How to hook up my dslr to a telescope?
I have a nikon d3100 and I want to hook it up to a telescope. I'm not sure what kind of telescope I would need or any of the pieces for my camera. Does anyone do this and have any advice?
1) An equatorially mounted telescope that can track an object in the sky. Like this -
http://www.telescope.com/...102713.uts
2) Computer aided guiding. This allows for near perfect tracking of an object. Takes care of any alignment and mechanical errors -
http://www.telescope.com/.../24770.uts
3) Laptop computer or similar. This allows you to control the telescope remotely control the telescope and camera. The less you have to physically touch the equipment, the better.
4) Power. You'll need to have a way to power the telescope and laptop, along with any other equipment.
5) Camera adapters. You'll need what's called a "T-adapter". This couples the camera to the telescope.
http://www.telescopeadapters.com/
6) Software. This controls the camera, telescope and image processing.
For Nikon, you'll need to use its software.
For guiding, this -
http://www.stark-labs.com/phdguiding.html
For processing you use stuff like Gimp, Photoshop, PaintShop Pro or any of the other better photo processing software.
And for more information -
http://www.astropix.com/BGDA/INTRO.HTM
Be sure to bring lots of patience and cash. Astroimaging can be one of the hardest learning curves you'll gothrough.
This can be a very daunting and expensive operation, largely because we live on a rapidly rotating planet, requiring a complex mount to compensate. A good way to start is with chapters on astrophotography in the Backyard Astronomer's Guide by Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer.
A robust driven equatorial moumt - this will be the most expensive bit. Scope choice isn't too fussy, but you want a reasonably fasy f ratio for deep sky imaging, and Newtonian reflectors may need modifying to reach focus (longer bolts to push the mirror up the tube). A small ED refractor does well. Then you need a t ring specific to your camera. Some scopes let you screw the t ring straight on, others you'll need an adapter to fit a standard focuser.
Simple as I can make it:
You need an adapter to fit your camera to your telescope so
that the camera functions as the eyepiece.
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