Author: Anthony Grimshaw

Camera on Tripod
Using a simple camera capable of exposures of up to 30 seconds on a fixed tripod can result in some stunning images.
The image on top is a series of exposures combined using free software called Star Trails http://www.startrails.de/html/software.html
The image on the right was taken with a 300mm f4 lens on a DSLR set to ISO 12500 on a tripod with no guiding.

Piggyback Camera
By connecting your camera to a Telescope as pictured you can take much longer exposures unguided. Depending on the length of your lens you could easily get 120 second exposures.

Afocal Coupling
Afocal Couplings allow you to image through an eye piece, this allows you to image bright objects at high magnifications easily such as the moon.

Eyepiece Projection
Using a camera without the lens attached. By using a T Adaptor and eyepiece adaptor you can project the image onto the imaging chip.

Prime Focus
The most commonly used connection method is Prime focus. This is performed by connecting the camera directly to the telescope without any other optical devices in the image train (such as an eyepiece). It is used as it provides the most robust and stable connection to the telescope.
What's required for prime focus is a T Ring made for your model of camera (e.g. Canon or Nikon). A T Adaptor or nose piece that screws into the T Ring.
The thread of the T Ring allows a range of connector types to be used to assist in establishing the correct focus and a flat field.

Additional Notes
Start by imaging at shorter focal lengths and progress your way to longer focal lengths (start with the camera lens or a short refractor).
When your ready invest in a good mount, this is key to getting good images, the better the mount the longer your exposures can be.
Autoguiding will become important when you progress into Astro photography.
Always make sure your connections are rigid and secure.
DSLR’s use a T Adaptor (speak to Peter) to enable them to connect to a telescope.
Ask ots of questions and share your experience with others.
Understand the difference between Alt-Az and Equatorial mounts and the limitations of Alt-Az mounts for long exposure imaging.