Meade 50 AZ-T instruction manual Astrophotography, Optional Accessories

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ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

Your reflecting telescope can be used as a powerful astrophotographic lens with the addition of virtually any 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera body. The Basic Camera Adapter (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, this page) and T- Mount for your specific brand of SLR camera serve as the link between telescope and camera.

The Starfinder Equatorial Telescope design allows the user to take short exposure photographs of the Moon and planets using either prime-focus or eyepiece projection photographic techniques. Designed without slow-motion controls, the Starfinder is not capable of taking the long exposures required for deep-sky astrophotography. However, with the purchase of the optional Magellan II Computer Correction System (see OPTIONALACCESSORIES, page 12), which includes dual-axis drive correction capabilities, the ability to guide for longer exposures is much improved.

To mount a camera on the telescope:

1.Remove the standard lens from your camera and set it aside. (Remember: the telescope is the camera's lens.)

2.Attach the appropriate T-Mount to your 35mm SLR camera.

3.Thread the prime-focus section of the Basic Camera Adapter (optional) into the front of the T-Mount now attached to your camera (Fig. 15).

4.Remove the eyepiece from the focuser and insert the chrome barrel of the camera adapter into the focuser drawtube. (Re-balancing may be necessary.)

5.Focus the camera by looking through the camera viewfinder and turning the telescope's focuser knobs until the image is sharp.

Fig. 15: Prime-Focus Photography.

In the above configuration, the telescope is operating in the "prime-focus" or no-eyepiece photographic mode. When higher magnification is desired, such as during lunar and planetary photography, an eyepiece may be inserted into the Camera Adapter (Fig. 16) so that the image is projected through the eyepiece, onto the film plane. This is known as Eyepiece- Projection photography.

A few tips on astrophotography:

1.The telescope must be polar aligned, as discussed above.

2.The mount must be on a solid level surface.

3.Use a cable-operated shutter release. Touching the camera body to initiate shutter operations will almost certainly introduce undesirable vibrations.

Fig. 16: Eyepiece-Projection Photography.

4.Use "fast" films (high ASA ratings) to reduce exposure times.

5.Focus the image with extreme care. While observing the celestial object through the camera's viewfinder, turn the telescope's focus knob to achieve the sharpest possible focus.

6.Hold a piece of cardboard over the front of the telescope until the shutter has been locked open and all vibrations have had time to dampen out.

7.Bracket exposure times widely. Correct shutter speeds vary widely, depending on lighting conditions and the film used. Trial-and-error is the best way to determine the proper shutter speed in any given application.

8.Terrestrial photography through a telescope is sensitive to heat waves rising from the earth's surface. Long distance photography is best accomplished in the early morning hours, before the earth has had time to build up heat.

9.NEVER attempt to photograph (or observe) the Sun.

Astrophotography is an acquired skill; exercise patience and expect to waste a few rolls of film as you learn the techniques. The rewards of taking a quality astrophotograph, however, will make all your efforts worthwhile.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

A wide assortment of professional Meade accessories are available for the 16" Starfinder Equatorial Telescope.

Basic Camera Adapter: A Basic Camera Adapter is necessary for photography through a Starfinder Equatorial. An eyepiece can be inserted into the adapter and an enlarged image is projected onto the camera film plane.

Dust Cover: This snug-fitting vinyl dust cover protects optics from outside dust during storage of the telescope.

Eyepieces: Many additional eyepieces are available for higher and lower magnifications. All Meade Starfinder Equatorial telescopes accept standard 1.25" O.D. eyepieces as well as 2" O.D. eyepieces.

Meade Super Plössl (SP), Super Wide Angle (SWA), and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) Eyepieces in the standard American-size (1.25") barrel diameter (Fig. 9) or the 2" barrel size permit a wide range of magnifying powers with the telescope. Powers obtained with each eyepiece are as follows: