Telescopes for Macro work

[legoman_iac]

Guess this isn't really a topic for AstroTalk, but figured it'd be be the best place to ask. Just about to get my first scope and wondering, with the aid of Close Up (aka Macro Filters) filters, if a telescope can be used like a regular lens for macro-ish work. I know that scopes are generally different beasts, just curious.

I've recently purchsed the HOYA 1+2+4+ set and it works great as a cheaper alternative to buying macro lenses and just curious if it's possible or if anyone has any experience using their scopes for macro work?

[troypiggo]

I have 4 macro lenses and 3 telescopes. No way in the world would I try to shoot macro with the telescopes. Just too impractical. Too big. Can't focus close enough. You won't get 1:1 magnification, or even close I reckon. Can't adjust the aperture on them. I think it would just end in tears and frustration.

[Adrena1in]

Interesting concept.

[legoman_iac]

Hahaha ... well, guess that answers that. I just seem to be drawn to macro work and astro pics, anything between a metre and and a few thousand light years just doesn't drop into frame.

[troypiggo]

Yeah, I'm the same. I've thought about it a bit, and I think it's because I like imaging things you can't really see in that much detail with the naked eye. I'm not that artistic, and macro and astro shots seem to be a bit more technical than they are artistic, so that also leans me towards it. Must be the way my brain is wired.

PS - if you're into astro and Aussie-based, have a look at the IceInSpace Forums (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/index.php). Very friendly and helpful community. And addictive.

[Adrena1in]

I'm not that artistic, and macro and astro shots seem to be a bit more technical than they are artistic

I know what you mean. I don't really have a good eye for taking a decent photo, unless I'm lucky. All my holiday shots and portrait shots are just snaps. But with astro-work, the targets are just there and don't change, so it's just a matter of grabbing enough accurate data. The artisic bent comes into it when doing composite shots of eclipses or moon phases or stuff like that. Otherwise, if you've got the equipment and the patience and a dark enough sky, there's no real reason why you can't get a good shot.

[legoman_iac]

Well ... people say I'm 'creatively technical' ... or is it that I'm'techincally creative' , hahaha.

Well, I'm pateint waiting for my equipment ... so all I need now is a dark sky right? Shooting from Sydney is a little tricky, went out to Bowral a few months back and ofcourse, it was cloudy ... had a few fleeting moments where there were gaps, although still had slight sky glow, I assume it was from Sydney.