Digital Camera Telescope Adapters

Last Updated: 4 February, 2002
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is correct to the best of my knowledge, but I do not guarantee that it is 100% free of errors. I will gladly correct mistakes that are brought to my attention, but I do not assume any liability for errors or omissions. Even when information is correct, because of unknown limitations, it may not be possible to get a good coupling with certain combinations of equipment (adapter/scope/camera) even if the equipment does satisfy the limitations identified below. Please verify requirements, compatibility, etc. for your specific equipment with appropriate vendors before making purchases, and ask about return policies as well.

New! This table below now includes links to a useful chart (courtesy of Gregory A. Pruden) that shows schematics of the coupling methods used by the various adapters. To see the schematic, click on the coupling type in the table and look for the appropriate number along the left side of the chart.

This page currently covers only commercially available adapters. A page discussing various approaches to home-grown adapters (made from off-the-shelf components, as well as made from scratch using parts available at places like home improvement stores) can be found here.

Notes

* In cases where a vendor has multiple dealers, you may have to try more than one. Often, not all of a vendor's dealers carry the full line of products from that vendor.
** Prices do not include shipping or taxes (if applicable).


Requirements

1. The Push-Fit Adapter has a 22mm thread for Nikon or similarly threaded digital cameras.
2. Push-Fit Adapter will fit an eyepiece with a 35mm O.D. top, and will also fit slightly smaller tops with provided shimming material.
3. Base price includes only adapter, which has standard T threads. A T-ring must also be purchased in order to interface your digital camera to this adapter. Furthermore, most cameras will also require a step up/down ring to mate the T-ring to the camera, also at an additional cost. These rings can cost $20-$30 each depending on which ones you need and where you get them. The bottom of this page includes a list of sources where you can find the kinds of T-rings and step up/down rings you will need.
4. Scopetronix also sells the Digi-T adapters bundled with specific adapters for specific cameras, which range in price from $59.95 - $99.95 depending on the camera. These bundles include the Digi-T adapter and the additional components you need to interface your camera to the adapter, so you don't need to buy the extra rings mentioned in requirement note 3. Check the Scopetronix web site for specifics regarding camera models.
5. For use with any camera that has a threaded lens barrel. Also can be used with some cameras for which a snap-on lens adapter is available, provided that the snap-on adapter can interface with a T-ring either alone or with an additional step up/down ring.
6. The Digi-T accommodates eyepieces that have a diameter at the top ranging from 1.22" and 1.26". Most (but not all) 1.25" eyepieces that have rubber eyeguards fall within that range with the eyeguard removed, but most other eyepieces do not.
7. The DEC series of TeleVue Adapters consists of a threaded ring that attaches to the groove of the top of the eyepieces. These rings are available in 28mm, 37mm or 49mm sizes depending on your camera. For these adapters you will not need a T-adapter, but if your camera does not have a lens barrel having one of these thread sizes, a step up/down ring will be needed, at additional cost, to get your camera to a thread size that can mate with one of the available threaded ring sizes for these adapters.
8. The DEC series of TeleVue Adapters is for use with the TeleVue 40mm and 32mm Plossls, 35mm and 27mm Panoptics, 22mm, 17mm, and 12mm Nagler Type 4, and the 31mm Nagler Type 5. Note: The first version of this adapter did not work with all of the eyepieces listed here, but was limited to only a few of them (the 35mm and 27mm Panoptics, and the 32mm and 40mm Plossls). Before purchasing this adapter, be sure to verify with the vendor that you are buying the later version which fits all of the eyepieces listed.
9. This type of adapter requires a standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting hole.
10. The SteadyPix and EZ-Pix adapters both come with two brackets, one for 1.25" eyepieces and one for 2" eyepieces. In some cases it may be possible to use the smaller bracket with .965" eyepieces depending on the dimensions of your eyepieces, but officially neither adapter is for use with .965" eyepieces.
11. The Uni-T will accommodate eyepieces with an outside diameter (not barrel diameter) between .25" and 1.5".
12. The Adaptaview U fits the following eyepieces TeleVue 32mm Plossl, 40mm Plossl, 55mm Plossl, all Nagler Type 2s and Type 4s, all Panoptics, and Radians, TeleVue Zoom, Vixen Zoom, and the Meade UWA-8.8mm and 14mm, SWA-24.5mm, 32mm, 40mm, and 56 Super Plossl eyepieces.
