3 Ways To Connect A Camera To A Beginner Telescope

In this video, I'll discuss three different methods for connecting a camera (or a camera phone) to a beginner telescope. (The telescope I'm using is the Omni 102 AZ, I really like this scope, and folks have been messaging me that it is on clearance at Costco in the USA for only $99, May of 2022).
110 Things to See with a Telescope:
www.amazon.com/110-Things-See...
50 Things to See with a Telescope - Kids:
www.amazon.com/50-Things-See-...
Software:
PIPP: sites.google.com/site/astropi...
Registax: www.astronomie.be/registax/
Lynkeos: lynkeos.sourceforge.io/
Gear:
Telescope: Celestron Omni 102 AZ (Costco, in store, not online [Price in the USA $99 May 2022)
1.25" Nosepiece - T-Thread
optcorp.com/products/zwo-1-25...
T-Ring for Canon EOS Camera
optcorp.com/products/orion-t-...
Extension Tube - 2-inch
optcorp.com/products/tpo-80mm...
Celestron NexImage 5 Solar System Imager
optcorp.com/products/celestro...
Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter
optcorp.com/products/celestro...
iOptron Universal Smartphone Eyepiece Adapter
optcorp.com/products/ioptron-...
TPO Camera T-Adapter - 1.25-inch
optcorp.com/products/tpo-came...

[@stuartriley]

Thank you for the newbie information on how to photograph the views from a telescope! I agree, this system makes it fun for my family and myself.

[@run2unow]

Excellent video. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@SUAZ64]

Thanks for making this video. I recently purchased a Celestron Omni 102 AZ at a thrift shop for $10.00, and have enjoyed using it. Now I want to capture images of what I'm seeing to share with friends. You've given me a lot of good info and ideas to start. Thank you!

[@LearnToStargaze]

$10? That wild. I used that scope last night with a big two inch eyepiece. It’s a crowd pleaser!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Quite nice. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@hck3r199]

wow!!! this is so great!!!

[@ericjarvie]

Unbelievable imagery of Saturn and from an simple mobile phone...excellent advice and tips too thanks an lot buddy ..!!

[@dougsbir]

great work thankyou

[@SimulateReality]

Thank you so much, helpful

[@omicron296]

Thanks!

[@researchofufos1205]

Excellent explanations! Beginners Video’s! 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ G0D BLESSED!

[@Harutjun]

great video thanks

[@rubymoonbeams]

Thanks for this! Been looking for a recommendation on extraction software for Mac. And I agree, bird feeders do make life better :)

[@LearnToStargaze]

You’re welcome!

[@Teeeeeeeeeeeeem]

I’ve used lynkeos with a simple 70-200mm telephoto lens on my DSLR to take pictures of the moon and it works amazingly!!! I’m sure these methods with a simple phone camera work just as well

[@nsaudio7692]

Thanks so much

[@dutraisrael]

Thank you, my friend!

[@LearnToStargaze]

You’re welcome!

[@colinbacon1738]

thank you for a well explained video for taking photographs and using a stacking program, as a 64 year old newbe i have found this a easy to understand video. many thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

You’re most welcome!

[@TheYoungOne54]

Hello! I wasnt able to use the eyepiece to focus my camera... so I just put my camera inside my focus bar thing it worked quite well! sadly I only have the Canon EOS 350D and 60AZ but it works well. 👍

[@PuggxePlxyzLOVESpugs]

Looks amazing! Thank you for the instruction, I've been looking for a detailed guide like this. One question I do have is regarding the Eyepiece Projection adapter you used, which is unfortunately no longer available for sale. Do you have any other recommendations?

[@kevinswanson3910]

We were out last night and the moon was awsome ,I got the wow from them

[@Sergio-pb5bb]

I find your videos very educational and helpful thank you. What Dslr are you using in this video? And the jacket does look pretty cool…

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s an old T3i

[@nikandbdog]

Great video as always. I am having hard time pulling focus on my 102mm refractor and Canon M50.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks! You need a focal extender to get enough back focus.

[@nikandbdog]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks. I am cruising Amazon now looking for one.

