With so many types of imaging techniques, all of which have pros and cons, I have developed my own array of camera-to-telescope adapters. All these adapters are custom-machined in a shop to which I have access to.
Since each brand of a DSLR camera has a different type of lens mount (i.e., Canon lenses have different lens mounts to Nikon, and so as with Pentax, Sony, etc.), connecting it a telescope would require a special type of camera-to-telescope adapter called a T-ring and a T-adapter. A T-ring is simply a metal adapter with one end that fits nicely to your lens mount and with the other end that attaches to any T-adapter. The T-adapter is the one that attaches any T-ring to a telescope
Canon S3IS point-and-shoot camera mounted with a T-adapter for afocal astrophotography
Canon Legria FS20 video camera mounted on a special type of adapter for afocal imaging
A special type of a T-adapter called Webcam-to-telescope adapter is used for attaching web cameras directly to focusers of telescopes for prime-focus astrophotography.
Webcam imaging through eyepiece projection method
A universal camera adapter is a device that allows any point-and-shoot camera (and even SLRs) to be attached to any optical system (binoculars, telescope, microscope, etc.). Shown here is my second prototype (EtenyAdapter-2).
Other types of adapters may also be fabricated depending on the particular need of my imaging setup.
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© Anthony Urbano (Manila, Philippines)
like to ask if this can work on canon 30d?
tnx.
Yes, the T-adapter will work with your DSLR. You just have to look for a suitable T-ring specific to your camera. Thanks!
Very useful information, Thank you!
Any advice for attaching a DSLR to a newtonian reflector? There’s not enough back focus and I’m trying to avoid moving the primary mirror (I’m a photographer, but just got my telescope last week – Orion StarBlast 4.5)
Hi Dale,
Perhaps you could try using Barlows, or replace the focuser with a better one :) Other than the two, I could not think of any way around this problem without resorting to moving the the mirror :)
Eteny
I have a Canon Rebel T3i and a Galileo FS-85MOHDX 800mm x 80mm Reflector Telescope. How do I know which adapter will fit my telescope so I can take pictures?
Thank you.
Visit any astro shop and look for an adapter called “T-ring for Canon” and another one called “1.25-inch T-adapter” :) You will need those two to attach your camera to your telescope. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the adivce and quick reponse.
Where do you get those aluminum? I tried going to aluminum door makers they don have thick aluminum bars