13. The DRA series of TeleVue Adapters includes the adapter and threaded ring, available in 28mm, 37mm or 49mm sizes depending on your camera. These rings are available in 28mm, 37mm or 49mm sizes depending on your camera. For these adapters you will not need a T-adapter, but if your camera does not have a lens barrel having one of these thread sizes, a step up/down ring will be needed, at additional cost, to get your camera to a thread size that can mate with one of the available threaded ring sizes for these adapters.
14. The DRA series of TeleVue Adapters is designed for the full TeleVue Radian line of eyepieces. These adapters have a 2" barrel and require a 2" focuser or diagonal.
15. As with other adapters, The Vixen DG-LV adapter requires an optional ring at additional cost to interface with the digital camera. It is not clear whether this is a standard T-adapter thread, or a non-standard one, so I am not sure whether the appropriate ring can be easily purchased or whether you must buy the "optional" DG ring from a Vixen dealer. Vixen sells three DG rings that provide an interface to 28mm, 37mm or 43mm lens barrel threads. An additional step up/down ring would be necessary to interface with other cameras.
16. The Vixen DG-LV adapter can be used with the following Vixen eyepieces: LV 2.5mm, LV 4mm, LV 5mm, LV 6mm, LV 7mm, LV 9mm, LV 10mm, LV 12mm, LV 15mm, LV 18mm, LV 20mm, LV 25mm and LV 40mm.
17. The DigAdapt fits any 1.25" eyepiece up to the following maximum dimensions: top diameter: 42mm, height of top portion of eyepiece: 49mm, overall length: 80mm.
18. The Adaptaview P fits the Pentax 40mm 2" eyepiece.
19. As with most adapter options, the Borg eyepiece adapters require separate components at additional cost to complete the camera-to-scope coupling. The eyepiece adapter will couple directly to certain helical focusers (standard on Borg scopes) but requires a scope adapter in other cases (see here for details). To couple the eyepiece adapter to the camera, camera-specific rings are available for some cameras, and a standard T-thread adapter ring (which generally requires yet another ring to couple to the camera) is available otherwise (see here for details). the base price includes only the adapter. Separate adapter rings are needed to couple the Borg eyepiece projection adapter to your camera. For certain camera models, Hutech Astronomical Products which sells this adapter also sells camera-specific adapter rings designed to couple this adapter directly to your camera
20. Accomodates 1.25" eyepieces that have a maximum diameter of less than 54mm, and a length between 34mm and 52mm.
21. The Universal Camera Adapter is for use with 1.25" eyepieces only.
22. The Coolpix Digital Camera Adapter is designed specifically for the Nikon Coolpix 995, 990, 950 line of cameras.
23. The Coolpix Digital Camera Adapter is itself a 1.25" 28mm eyepiece, and therefore cannot be used with any other eyepieces.
24. Which of the two prices listed will apply to you depends on which specific model of DigiMount you need. Eagle Eye Optics is located in the UK. Prices shown in dollars are approximate, as exchange rates do fluctuate.
25. When mounted directly to the camera lens barrel, the DigiMount mounts to the camera via standard 37mm threads (not standard T-adapter threads as with many other adapters). If your particular camera does not have 37mm lens threads, you will need a separate step up/down ring at additional cost. (The DigiMount can also be mounted via a tripod mounting hole instead lens barrel attachment using the CamMount plus DigiMount combination, which has a separate listing in the table above.)
26. There are 15 different sizes of DigiMounts, which cover nearly all eyepieces in the range of 25mm to 51mm. The outer diameter of the eyepiece determines which type you will need, so a given DigiMount adapter may or may not work with multiple eyepieces that you have, depending on their outer diameter. You can check the compatibility list on the Eagle Eye Optics web site, or email them dimensions of your eyepiece if it is not listed there.
27. The MaxView 40 is itself a 1.25" 40mm eyepiece, and therefore cannot be used with any other eyepieces.
28. The LE-Adapter mounts to the camera via standard 52mm or 37mm threads (not standard T-adapter threads as with many other adapters). If your particular camera does not have 52mm or 37mm lens threads, you will need a separate step up/down ring at additional cost. On some digital cameras, the lens is set slightly inside the camera body. In these cases a 37mm Haze Filter will also be necessary, also at additional cost.
29. The LE-Adapter will couple to eyepieces has an adjustable inner diameter which maximum diameter of 1 5/8" (43mm), and should fit most over most 1.25" eyepieces.
30. Accomodates 2" eyepieces that have a maximum diameter of less than 75mm, and a length between 48mm and 74mm.
31. The CamMount requires a standard threaded tripod mounting hole, and will only fit cameras where the distance from the center of the tripod hole to the front of the digital camera lens is 85mm or less.
32. The Uni-Adapt should clamp onto any eyepiece with an outside diameter (not barrel diameter) between 1" and 2". If the top of your eyepiece has an odd geometry (e.g. angled sides), check with one of the vendors before making a purchase.
33. The Universal Camera Mounting Adapters require a standard 1/4-20 tripod mounting hole.