[@joet3420]

John I love your videos. They are entertaining & informative. Is it possible you can do a reviews of all these new Telescopes popping lately like Boblov, Scopex, ABOTEC, Yiruhe, Gladfoam & Hexeum. They all look like the same Telescope. Are they any good?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, those are all the same telescope. There are only a few telescopes under $300, they go by dozens of different brands. See my review of the Celestron travel scope, that pretty much covers all of those brands.

[@joet3420]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you John! I'll definitely watch that review.

[@JeffFishman]

Yes, thank you for a fun, informative video. Have lots of telescope gear and got a Canon T7i. So, guess i need t-ring, t-adapter, and 2” prime focuser. ? Question - is it better to take the diagonal off the refractor? Or can i leave it on?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sometimes you need the diagonal on to achieve focus. But it’s probably better to take it off for focusing.

[@knightphox]

Thanks for this. What contributes to the lack of sharpness and chromatic aberrations? What can I do to get the same quality I get from my camera lens?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Simplistic low cost lens design. A telescope designed to take pictures costs 10 times as much as a similar sized beginner telescope. A good example of a (nice) basic imaging telescope is the Radian Raptor.

[@evgenianikova7191]

Thank you so much for this video!What type of Barrlow lens do you use?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I have a generic 2x 1.25inch Barlow and a generic 2x 2inch Barlow.

[@austinsherwood7188]

Hey John! I’ve recently wanted to get into this hobby and have been looking into getting the Orion xt6 as a starter telescope. Man the prices are high compared to your video about 8 months you did on it. Did the prices start getting to where they are now 3 years ago from Covid or has there been a recent spike? I’ve found a semi local used one for 450 and new is around 500 and that’s all I’ve found.

[@austinsherwood7188]

Sorry, my comment with the pricing is not aligned at all!! Just trying to find the reason why prices are high and if they’ll come down sooner than later

[@LearnToStargaze]

Prices have been steadily creeping up over the past two years. You may find a good used one on B&H photo’s website.

[@austinsherwood7188]

@@LearnToStargaze I’ll check it out! Appreciate it.

[@konserv]

Thank you, that was pretty helpful. How about heavy cameras? My DSLR is pretty heavy (body is 1.22 kg). It's Full frame Nikon D3X. Is it ok to put such a heavy camera on such tiny rings, adapters, etc? Also the telescope with eyepiece is pretty balanced, I can unscrew all holding screws and move it with a finger. Camera will shift the weight and, maybe, I need to put stick some counterweight to the front of the telescope? I have a Meade Infinity 70. That's pretty basic refractor with a fork azimuthal mount.

[@LearnToStargaze]

With heavier gear you might want to get a longer vixen dovetail plate to slide the telescope forward. These cost about $30 on Amazon.

[@MGOOD-py2xe]

In fact, this channel and the explanations in it made me love astronomy, photography and telescopes because the explanation is professional and names the necessary and required pieces and shows them to the viewers, so I give a lot of thanks to the professor💐🙂

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback!!!!

[@samhurley6161]

@@LearnToStargaze G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@judgesteve6798]

I've been doing some astrophotography (constellations/milky way) with a Nikon DX DSLR (D7500, so fairly heavy). As an anniversary gift I've given my wife the Celestron 102AZ Astromaster telescope. We have our first star gazing party with our local astronomy group tomorrow and she is looking forward to viewing with it. I must admit to thinking ahead on something closer to deep space (well, not very deep) photography. Of your 3 methods, which is preferable? I could not really discern what is best for the price (given that if I bought the astrophotography camera setup you showed, I would not have to worry about buying any more anniversary presents). If it makes any difference, current phone is IPhone 12 PRO. Thanks! Steve

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! This really depends on the specific deep sky targets you’re look for. The target determines the focal length and tracking required. For example, the North Americ Nebula is best at focal lengths between 200 and 300, and requires an EQ mount that can track for several minutes.

[@user-ze5uz9oe7c]

Hello, I've got another question to ask. so I've got a Heritage 130p, and I hate the focuser that comes with it. how can I fix it, or do I need to buy another normal focuser? Thanks for the answer you gave me earlier, buying a 2x Barlow actually helped me to focus my photo camera.

