Celestron 130 SLT

[johndoe1983]

Hey guys,

Newbie to this.... These questions are for Astronomy/Photography enthusiasts.

I bought a Celestron SLT 130 Telescope... but i have a couple different questions...

So, I alligned it using the software - works great... although, When i manually tune it to let's say a bright star in the sky... (or anything for that matter), it shows this circle right in the middle when viewing through the lense.

Any ideas what im actually doing wrong?

Secondly, Anyone have experience with connecting a Canon 760D (or any EOS for that matter) to a telescope?

I bought a 760D a while back, apparently - I have to buy a T-mount or something... but is it worthwhile? Anyone have experience with this?

Last but not least, what are the room conditions I should be using this telescope in? I put it on my balcony outside, but should all light around me be switched off (in other words, the bedroom which leads onto the balcony... should all light be switched off, or doesn't it really matter).

Thanks for your help in advance!

JD

 

[garyc]

Congratulations, that 130SLT is a good scope.

So, I alligned it using the software - works great... although, When i manually tune it to let's say a bright star in the sky... (or anything for that matter), it shows this circle right in the middle when viewing through the lense.

If the star image is showing one or more circles around it, then it may be a coma aberration. This would mean that your primary mirror needs to be collimated. This is normal for a new scope out of the box. There are a lot of tutorials you can search for if you are technically inclined, otherwise make contact with your nearest astronomical society for some help.

Secondly, Anyone have experience with connecting a Canon 760D (or any EOS for that matter) to a telescope?

You will need to get two things. Firstly a T-mount adaptor to go onto your camera (approximately R250), Secondly an eyepiece projection camera adaptor (approximately R350). This part screws onto the T-mount adapter and then plugs into the telescope eyepiece tube.

Last but not least, what are the room conditions I should be using this telescope in? I put it on my balcony outside, but should all light around me be switched off (in other words, the bedroom which leads onto the balcony... should all light be switched off, or doesn't it really matter).

The less light the better. This is not only for the telescope but also to let your own eyes adapt to the dark. Some of the serious types turn off the interior lights 20 minutes before observing to allow their eyes time to fully adapt.