Astrophotography for a amature Astronomer?

[Red V]

Okay so my setup is:
-Celestron CGE Series C10-NGT 10" newtonian reflector.
-Optimus Digital SLR Camera.
-Eye piece, filter kit, collimation tool, ect.

My question is, what do I need to get started in astrophotography? Without dropping the 1200 bucks on a Meade DSI III. I need to get my Camera mounted to my telescope but don't really know how to do it. I hear of people using the Canon Digital Rebel SLR cameras. But was wondering if anyone has ever used an Optimus. Basically what pieces do I need?

[Red V]

ooops i just found a whole forum on astrophotography. sorry for posting here. haha but my question is still open to you all. if not ill just post on the other forum where im suppost to...

[Vinnie]

GDay Red,

First, I am not familiar with the optimus camera, but you can start now, just by holding the camera lens up close to the Eyepiece and snapping away. Works ok on the lager planets and the moon.

What you really need is a "T" adaptor. This is an adaptor that screws onto the thread on your scopes focuser and the other end has the same bayonet as the camera's lens. ie you take the camera lens off and mount the body direct to the focuser. Also it is better if you have a guide scope. ie a small refractor, usually, mounted on top or beside your main scope, so that as you track during long exposure shots, you can check that you are still on target and adjust as necessary.

AP is going to present you with a pretty steep learning curve, and I do suggest that you post in the AP forum as well

HTH

Vin

[Vinnie]

Also here is a website with some excellent info on the subject, the author uses a film SLR, but the same principles apply

Classic Astrophotography - Photographing the Cosmos with ordinary film

[Red V]

oh okay thaks vinnie.
yeah i looked directy on the optimus website. they make t-rings and teleconverter lens tubes specifically designed for mounting the body on telescopes for AP shots.

if all goes well with the Celestron tracking firmware i should be able to get some long exposures.

[admin]

Hello RedV i always wanted to do astrophotography but never had the time,
Vinnie is right a T" adaptor to attach your DSLR to your scope is important however the mount / ability to track your object is quite important as well.

Let us know what mount you have as well and how you progress i can learn a lot from your experiences.

cheers

[Red V]

will do admin