[@LearnToStargaze]

You may need to pick up a normal focuser, though you’ll have to do some serious research to find the right one for that telescope.

[@FlyingOstrich]

Nice jacket!!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@Kira28720]

yeah very cool jacket

[@adityasandhu3248]

Hey Stargaze, I got a question. Out of both Celestron 21079 and Celestron PowerSeeker 70EQ (without other cameras or etc) which do you prefer? Because I am soon to buy one, but can't make my mind up. I got a budget of up to 300(CAD) and would like to take pictures of the moon, planets, maybe a few galaxies, and more. If not out of these 2, suggest me another one. Thanks

[@adityasandhu3248]

also forgot, I cant buy any camera or accessory for the telescope. Maybe the book you say I could, but my mom wont allow anything else

[@LearnToStargaze]

Neither of those telescope are very good. For photos of galaxies, you really want to start with a budget of around $3000-$4000. Suggest you start with stargazing and move to astrophotography after a few years. Telescope recommendation: used 6 inch Dobsonian.

[@adityasandhu3248]

@Frank hey frank, thanks for asking. So far I have not bought any telescope talking to my mom for a while she all of a sudden boosted the budget to 1k(Cad). So with that I have decided to get a 8inch dob with 4 or 5 accessories. Next Im trying to buy a astrophotography set/rig, my dad is helping me out with that and that costs about 1.5k around. My mom promised me so im good but dads is not so sure but I might work during the summer and buy it my self. Again thanks for asking and if you would like I can give a update whenever I get any of them. :)

[@adityasandhu3248]

@Frank Hey Frank, I remember seeing the 76eq as a option which wasnt bad but glad to see a better budget because both of us know viewing and espically astrophotography are expensive even for some alright type images/viewing. But I do indeed hope you can upgrade your own telescope and persue more in astronomy. I know a decent amount for astrophotography. Like the basic parts but theres some which I dont understand but as time comes and I get closer to my own set I will for sure understand almost everything. The dobsonian I am getting is a decently big telescope but there are tabletop ones which are good for the price but the best for deep sky objects. I personally would like to oberseve anything but mainly Orion Nubeula, the ring nebula, andromeda galaxy and saturn and jupiter or basically anything best at the night during that day. Light pollution is questionable, other then cars and street lamps I say im fine but then pollution comes in the way because I live close to a busy road. Just saying if you would like to buy a telescope or astrophotography set i can help you just let me know. I can teach you the basics and help you buy from your own wantings and I can send you links to websites or youtube videos. telescopestobuy.com/ (check it out for now, it can help)

[@Hohoho2047]

May I ask how to insert a magnifying lens into the camera adaptor please

[@LearnToStargaze]

You just tighten the knob connecting the adapter to the eyepiece.

[@m__two9829]

I have a canon t100 and I'm wondering if it is good enough for taking pictures with a telescope. I also have a celestron astromaster 90eq telescope atm but I want to upgrade to something for deepspace. would a budget of $1000 be enough of a upgrade or should I wait?

[@LearnToStargaze]

You should probably wait. See my video “starting big with a small scope” where I put together a very basic deep sky imaging rig for about $3000. I started with a DSLR, but my results weren’t great.

[@m__two9829]

@@LearnToStargaze thanks, I will check it out!

[@koraymemmi8550]

Well thank you good sir for those "for dummies" informations.

[@Kira28720]

hi john I was thinking to start in the world of astronomy through binoculars but I am on budget so I was thinking about celestron cometron 7x50 or g2 up-close 10x50 they have got cheap BK-7 prism so which one should I go for both are costing same around 5000 Indian rupees (83 cad)

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! Both of these are probably fine. The 7x50 will provide lower magnification which makes for steadier viewing. Most important thing will be to find dark skies.

[@Kira28720]

@@LearnToStargaze the bad thing is that I cannot travel to dark skies because I am just 14 and studying in class 9th . my location is bortle 7 on light pollution map .personally I like the 7x50.

[@diegopendinorodriguez4829]

Do you need crop the sensor? Using that adapter... I ask you for use EOS canon camera.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I assume a full frame would work just as well with a similar adapter. EOS works just fine.

