Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying ...

252 Star Ware
Photographic Tripods
If you will be affixing your camera to a tripod (as opposed to shooting through
a telescope), then pay close attention to the tripod you will be using. Many lessexpensive
tripods sold in department stores and other mass-market outlets are
just not sturdy enough to support a camera steadily for any length of time. If
the tripod is shaky, then the photographs will be hopelessly blurred. It makes
no sense mounting a camera outfit costing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars
on a cheap tripod!
Here are a few things to look for when purchasing a camera tripod. First,
the legs should be extendable so that the camera may be raised to a comfortable
height. Make certain, however, that the tripod remains steady when fully
extended. Sturdier models feature braces that bridge the gap between the tripod’s
legs and the center elevator post. Next, take a look at the footpads. Better
tripods have convertible pads that feature both a rubber pad for use on a solid
surface as well as a spike for softer surfaces like grass or dirt. (A tip: When
using a tripod on sand, place a plastic coffee can lid under each foot for added
rigidity.)
Of all the tripods made, most photographers agree that the sturdiest are
manufactured in Italy by Manfrotto and marketed in the United States under
the Bogen name. For instance, the Bogen model 3036 is sturdy enough to hold
a 4-inch refractor even with its legs fully extended; lesser tripods would collapse
under such a load. Other brands worth considering are Tiltall, Star-D,
Velbon, Vivitar and Slik.
Camera-to-Telescope Adapters
For prime-focus photography, the most common way to affix a camera to a
telescope is a two-piece T-ring / adapter combination. The T-ring attaches to
the camera in place of its lens, while an adapter attaches to the telescope. The
ends of the adapter and T-ring are then screwed together to form a single unit.
Different cameras require different T-rings. For instance, a T-ring for a
Minolta will not fit a Canon. Likewise, different adapters are required for different
telescopes. In the case of most catadioptric telescopes, an adapter called
a T-adapter screws onto the back of the instrument in place of the visual back
that holds the star diagonal and the eyepiece. Most refractors and reflectors,
on the other hand, use a different item called a universal camera adapter, which
is inserted into the eyepiece holder.
Positive-projection astrophotography, commonly used when shooting the
planets or lunar close-ups, requires that an eyepiece be inserted between the
lensless camera and the telescope. Most camera adapters, such as the one
shown in Figure 7.8, come with an extension tube for this purpose. The eyepiece
is inserted into the tube, and the tube is then screwed in between the
adapter and T-ring.
Celestron, Meade, Questar, and some other telescope manufacturers offer
camera adapters that custom-fit onto their telescopes. Aftermarket brands,
often less expensive, are also available. For instance, Orion Telescope Center
sells several different adapters to fit most popular telescopes. None are supplied