How to Mount a Camera to a Telescope
Astrophotography is much easier today than it was three decades ago. Amateurs and experienced star-gazers can photograph stars, planets and swaths of the Milky Way by simply mounting a camera to the telescope as a tracking device. Basic astrophotography using the "piggyback" mounting method only takes a few pieces of special equipment before you're ready to start shooting.
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Things You'll Need
- Manual 35mm SLR camera or digital SLR
- Bracket
- "Piggyback" mount
- Screws (usually included with telescope)
- Tripod
Instructions
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1
Choose a mount. Select one that fits your budget and your telescope model. Celestron (celestron.com) telescopes and accessories sells quality telescopes, mounts and other accessories. Shop online or at the store where you bought your telescope.
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2
Prepare the camera. Load the film into the SLR manual camera and advance it to the first shot. For digital cameras, set the camera to a large F-stop or an "infinity" setting. Select the lens (or aperture) you want to use.
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3
Attach the camera to the telescope. Mount your manual or digital SLR camera to the outside of the telescope. Snap on the bracket to adhere the camera and telescope. Mount the camera on either the left or right side of the scope, depending on which side the fork, the two forked arms holding the optical tube in place, is located.
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4
Screw in place. For most mounts, the screws in the telescope's optical tube will fit the mounting bracket. Swivel the bracket to be sure you can change the viewing angle by hand.
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5
Secure the tripod into the metal mounting hole on the bottom of the camera. Use the "piggyback" method for two purposes: as a tracking mount and for additional guiding accuracy.
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Tips & Warnings
A three-point quick-release mount design allows removal and re-installation should you want to change the position.
Open the aperture for 10 minutes or longer for wide shots of constellations.
Ask the telescope or telescope accessory dealer to check to be sure the mount will fit your telescope make and model.
