astro question

[BigB778]

Ok i got a question that i hope can be answered here in this forum... I am new to photography and new to astronomy.. My question is can i connect my digital camera to my telescope?

[chris.bailey]

Yes!

Need a T-Ring to suit your DSLR and an appropriate adaptor for your scope.

[Adrena1in]

What telescope do you have though, because not all of them are suitable. And what digital camera do you have as well?

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

Here you go mate, this might help.

http://www.asignobservatory.com/optical_trains.aspx

Baz.

[Catanonia]

Here you go mate, this might help.

http://www.asignobservatory.com/optical_trains.aspx

Baz.

Definately recommend reading most of that site as well worth it and taught me alot. In fact so much so that Baz has copied my setup :eek::eek: !!!!!!

[A.S.I.G.N. Observatory]

Definately recommend reading most of that site as well worth it and taught me alot. In fact so much so that Baz has copied my setup :eek::eek: !!!!!!

LOL! Onya.......;)

[BigB778]

Sorry it took so long to respond... Heres what i got, my camera is a canon eos rebel xti 400d, and my telescope is a Cosmos by Grampus Model: 90114D Focal Lenght: 900mm Objective: 114mm... I have had this telescope for a few years and thats all i know about it since that was all that was on the side... Any help after that little info would help... Thanks for all the replys...

[Adrena1in]

Can't find out much about the Grampus Model: 90114D, but I'm guessing it's a Newtonian Reflector. (4.5" mirror at the back of the telescope, small mirror angled at 45-degrees near the front of the scope, eyepiece sticking out the side near the front? Looks a bit like this (http://handsonoptics.com/images/114EQ_AR.jpg)?)

Unfortunately, Newtonians aren't ideal for imaging through. It's possible, but tricky. Without some modification you can't simply attach a DSLR using a regular adapter for prime shooting, (i.e. without lenses or eyepieces...just using the telescope as a lens), as you simply won't achieve focus.

It might be possible to use a Barlow, so as to extend the focal length a bit, or you could use a lens-projection adapter. Or a webcam could possibly work. Others might be able to make more suggestions.

[BigB778]

Yea it looks like that one pictured but not as nice... I figured i wouldnt be able to use it, but i wanted to make sure.. Thanx for all the information...

[Adrena1in]

It's useable I should think, just not that easily and probably not as a prime "lens". If you're not going to do anything else with it you could always investigate shifting the primary (large) mirror up the tube towards the front a bit. This will "push" the focal point further out of the eyepiece tube, and thus make it more likely you can achieve focus. (I didn't want to try it with the Newtonian I had though! Instead I sold it to a friend and bought refractors.)