Can a telescope be used as a powerful lens for your DSLR camera? The answer is yes, as demonstrated in Fotodiox’s video linked in the Links section below with the title Shooting video with Meade ETX90 and DSLR. In this case a Meade ETX90 is used as a 1250mm lens for prime focus terrestrial photography. The ETX’s motorized fork mount and fine adjustment controls prove particularly useful.

ETX90 photography.

Adapters

Typically, two adapters are required to attach a DSLR camera to the ETX telescope for prime focus photography. The first screws to the rear photo port of the ETX telescope. The output is a standard photographic male T-thread (M42 x 0.75mm). There are two such adapters depending on the ETX model as shown below.

Meade #64 T-Adapter for ETX90/105/125

For larger ETX telescopes such as the ETX90 and above, the Meade #64 T-Adapter (SKU: 07363) should be used.

Meade #64ST T-Adapter for ETX60/70/80

For smaller ETX telescopes such as the ETX80 and below, the Meade #64ST T-Adapter (SKU: 07366) should be used.

A second adapter, often referred to as a T-ring, is required for the DSLR camera. There are many such adapters depending on the camera brand. Meade supplies adapters for Canon EOS DSLR and Nikon DSLR cameras. The T-ring screws at the front of the DSLR camera (instead of the lens). The result is a female T-thread (M42 x 0.75mm) that will fit the appropriate #64 T-adapter or #64ST T-Adapter attached to the telescope as described previously.

Meade Canon EOS T-Mount

The Canon EOS T-Mount (SKU: 07384) is required for Canon DSLR cameras. This is often referred to as a Canon T-ring (M42 x 0.75mm) female.

Meade Nikon DSLR T-Mount

The Nikon T-Mount (SKU: 07378) is required for Nikon DSLR cameras. Often referred to as a Nikon T-ring (M42 x 0.75mm) female.

Other companies supply similar T-ring adapters that will fit DSLRs from other camera manufacturers in addition to Nikon and Canon.

Related topics:  astrophotography, how-to guide, video

Author:  Opticstar