumbscrews need careful tightening to center the eyepiece. There will not be much room for 1.23” eyepieces.
Thus we have the five least expensive camera adaptors for a telescope which is a good range for beginners and price conscious alike.