Camera Mount for Bushnell Northstar 8831

effinay · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

I got a Bushnell Northstar 8831 for Christmas. I'd like to attach to it my Nikon D40 DSLR camera. Nikons use an F mount... but all I see are T-rings.. I don't know what all that means. Can someone tell me what I need to get so that I can get the camera and telescope to play together nicely? Thanks in advance!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5022

Hi

Getting the camera attached to the scope is no problem. All you need is a t-adapter, such as the Meade 07356 and a t-ring for a Nikon 93402.

That's the good news. The bad news is that the Northstar mount is not suited for astrohphotgraphy. It does not 1) provide the equatorial tracking capability for long exposures 2) the computer will not track for the extended times need for long exposures and 3) the mount does not have the gearing or stability to handle the weight of an SLR. Lastly, astrophotography is a sophisticated and challenging form of photography which requires that you first know the basics of both telescope operation and astronomy. If this is your first telescope, use it to learn the basics, then move on to a more suitable scope when you are ready for astrophotography

For more on the basics on astrophotography, see my short article, Astrophotography in a nutshell
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Guest · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:55 pm Post subject:

I was worried about the weight... didn't know about the other 2 facts, though.

Since I'm not worried about deep space pictures at the moment, maybe I'll spend money instead on better lenses for the camera. Smile

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5022

Hi

Sorry about that, but trying to be up front with you. Unless you are willing to invest in a much more expensive scope, probably around $500, your money is better spent on other camera lenses.
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Guest · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

Not a problem! I appreciate the help!

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5022

You are very welcome.
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