first lunar shot - soft focus
Sep 5, 2019 21:34:48 #
The skies cleared this evening so I managed to align the scope and then locked on the moon. Then connected the dslr and it took 9 shots to get this soft image. I'm assuming one can't zoom in and out like the eyepieces but can only shoot at the telescopes prime focal length and aperture, correct? Is it the same when I use the CCD camera? Anyway, so looking forward to0 more clear skies to hone in on the focusing skills. Be kind, it's my first time.
Sep 5, 2019 22:54:48 #
No worries, Peter.
The Moon is your Friend when starting out. It helps you figure out your focusing and settings to use.
It is also a challenge to get sharp, so great to practice and work on.
Plus it is usually hanging around in one state or another.
A welcome target!
You're doing fine, just keep after it until you like what you are getting.
There is a ton of objects to figure out, too.
The Moon is your Friend when starting out. It helps you figure out your focusing and settings to use.
It is also a challenge to get sharp, so great to practice and work on.
Plus it is usually hanging around in one state or another.
A welcome target!
You're doing fine, just keep after it until you like what you are getting.
There is a ton of objects to figure out, too.
Sep 5, 2019 23:39:11 #
Sep 6, 2019 11:20:39 #
2 queries for all you in the know:
1. can I use an extension tube or something to increase (or decrease) the magnification for the camera sensor?
2. can I use live view zoomed in to achieve focus? I did use it last night but the image was rather dark and I opted for using the viewfinder. Normally I use the viewfinder with my glasses on but find using the telescope it's best to take glasses off. Any consensus using a camera with telescope? I suppose I could turn on the auto live view exposure thingy so I can choose a proper exposure, yes?
1. can I use an extension tube or something to increase (or decrease) the magnification for the camera sensor?
2. can I use live view zoomed in to achieve focus? I did use it last night but the image was rather dark and I opted for using the viewfinder. Normally I use the viewfinder with my glasses on but find using the telescope it's best to take glasses off. Any consensus using a camera with telescope? I suppose I could turn on the auto live view exposure thingy so I can choose a proper exposure, yes?
Sep 6, 2019 11:51:08 #
Hi Peter,
In my experiences, spacing with extensions permit achieving focusing. Play nothing in magnification.
When I was beginning, frustrated with trying to achieve any semblance of focusing, I held my camera behind my telescope and moved it further away, and closer in. That was how I discovered I needed about 4 inches of tube to get near focus so I could adjust with my telescopes focuser.
But I use a refractor, and it has something around 630 mm of adjustment available for focusing. (Nature of the beast)
So spacing will help you get in the ballpark where you can find focus.
Like this hooter:
https://www.amazon.com/Orion-5124-Telescope-Eyepiece-Extension/dp/B0000XMUHI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_421_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YANVDF1M78F951GSYSA5
You will want the 2" so it does not impede your sensors FOV.
Using Live View can definitely help you to adjust your focusing. Do experiment with it. But you need to get close first mechanically. Hence, you may need a spacing tube.
In my experiences, spacing with extensions permit achieving focusing. Play nothing in magnification.
When I was beginning, frustrated with trying to achieve any semblance of focusing, I held my camera behind my telescope and moved it further away, and closer in. That was how I discovered I needed about 4 inches of tube to get near focus so I could adjust with my telescopes focuser.
But I use a refractor, and it has something around 630 mm of adjustment available for focusing. (Nature of the beast)
So spacing will help you get in the ballpark where you can find focus.
Like this hooter:
https://www.amazon.com/Orion-5124-Telescope-Eyepiece-Extension/dp/B0000XMUHI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_421_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YANVDF1M78F951GSYSA5
You will want the 2" so it does not impede your sensors FOV.
Using Live View can definitely help you to adjust your focusing. Do experiment with it. But you need to get close first mechanically. Hence, you may need a spacing tube.
Sep 6, 2019 12:20:14 #
You can get things like a Barlow or a Powemate to magnify. Notice there is a difference between the two on how it affects the f number.
Sep 6, 2019 14:16:05 #
As suggested by Sonny, you can you the live view, but use the 5x or 10 x magnifier on the camera. Another way is to use a old handheld slide viewer that was used to magnify film slides. But be careful with adjusting the focus, ANY MOVEMENT will cause the "shakes" in the finder. You just got to let it simmer down to get a good view. Don't give up! Astrophotography is a daunting hobby and it requires much patience. Keep at it! RFB
Sep 16, 2019 09:09:58 #
Europa wrote:
You can get things like a Barlow or a Powemate to magnify. Notice there is a difference between the two on how it affects the f number.
At the moment I do have a Barlow but I see no way to connect it to the camera. Is this even an option with a Barlow or Powermate?
Sep 16, 2019 09:12:31 #
Railfan_Bill wrote:
As suggested by Sonny, you can you the live view, but use the 5x or 10 x magnifier on the camera. Another way is to use a old handheld slide viewer that was used to magnify film slides. But be careful with adjusting the focus, ANY MOVEMENT will cause the "shakes" in the finder. You just got to let it simmer down to get a good view. Don't give up! Astrophotography is a daunting hobby and it requires much patience. Keep at it! RFB
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I assume you are referring to a loop to view the live view screen and not a slide viewer, yes?
Sep 16, 2019 09:16:15 #
SonnyE wrote:
Hi Peter, br In my experiences, spacing with exten... (show quote)
Wild, I did notice that to get what I did I had to turn the crap out of the focus knob. I will give the extension a go and see what happens. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
Sep 16, 2019 09:45:11 #
big-guy wrote:
At the moment I do have a Barlow but I see no way to connect it to the camera. Is this even an option with a Barlow or Powermate?
How are you currently attaching your camera to the scope? Possibly attach a pix of your setup and the barlow.
Sep 16, 2019 13:31:21 #
big-guy wrote:
Wild, I did notice that to get what I did I had to turn the crap out of the focus knob. I will give the extension a go and see what happens. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
You are Welcome! My hope is to share something of help and encouragement.
Once you see it come into focus, the fine adjusting will drive you nuts.
I no longer, or haven't had a reason, to mount my DSLR to my Telescope. I use Astro Cameras.
But I built a focuser that uses a stepper motor, as recommended by Matthew (Oknoder).
Now, as I mentioned, my telescope has 630mm of travel. My focuser steps take ~23,400 steps to travel 630mm. I did the math and 1 step = 0.02692mm of travel.
The actual movement is basically imperceptible, but can make my telescopes focus by adjusting in single steps when fine focusing.
I never could do anywhere near as well before.
So be very patient with yourself as you learn and find your perfect picture.
Believe me, I about wore out my "Delete" button learning...
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