DSLR mount

[Mac]

Will a setup like this where I mount a DSLR off to the side affect the guiding?

I am thinking that it would by causing additional torque in a different axis to the mount. I have seen guide scopes side mounted but not sure if they were counter balanced.

This will enable me to do some wide-angle captures without changing out the scope with this vixen mount bar.

Not sure why the picture orientation came out like below.

[KathyNS]

As long as the mount balances in all three directions (Dec lengthwise, Dec laterally, RA), you will have no problem.

[Thefatkitty]

Very cool setup, Steve! I can't say for sure, not being an AP guy, but it does seem heavy on the left side. However, that bar you have the camera holder mounted too seems long enough; if it is an issue, perhaps move it some to the right and mount a counter balance on the right side that weighs what the camera does.
Your picture is oriented properly when I click on it too Weird that!

All the best,

[SkyHiker]

That sticks out quite a bit, is it possible to mount it on the counterweight or the counterweight bar with some DIY braces or straps?

[Mac]

As long as the mount balances in all three directions (Dec lengthwise, Dec laterally, RA), you will have no problem.

Thanks Kathy, It does balance quite well on the mount.

I have seen guide scopes mounted on one side that would yield similar off balance conditions.

We seem to have a difference of opinion but I am going to give it a go here this morning in a brief clearing of the skies.

Thanks to those who replied.

[yobbo89]

I reckon you'll have some sort of flexure.you wouldn't want the weight of the dslr flexing the guidescope ,which it might do with it being further out.

if that's the setup you want to go with, i would probably see if you can put the guide scope to the side instead and have the mass of the weight in the center with the dslr.

ideally having a side by side bar that connects to the dec is a lot easier to adjust weight with.

you'll have to experiment really.

[Mac]

I reckon you'll have some sort of flexure.you wouldn't want the weight of the dslr flexing the guidescope ,which it might do with it being further out.

if that's the setup you want to go with, i would probably see if you can put the guide scope to the side instead and have the mass of the weight in the center with the dslr.

ideally having a side by side bar that connects to the dec is a lot easier to adjust weight with.

It worked well this morning with no DSLR mounted and when I have one, it will be wide field, either my 11-16mm or 35mm lens and guiding need not be as precise. I won't have a DSLR mounted when imaging with the main scope. I just don't want to have to take the telescope off and mount the vixen bar for the DSLR.

I will try to come up with an alternate solution or a way to mount a counter-weight.

Thanks yobbo!

[yobbo89]

ok, you should be fine then !

[Mac]

This image shows center mounted, not off to the side causing lateral torque.

Now I just need to get the camera ~ 2 inches higher. The DSLR will only be mounted when not using the scope for wider angle shots from 11mm - 200mm FL.

The angle of the camera shown is what is needed to eliminate the guide scope from the FOV.

[KathyNS]

Can you mount the dovetail bar transversely as in your first image, but with the guide scope on one side and the camera on the other side, so that they balance each other.

I realize that you might have to modify the guide scope mount to have it pointing the right way if you do that, but I am sure that ADM or someone will have an adapter that allows that.

[Mac]

Can you mount the dovetail bar transversely as in your first image, but with the guide scope on one side and the camera on the other side, so that they balance each other.

I realize that you might have to modify the guide scope mount to have it pointing the right way if you do that, but I am sure that ADM or someone will have an adapter that allows that.

Yes, that is one possibility, however the DSLR will normally be mounted on the back of the scope leaving the guide scope off center the majority of the time. The DSLR isn't that heavy and would probably balance well with the guide scope except when I add my Tamron.

I think I will start with your suggestion as it keeps the center of balance lower. I hope to get the new ZWO ASI533 before the new year. As a software developer, I need test devices ( ie.. write-offs) to do research and development on.

Thanks Kathy

[Mac]

I could mount a Finder scope when not using the DSLR as I don't have one now.

[Mac]

Kathy is a genius!!


I just need the right length bolts and thread to feed thru the top of the scope into the bar mounting the guide camera and DSLR


And this one came in upside down...

[Mac]

This is what I ended up with based on Kathy's suggestion. It balances very well with the DSLR move as close to center as possible.

I am going to need a very small counter-balance weight while using the DSLR and an AP camera at the end of the scope. With the diagonal and eye-piece is need maybe 6 oz more counterweight.

[Lady Fraktor]

Scopestuff makes/ sells 16oz weights that thread into the end of the counterweight shaft where the toe saver cap goes normally.
These work very well as 16oz/ 1lb that far out lets you move your other counterweights a bit higher.

[Mac]

Scopestuff makes/ sells 16oz weights that thread into the end of the counterweight shaft where the toe saver cap goes normally.
These work very well as 16oz/ 1lb that far out lets you move your other counterweights a bit higher.

Thanks Lady Fraktur!

You anticipated my next question. Adding my zoom lens to the DSLR throws it over the edge. The eyepiece and diagonal are fairly heavy but would be replaced by a OSC AP camera. It's very close.

[yobbo89]

This is what I ended up with based on Kathy's suggestion. It balances very well with the DSLR move as close to center as possible.

I am going to need a very small counter-balance weight while using the DSLR and an AP camera at the end of the scope. With the diagonal and eye-piece is need maybe 6 oz more counterweight.



IMG_0845.jpg

IMG_0843.jpg

yep!, i like it!

[Lady Fraktor]

Scopestuff makes/ sells 16oz weights that thread into the end of the counterweight shaft where the toe saver cap goes normally.
These work very well as 16oz/ 1lb that far out lets you move your other counterweights a bit higher.

Thanks Lady Fraktur!

You anticipated my next question. Adding my zoom lens to the DSLR throws it over the edge. The eyepiece and diagonal are fairly heavy but would be replaced by a OSC AP camera. It's very close.

The 16oz weights are also stackable as they thread into each other. Very handy for things such as this.

[yobbo89]

lady, what is this new attire!, motor cross !?

[Lady Fraktor]

lady, what is this new attire!, motor cross !?

Track/ sport riding in case I go oops