Adapters for Digiscoping

Hi, I posted this on the birding forum, but thought that I would also seek input here. I'm looking for suggestions for the best way to connect a Nikon CP990 (28mm thread) to a variety of telescopes. The two basic options seem to be 1) connecting the camera to the eyepiece using something like the Scopetronix digiT adapter or a dedicated eyepiece like the Scopetronix 18mm or 2) using some sort of bracket - either homemade or like the Scopetronix EZPix - to hold the camera up to the eyepiece. Although option number one has the virtue of simplicity and possibly ease of use, I am concerned about focusing relying on the camera's LCD screen. Option two seems more cumbersome, but would allow first focusing the scope and then swinging the camera into position. It doesn't seem like just holding the camera against the eyepiece works very well, at least for me. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences and any suggestions. Thanks! Dave

Here ya' go Dave... direct from the Digital Astro egroup's FAQs page:

http://www.szykman.com/Astro/Adapters.html

The FAQs themselves can be found at:

http://www.szykman.com/Astro/AstroDigiCamFAQ.html

If you have removable rubber eyeguards on the EPs you'll be using, chances are you can use the 28mm TeleVue adapter as listed here, though you may need longer 6/32 capscrews if your EPs are smallish in diameter:

http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=&pid=3373&m=3

and installed as shown below.

These provide secure, close mounting so as to minimize vignetting AND chances of an "Oooops!"

Paul

Attached Image:

I'm not sure about Televue adapters, but from Paul's photo it appears that they work like the Takahashi adapter I use which is in two parts. One ring bolts to the eyepiece and the other screws into the filter threads of the camera lens. There are three set screws on the cmeralens part of the adapter which then bolt the camera/adapter part to the eyepiece/adapter part. This eliminates the need to use the LCD screen for focusing. First focus the eyepiece without the camera in place, then bolt it on with the camrea set at infinity and you're all set. Hope this helps and isn't too tediuosly obvious.

Hal Coward