Celestron 31058 User Manual download pdf (Page 45)

42 • Celestial Photography

Short exposure prime focus photography is the best way to begin recording

celestial objects. It is done with the camera attached to the telescope without

an eyepiece or camera lens in place. To attach your camera, you need the T-

adapter and a T-Ring for your specific camera (i.e., Minolta, Nikon, Pentax, etc.).

The G-8N focuser has a built-in T-adapter and is ready to accept a 35mm camera

body. The T-Ring replaces the 35mm SLR camera’s normal lens. Prime focus

photography allows you to capture the entire solar disk (if using the proper filter)

as well as the entire lunar disk. To attach your camera to your telescope:

1 Remove the eyepiece from the 1

" eyepiece holder.

2 Unthread the 1

" eyepiece holder from the focuser assembly. This will

expose the male thread of the built-in T-adapter.

3 Thread the T-ring onto the exposed T-adapter threads.

4 Mount your camera body onto the T-Ring the same as you would any other

lens.

With your camera attached to the telescope, you are ready for prime focus

photography. Start with an easy object like the Moon. Here’s how to do it:

1. Load your camera with film that has a moderate-to-fast speed (i.e., ISO

rating). Faster films are more desirable when the Moon is a crescent.

When the Moon is near full, and at its brightest, slower films are more

desirable. Here are some film recommendations:

• T-Max 100

• T-Max 400

• Any 100 to 400 ISO color slide film

• Fuji Super HG 400

2. Center the Moon in the field of your telescope.

3. Focus the telescope by turning the focus knob until the image is sharp.

4. Set the shutter speed to the appropriate setting (see table 6-1).

5. Trip the shutter using a cable release.

6. Advance the film and repeat the process.

Short Exposure PrimeShort Exposure Prime

Short Exposure Prime

FocusFocus

Focus

Table 6-1

Above is a listing of recommended exposure times when photographing the Moon at the

prime focus of your Celestron G-8N.

Lunar PhaseLunar Phase

Lunar Phase

ISO 50ISO 50

ISO 50

ISO 100ISO 100

ISO 100

ISO 200ISO 200

ISO 200

ISO 400ISO 400

ISO 400

CrescentCrescent

Crescent 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/15

QuarterQuarter

Quarter 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125

FullFull

Full 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250

1 2 ... 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 ... 59 60

Comments to this Manuals

No comments

Celestron 31058 User Manual Page 45

Comments to this Manuals

Related products and manuals for Optical devices Celestron 31058