telescope help

hello folks,

look for a little piece of help here, i'm wanting to get into astrophotography in the new year as part of my resolution to expand my photographic areas and am considering buying this telescope

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk …copes?hash=item​4ceb5b7bd1

i'm just wondering if this would be any good for me and what else would i need to buy to allow my 400D to be attached to this for photography?

i understand that i'll need stacking software aswell but that is the easy part, i want to ensure i have the right hardware for the job first then learn from there

Mentioned: Extendable for Astrophotography, solar observing etc. because of its 1,25” accessory-holes


But you need 2 inch focuser to do astrophotography with a DSLR!!!

Ebay! Ebay man stay away from ebay ...

Welcome Chris.

It would be best to supply us with some info so that we can better make suggestions that will fit your needs.

1) What objects are you interested in imaging? Deep-sky, i.e. nebula, galaxies, clusters, etc. or Planetary and Lunar (or all of the above).

2) What is your budget?

I know I can use my lenses that I have already for ordinary clusters that can be see with the naked eye so I was hoping to use the above for getting as close as possible to planitary, then exploring deeper.

Budget is really a maximum of £300(gbp) if possible, more is available but if I was to spend that much i'd probably treat myselfto a second hand 40D or amacro lens.

What should I be looking for in a telescope for ability to attach my camera.

Thanks for your comments, eBay is the easiest place to seach a broad spectrum of products, I was always planning on asking the experts before parting with my money hence the newbie style post lol

chris250 wrote in post #9064494
What should I be looking for in a telescope for ability to attach my camera.

That's pretty easy to answer really. All you need is a T-Ring, which is specific to your camera, (attaches like a lens would), and a T-Adapter, which is more generic, and at one end screws into the T-Ring, then at the other end slides into the telescope focuser. The T-Adapters are generally 1.25" or 2", which are the main standard sizes. 2" is best, but if the scope's only got a 1.25" focuser then that'll work too.

And that's about it really. However, Newtonian Reflectors, like the one you linked above, are not ideal for Astrophotography. I started with one much like that, and simply couldn't get anywhere near focused with my DSLR, so I sold it and moved to Refractors. Much more suitable.

Driven mounts aren't essential for lunar and planetary imaging, since exposure times are generally quite fast, but they're useful. For deep sky imaging at high focal lengths a driven mount is the most important thing.

I've got an EQ5 mount and a 70mm ED Refractor. Together they're worth around £400-£500 I guess. Not a bad setup for half-decent moon and planet shots, and pretty good for deep sky imaging too. My personaly recommendation would be something along these lines.

could you possibly link to something like what i should be after? i don't really know any place that i should be looking to buy from.

p.s. had a little windfall so looks like i'll be upgrading my camera aswell as having a larger budget for a telescope

VIGER wrote in post #9062723
But you need 2 inch focuser to do astrophotography with a DSLR!!!

No, this is patently untrue, particularly with crop-body cameras. All you need is a Meade adapter to go with the t-mount:

Adapter (useful for eyepiece projection and/or prime photography):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …SLR_35mm_OR_Dig​ital_.html

And t-mount (inexpensive and available in all major mounts):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …t_SLR_Camera_Ad​apter.html

That said, man, I've never heard of that brand. A 6" Newtonian is fine for getting into astrophotography, and that one looks like it's either an f/4 or f/5, which means wide-field and DSOs. A slower scope of f/8 or so is generally considered preferable for planetary shooting. Apart from the optics, the telescope stand/mount is critical for stability. The tripod pictured in that listing looks mighty wobbly from my vantage point.

Were I you, a newcomer to telescopes, I'd avoid Ebay and check out your local vendors (Meade Europe, etc.) both brick-and-mortar and online. Also, see if there are any local astronomy groups. Those folks are usually more than willing to offer advice and guidance for newcomers to the hobby.