[@darksanity]

Hello, I'm hoping you can help me out here, I just got the Celestron omni az 102 for my birthday, which I am extremely excited about, I understand it is a starting telescope, but I would like to understand if there are some accessories that would be worth purchasing, for example a 2x Barlow lens. I would really like to be able to get a bit closer zoomed in on planets etc, would really appreciate the tips! If you ever plan on doing more tips etc on a video, using the Celestron omni az 102 would be super helpful 🙂❤️

[@LearnToStargaze]

Did you watch my video on the 102AZ?

[@darksanity]

@@LearnToStargaze I did, unless there's a different one, I watched this one and the one previously where you unboxed it

[@darksanity]

Maybe I need to rewatch it 🙂

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@darksanity For planets, I would skip the barlow, and save up for a 5mm Celestron X-Cel LX. But if you're on a budget, there are Svbony barlows on Amazon for about $20 to get you a bit more magnification on the planets. (Really just Jupiter and Venus right now, Mars will look like a red dot in that telescope these days at any magnification).

[@LearnToStargaze]

Congrats on the Birthday Telescope by the way!

[@YoMoma777]

Hello, just tried shooting pictures through my Nikon D5500 using prime focus. But I could never get a picture to come up on my screen. Also said “Lens not attached.” Is there a setting in the camera to make the touch screen show what your looking at?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’ve never used a Nikon. I bet the answer is somewhere on Google.

[@theamateur8562]

So i can still use my clip in filters when switching from lenses to telescopes?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I assume so.

[@AllenKeithKochovski]

Hi my name is Allen I have a question can you buy a camera lense to connect my android phone i have a celestron telescope with a svbonyi105 that comes with plugs to plug to the laptop is there another camera that has a port built in to plug in a andriod plug thank you.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hello. I don’t know the answer to your question.

[@fredaw61]

Hey I need help with a tripod for my StarSense Explorer 80AZ LT. The tripod is horrible. I bought it for a good price to steel the StarSense for my 8” Dob. I tried to view Jupiter with a 13mm Nagler eyepiece and a 2X Barlow. Trying to focus and the planet was wiggling all over and I was barely touching the knob. I had a 10 pound weight on the eyepiece tray.. With the StarSense on the dock and pointing to the zenith the scope would drop even with all the knobs tight. And you couldn’t see the bands on Jupiter. Is there any hope for this 80mm. This why I wish I had that 5DX for planets.

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s a rod and yoke mount, I’m not sure there is any hope.

[@fredaw61]

@@LearnToStargaze You mean any hope for the one it’s on? And is there a mount you could suggest? I was looking at the Orion VersaGo E-Series Altazimuth mount and tripod as an alternative if you think that may be more stable.

[@ameya_chitre]

First of all thank you for a very "basic" video for beginners. I own a 90D and have done moon photography using a 100-400MM lens. But you are still cropping pretty heavily unless it is a full moon and fairly low on the horizon. I want to start exploring astro photography. I am thinking of starting with the set up you have described in this video. I have two questions (and I apologize if these are stupid): 1. Can the set up you have described in this video (telescope + DSLR) be used for photographing airplanes flying at cruise? Lots fly over where I live and I would love photographing close ups of aircraft crossing the moon. 2. Can a "beginner" astrophotography telescope be also used as a viewing telescope? I am trying to balance cost with what I will realistically get out of it. Thank you in advance!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! Yes, this is a great setup for airplanes crossing the Moon. I think most folks use video mode for that. To answer question number 2, that depends on your budget, a typically seasoned astrophotographer probably has a $10,000 setup. Beginner deep-sky astrophotographers typically start with a low aperture “APO” telescope, with a setup costing around $3,000 (with the telescope itself costing about $1000). I’ve definitely taken imaging scopes and used them for visual as well. You can see these conversions in my Sharpstar 61 video and my Evolux 82 video. It’s not common to do this, since the two hobbies (stargazing and photography) are quite different.

