Newbie Question

[lsintampa]

Greetings, new member here. New also to the hobby - so handle with care!

I've been doing a lot (for me) research on just using a telescope and have a fair understanding of it. Along with that, I have seen what others have done with astrophotography and I've a question I can't seem to find an answer to. So here goes:

I have a very good 20.1 Megapixel Sony Cybershot W830 camera. It takes great photos and video and I'd like to use it with my telescope (not bought yet) but most likely will be Meade 130MM reflector - or similar.

I've been unable to find anything that would allow me to attach the camera to the eyepiece / focuser.

There is a 49mm filter adapter (VFA-49R) that works with the Sony Cybershot RX models, but I don't know a) if will fit the W830 (looks like it would) and b) if it or something similar would fit - what else would I need.

So I guess what I'm asking is if it is possible to use the W830 for this purpose and if so - what would I need. Keep in mind, I'm just starting out and not looking for expert photos, just something that is recognizable.

Thanks!

Len

[Lady Fraktor]

Hello and welcome

Cameras with retractable lens are not suitable for AP other than doing some imaging through the eyepiece.
There are various adapters that will allow you to do afocal photography though.
This is actually a good place to start if this is your first telescope, a cheap way to get some images and learn how to use the telescope.

Here is one version, there are many others if you search: https://www.astronomics.com/universal-a ... ieces.html

[JayTee]

Besides your camera posing significant problems. The Meade Polaris 130mm will also pose significant problems. Most entry-level Newtonian telescopes will not allow a camera to come into focus. The problem being they can't get the camera sensor close enough to the mirror to bring the image into focus even if you were to purchase a DSLR camera and connected it directly into the focuser. So this is kind of like a double whammy against you starting out. But like Lady Fraktor said, shooting through the eyepiece with your camera handheld is a way to start. It is the way I started.

Cheers,
JT