Moving From a DSLR to a Dedicated Astrocamera

[mbocca]

Jim,

I have the same ES ED102 as you, and started with a Nikon D7100. About 18 months ago I got the ASI1600mm-Pro. I use the D7100 with one of my two zoom lens on the top handle of the ED102. The handle is set up to mount to it. I can capture widefield with the Nikon and zoom lens while capturing details of a DSO with the telescope and ASI camera.

Admittedly, I have only tried this a couple of times, but if there enough time during setup, I can always start up the dslr after the main imaging is rolling. I pause the main imaging to do a focus on the dslr, and once that is done they can both capture. The guiding is done for free since that is for the telescope.

The learning curve is not too steep, especially with the online forums. A lot of people are willing to help. I relied on other users for starting conditions.

Mike

[Juno16]

Jim,

I have the same ES ED102 as you, and started with a Nikon D7100. About 18 months ago I got the ASI1600mm-Pro. I use the D7100 with one of my two zoom lens on the top handle of the ED102. The handle is set up to mount to it. I can capture widefield with the Nikon and zoom lens while capturing details of a DSO with the telescope and ASI camera.

Admittedly, I have only tried this a couple of times, but if there enough time during setup, I can always start up the dslr after the main imaging is rolling. I pause the main imaging to do a focus on the dslr, and once that is done they can both capture. The guiding is done for free since that is for the telescope.

The learning curve is not too steep, especially with the online forums. A lot of people are willing to help. I relied on other users for starting conditions.

Mike

Thanks Mike, sounds like a really nice setup!

I have my guider set up on the top rail (handle) of the ED102. That spunds like a great place to mount a dlsr. How is your guider mounted?

[mbocca]

Jim,

I have a dual saddle plate for the mount. My other telescope is a Celestron Edge1100HD. The imaging scope mounts on one saddle plate and the guide scope (Orion ST80) mounts on the other plate.

The rings for my ST80 also has a location for a DSLR, I am not using the original rings that came with the ST80.

Mike