I think you're on the right track with the suggestion of a spotting scope... I'll have a look around, just a mo... OK :
I remembered olyinaz posting this incredible moonshot image with his scope
here.
Also, in searching there's another spotting scope example
here.
I'm sure there will be more out there - I'll keep an eye out for you. :smile:
This looks good... just a case of finding the right mounting adapter.
Some interesting advice lifted from
this discussion :
"I am going to give you somewhat different advice. First of all, digiscoping compatibility of different cameras with different scopes is very difficult to obtain. I have tried from both camera manufacturers and scope companies.
Although many people do it, I do not like to see a camera coupled to a scope by clamping to an eyepiece, nor clamps to a camera body or tripod mount. The coupling is just not accurate enough. Neither do I use screw thread attachments to a 1 1/4 eyepiece. This gives fixed distance between them with no adjustment to obtain the best field of view.
Instead of using a spotting scope, I suggest an optical tube with a 2 inch focuser. Orion telescopes has an ED Apochromatic f-7.5 for about $500, or an 80mm f-6.3 unit for about $700. The latter one is 15.5 inches long. These premium optical quality units both have 2 inch focusers that free you from having to use a company branded eyepiece and will accept standard 1 1/4 lenses and an angled image inverter. Typically a person gets the best optical quality with non-zoom lenses, whether it be a camera lens or an eyepiece.
Few cameras are of such a design to be easily usable for digiscoping. Typically such as camera has low zoom range (1-4s), a small lens system, and able produce premium photos on its own. One such camera that works very well is the Canon A-590. ( about $100) It also has a body bayonet mounting around the lens that attaches to a filter adapter, which in turn can be mounted to a 2 inch OD tube that fits the standard 2 inch focusers on premium telescopes. The eyepiece location can be made adjustable inside the tube. The Orion Expanse 20mm has a desired long eye-relief, large eye lens, and works quite well. Have also used the Orion Edge-On 17mm, which is a step up. Good luck. Gene Smith "
Now, if anyone can help to decipher what Gene is saying above? I'll try e-mailing him...
Cheers
Brian