Jbone

Mounting the D5100 on a tripod, I tried to capture an image of comet Neowise, but was unable to see it through either the viewfinder or via the lens and screen. Telescopic and wide angle lenses were of no help. The comet was not bright enough (here) to be picked out of the background, although I could see its blur with naked eye and binoculars really made it stand out nicely. Does anyone know of a preferably non-optical device which can be mounted on the "hot shoe" which can be properly calibrated in full daylight and then used in low-light situations which will accurately assist in aiming the camera? Yes, there are plenty of images available, but they aren't "mine" and I could not defeat the challenge! (I did get some bright images of stars in the area!)

BrianFF

You were on the right track so for this comet you really shouldn't need any device to find it especially as you could see the blur with your naked eye. You just need to start with your wide angle lens and point it towards where the blur is - if you don't get it, then adjust the camera, it sometimes takes a little trial and error but a wide angle lens with its wide field of view should be enough with a few tries to locate the comet (10-15 sec exposure, ISO 1600, 2 sec-delay or remote, for starters). Have a star/constellation guide showing you where it should be located on the night you are out so that can help position your camera relative to a constellation. Only go to a telephoto lens (if you want a comet-only pic) after you locate it with the wide angle - and then your exposure time will drop if you want to avoid star trails). (You did pre-focus on a planet, bright star, or distant light, right - my first aurora pics in Churchill were a disaster as I thought you could just put the lens on infinity). Anyways, getting the comet using the above, then adjusting specs, was all I needed to do, got some nice comet reflection in the water, too, on a calm night.

ckescher

Really good advice. Although, I never found the comet, I did get nice star photos. It is much more than I was able to do before. I went with a Wide angle lens F2.8,80 mm,ISO of 3200, and a 4-8 sec exposure on a tripod with remote. It is frustrating to try and focus on what you can’t see. A suggestion I used was a flashlight for a moment, so the sensor could pick up the light and then I was able to focus on a bright star.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I use a calibrated red dot sight on my Df and 200-500 lens. Works great. You have to dial it in just as you would on a rifle or pistol. Gives a 1X fov. So what you can see with your naked eye should be visible on the red dot. Don't need to spend a lot.

BrianFF

I was thinking a 24mm or even 14mm which would make it easier to find. I went with 24mm. Keep trying!

Jbone

Davey, I was thinking of a sight like that, but have not found a way to mount it onto the camera "shoe." Thank you. And a big "Thank you!" to others who have replied with suggestions, all of them good. I did try to dial up the ISO to 3200, but no good results.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Jbone, you would be looking for a weaver base to a hot shoe adapter. Sorry, I can't remember where I got mine. it slides into the hot shoe like a flash and is topped by a weaver or picatinny rail. check shooters' supplies companies like Brownell's as well as sites like Ebay. Many inexpensive red dot sights should mate to the base or be supplied with rings to fit the base. I'm trying to attach a picture.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

here is a picture of mine

Jbone

Perfect, Davey! Thank you!