How to collimate scope + use camera?

[Perry Ge]

Hey all,

I've been inspired by all your wonderful astrophotography shots to dig up my telescope. It's a Meade LXD55, 6" SN reflector. I intend to use it with my 5D. To use it with the 5D, is all I need just a T-mount adapter, attaching the scope directly to the camera? Or do I need an eyepiece/lens in between somehow? In the past I'd just held a P&S up to the eyepiece :oops:.

Also, I have no idea how the heck to collimate my scope, and since it's been sitting around for a while, I figure it'll need it. Any advice?

[Nighthound]

Hi Perry. You'll need a Canon EOS T-ring for the 5D and an adapter like this one(#05269-chrome one)-OPT in California carries this adapter as well, that's where I picked up mine.:
http://www.skiesunlimited.net/index.php?ProductID=1044

The adapter(#05269) threads into the T-ring and then you attach both to the lens opening of the 5D. Then you slip the adapter into your scope's focuser opening. It is a 2" opening, correct? It'll need to be to accept the hardware I just mentioned.

Before you order anything-The Schmidt-Newts are pretty good about allowing you to come to focus with the stock focuser but you might want to check around at Cloudy Nights for someone using a Canon and your model to be sure there are no focus issues with the stock focuser.

Once you're set to go you might want to look into drift alignment to help tighten up your alignments for long exposure work. You can practice it here and take notes for when you're out. It goes quick once you've done it a few times.
http://www.petesastrophotography.com/

To collimate accurately you'll need a cheshire or laser collimator. They come with instructions and again Cloudy Nights will have some user info and suggestions to help with your scope if someone here doesn't chime in. I've never personally collimated a SN, but I have my Newtonian and SCTs. Try a star test to see where your scope is right now. Take an eyepiece, say a 20mm or so and goto a bright star. Bring it to focus and then take it slightly out of focus until you see the target-like concentric rings. For a better visual explanation and to get a clear understanding of the process check this site out:
http://www.astrosurf.com/legault/collim.html