Digiscoping question...

[AndySwinden]

Im wanting to have a go at digiscoping, but not sure what adaptors I need.

I have a D200 and a Leica Televid. The scope has a 20 - 60x zoom eyepiece. The EP is 2" wide.

What is the best way to connect the camera to the scope ? I have read about various options, with various adpators, both with and without camera lenses....Can anyone save me wasting money here ?? Thanks in advance

 

[jgs001]

Andy, I think your best bet is probably eyepiece projection. This uses the fixed ep, and the camera without lens. Afocal, with the camera lens, is going to produce some serious vignetting. Does the ep have a removable rubber cap on it anywhere, and underneath there's a screw thread ? If so, then you may be able to find a suitable adapater that will connect to a T adapter on the camera to hold the body firmly to the ep. I've used this with my Astro scopes and it does work.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Hi Andy,

In my experience ( I used to sell scopes and cameras) you would be better going for an adaptor that used the body of the camera and as the other poster said projected the image rather than used a camera lens.

Take in to consideration how you will support this combination when used on a tripod as the weight of the scope/camera will be towards the back and this can cause instabilty

The webside below is one of the most authrotive forums on digiscoping , no disrepect to the people here but you will find a huge amount of specialised knowledge on camera and scope combinations.

http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/

 

[AndySwinden]

Thanks for the info guys, its much appreciated. Just let me make sure that I am underatsnding this correctly.

I attach one of these to my camera.

http://firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=max_dslr_camera_adaptor

Then this pushes over the EP on the scope ???

I tried to test this arrangement by holding my camera body (without a lens) up against the EP. I did get a pic, but it was an not usable.....Was I doing something really stupid (wouldnt be the first time) or is the camera to EP distance very ciritical....or something else ??

 

[jgs001]

Sorry Andy, no... That adapter is for prime focus and replaces the eyepiece. The fittings on telescopes are pushfit and lock with an external screw. For Eyepiece projection, I've used Baader Hyperion eyepiece (column 2 in this PDF http://www.baader-planetarium.com/pdf/hyperion_foto_e.pdf, although without all the extention tubes). Check the Leica eyepiece, there may be a removable fitting on the top, with a screw thread underneath. This may allow you to attach the camera body directly using a T ring. Or if not, Leica may make a T thread adapter for that scope.