Re: [APML]: Beginner w/piggyback question

[joneil@obs.empath.on.ca (Joseph O'Neil)]

James Funkhouser <jdfunkhouser@halnet.com> writes:
> 
>  I want to spend some time with piggyback photography before I try
> to move into things more difficult.  I have all of the hardware I
> need, but here's my (probably silly) question:  If I put my camera
> onto the piggyback rail on my C5+, there is no way for me to adjust the 
> tilt of the camera.  That is, I would like to be able to rotate the
> camera in order to frame my shot a particular way.  Is there any sort
> of adapter that will allow this, or should I just quit worrying about
> it?

Hi James;
   I have seen the C5+.  Couple of things.

   Witht he single fork arm, as opposed to the older modles that had twin 
fork arms, I beleive the new C5+ suffers at times from lack of stability. 
 just from the ones own by frineds that I have used, I would personally 
not add any more weight than I had to.

        You could go out, get a plate made that attached to the piggy 
back mount, and then buy a good ball head mount - such as a Manfrotto 
head - and do it that way, but I beleive it would off balance the C5+ too 
much and degrage your tracking terribly.

   Another bit of advice.  When piggybacking, even if it is just a 50mm 
lens, I suggest yo guide the shot.  it does make a difference, even for a 
50mm lens.  It is that little bit of difference between a good and a 
great shot.

  use the C5 itself as the guide scope.  if you do not have a guiding 
eyepiece, centre on a bright star in the field you are shooting, and use 
a high power eyepeice - something under 10mm, and just use the hand 
controller to try and keep your guide star int he middle of the field.  
Simple, but not easy.

   I suggest you try two pictures, identical exposure times, same spot in 
the sky.  Guide one picture, and leave the other unguided.  I think you 
will see a difference, all things being equal.
joe