Which CCD Camera Lens to use?

Mike,

Again, many thanks for your time & good advise, but once again you must forgive my ignorance.

While I'm waiting on the lens, I got to thinking how I was going to attach it physically to the scope? Of course I'll experiement with it as a standalone & get used to it.

The lens itself has a diameter of 57mm, can I attach this to the scope, or should the ccd camera be attached to the scope without the lens? via a T to C-mount converter ? if I attach the ccd directly, what can I expect in terms of magnification?

Cheers & Thanks again

Hi crouges
I would still recommend following steps 1 through to 8 in my last post as a simple stand alone system purely for experimentation. This will enable you to get use to your new camera and operations of the video capture software, it’s a simple way of ensuring everything works and you are obtaining live images on screen and that you can make recordings, you might even pick up some meteors on video if lucky .

Before connecting your new JAI camera to the telescope there are a few things you will need. You will need firstly a Meade “#64 T-Adapter” which threads onto the rear cell of your ETX. Next you will need an appropriate “T-Mount adapter”, in your case it will be a T-C mount adapter (as in C-mount for video cameras), I would also seriously consider purchasing a Meade Focal reducer such as the f6.3 for general astrophotography work. If in doubt consult your nearest Meade dealer for advice and purchasing.

Here is a link to free software that will allow you to determine your “Field Of View” using different cameras, pixel sizes, pixel arrays, telescope, etc, what works and indeed doesn’t work well with different combinations…
www.newastro.com/newastro/downloads/ccdCalcFree.htm

Clear skies
Mike

That's cool & groovy Mike, good advice all round, I'll do exactly that.
The systematic approach is always best, as there's seems alot in it.
I suppose I may be a little over egar.

I should have the lens over the coming days & all else is ready to go.
I'll purchase the other items asap. thansk for the heads up!

Thanks too for the various links, invaluable.
You have been an excellent help in my approach in this. Meteors eh?, nice one. I'll let you guys know how all this turn out, it'll take a bit of time, but It can only work out in the end. & I look forward to every minute of it.

Cheers,