[@ameya_chitre]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks for responding! Yes I am beginning to understand the difference as I read more. One last question, is there any particular telescope you recommend for the basic set up shown in this video for DSLR?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@ameya_chitre hi! It helps to have a two inch focuser and a sturdy mount. The skywatcher 102 is pretty good in this regard. A proper beginner scope for attaching a camera would be the Evolux 82, or Askar 103, these would require the mount purchased separately (such as the Star Adventurer GTi for the Evolux for example).

[@ameya_chitre]

@@LearnToStargaze Thank you! I just saw your video for the two of them and that helps a lot to understand telescopes. Might go with the Skywatcher to begin with.

[@HaightNetwork]

"I'm a Marine Corps Pilot." OohRah!!!

[@sirmikemurray]

so am i right in thinking i would only need a body only dslr camera

[@LearnToStargaze]

Correct. B&H photo often has them used at incredible prices.

[@user-ze5uz9oe7c]

Hi, I've got a problem. I just bought a svony T-adapter with extender for my Canon D2000 and sky-watcher heritage 130p, when I use first method, I can't focus the camera, with third method and 25mm eyepiece I also can't focus it with 10mm eyepiece it just gives me a black picture without anything, help me!

[@LearnToStargaze]

You probably need a 2x Barlow to reach focus.

[@user-ze5uz9oe7c]

@@LearnToStargaze alright, thanks

[@user-ze5uz9oe7c]

Hello, I've got another question to ask. so I've got a Heritage 130p, and I hate the focuser that comes with it. how can I fix it, or do I need to buy another normal focuser? Thanks for the answer you gave me earlier, buying a 2x Barlow actually helped me to focus my photo camera.

[@Mrbalouch389]

I have Nikon D40

[@semacou4218]

What do you consider the best metod in realation with how much it cost

[@LearnToStargaze]

Depends what you want to photograph.

[@semacou4218]

I am a beginner so mostly the moon and some planets

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@semacou4218 in that case, just an iPhone and NeXYZ.

[@semacou4218]

Ok tank you

[@MountainFisher]

I can't attach my Canon Power Shot 180 because the lens pops in and out. I haven't seen an adapter for that.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That would require afocal projection.

[@MountainFisher]

@@LearnToStargaze In other words I should just find a used dslr or a telescope camera?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@MountainFisher or a phone. Although an old DSLR body like this would do just fine: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802453921-USE/canon_2756b001_eos_rebel_xsi_digital.html

[@MountainFisher]

@@LearnToStargaze I don't even know what an afocal projection is.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@MountainFisher it’s an entire section of this video. It’s when we replace your eye with a camera. No other adapters.

[@hmuphilly9129]

imagine your ATC, and you hear a pilot rambling about how to use a telescope on coms XDDDD Great vid John, so im guessing attaching a smart phone is not the beginner step to astrophotography then.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Smart phone is generally how people start with moon and planet images.

[@hmuphilly9129]

what about a few messier objects? or Nada possible @@LearnToStargaze

[@LearnToStargaze]

You can get technically see the messier objects in your smart phone images, but you won’t be impressing anyone with them. The sensors are way too small.

[@Hammerdak]

August 2022…. The Lynkeos software doesn’t work on a Mac. I got the message that the software needs to be updated.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Good to know, I’ll give it a test today

[@mikefisher8531]

If you're getting the message about Apple not opening it because it can't check the security, there's a way to open it. Don't directly double-click it. Instead, hold the control key and single click it. It will give you the option to force it open. Then you should be able to move forward from there.

[@diegopendinorodriguez4829]

EOS 6D AND EOS R.

[@hornet224]

The thing about astrophotography is that you must wait hours or even days later to process the image before you can see it. It is a processed copy. Whereas visual astronomy is real time. The effect of seeing the object live in real time has a more connected experience.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I do live stacking, and process the images on my phone. I usually take 2 hours of exposures per target. But I have no patience for waiting to process, I always do it within minutes of capturing the data.

[@Mrbalouch389]

#sir My camera show now lens

[@jefflaw1764]

It took A moment but I see now.Its not "Star gazing". Its "Star-GAY-Z I N GGGG"

[@LearnToStargaze]

Wait, why?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Is that a Kenny Loggins reference?