Advantages

1. Among the least expensive options because extra components (T-ring or step up/down rings) are not required.
2. Among the less costly mounting options even including the additional rings that may be required.
3. Among the least expensive options because fewer extra components are required. Unlike many of the threaded coupling options, this series of adapters does not require a T-ring. Also does not require a step up/down ring for cameras with lens barrels having 28mm, 37mm or 49mm threads, but does require one for other sizes.
4. Inexpensive. One of the least expensive options among the commercial adapters when taking into account total cost, since most of the other options require additional coupling rings beyond the base price of the adapter.
5. Couples to the telescope via the tripod mounting hole, and therefore does not require a camera with a threaded lens barrel.
6. The Uni-T will accommodate a broad range of .965" and 1.25" eyepieces.
7. Useful for a range of non-standard-sized eyepieces.
8. The DigAdapt can be used with most standard 1.25" eyepieces.
9. The DigAdapt design is modeled after variable extenders for traditional astrophotography. Although some of the other threaded coupling adapters are designed for mounting a specific camera without the use of any additional rings, with any of the other threaded coupling solutions that require T-rings or step up/down rings, the distance from the camera to the eyepiece may vary depending on the height of the rings (which are not standardized). Getting just the right distance is critical, and variations from the ideal position can cause vignetting. Because the DigAdapt's extension is adjustable, this adapter provides most versatile of all the generalized solutions (meaning those which require additional rings rather than connecting directly to a specific camera).
10. The CoolPix Digital Camera Adapter has a fairly good price considering the adapter is itself an eyepiece.
11. The diameter of top of the eyepiece determines which adapter in the DigiMount line you will need. This is a good solution if all of your eyepieces have the same top diameters.
12. An integrated eyepiece/adapter that is good for achieving wide field views with little vignetting.
13. The LE-Adapter and Uni-Adapt are similar in basic approach. Because they have adjustable diameters, the single adapter will accommodate a broad range of eyepieces. Note that the two adapters have different diameter ranges (see the eyepiece requirements in the table).
14. The Borg eyepiece adapter is the most flexible of the options designed for 2" eyepieces.
15. Because the CamMount is used in conjunction with the DigiMount, if your camera has a barrel that fits securely into the DigiMount, the alignment of the camera with the optical path of the scope may be better than with the other tripod-hole-mounting options.
16. Can be used with a very broad range of eyepieces.
17. The Universal Camera Mounting Adapter comes with a black nylon cloth hood for preventing stray light from entering the camera lens from the sides.


Disadvantages

1. Special eyepiece requirements limit the set of eyepieces that can be used with this adapter. Given that most people own a set of eyepieces when purchasing a digital camera adapter, check the eyepiece requirements for this adapter against your equipment to determine whether this option makes sense for you.
2. This adapter hangs the weight of the camera from the eyepiece. Such adapters may be prone to alignment problems when there are other elements in the optical path in addition to the eyepiece (i.e. a Barlow or diagonal). In other words, you can have an eyepiece in a Barlow and center your target in the eyepiece, only to find that after you add your camera the target is no longer in the field of view because the weight of the camera has pulled the assembly downwards. The extent of this problem will vary depending on your particular equipment.
3. Moving the adapter from one eyepiece to another with the included hex key is time consuming and inconvenient, particularly when doing it in the dark.
4. This adapter is not mounted via a threaded coupling, achieving precise alignment can be very difficult. This option should really only be considered if a lack of a threaded lens barrel excludes the more direct coupling methods.
5. Unlike most adapters, the SteadyPix and the EZ-Pix adapter designs do not enclose the camera lens barrel. As a result, stray light is not prevented from entering the lens from the sides. Under any but the darkest observing conditions, it might be useful to jury-rig some kind of light shroud that extends between the camera and the focuser to cut off stray light.
6. The adjustable diameter that gives this the Uni-T flexibility with eyepiece diameters also makes alignment a bit more of a hassle. Although the T-threads handle the alignment between the adapter and the camera, the thumbscrews need to be tightened carefully to center the eyepiece in the adapter. This should be less of an issue with 1.25" eyepieces than for .965" eyepieces, as the 1.23" eyepieces will not leave much room for play inside this adapter.
7. The Adaptaview U can leave a large gap between the camera lens and the eyepiece lens, which can in turn cause significant vignetting. This adapter must be used with eyepieces that have good eye relieve to minimize this problem.
8. This adapter's dimensions limits the use of Barlows and some eyepieces with this adapter.
9. The Adaptaview P is a bit pricey for an adapter that is designed for one only particular eyepiece.
10. Because this is an integrated eyepiece and adapter, it offers only one focal length and cannot be used in conjunction with a variety of different eyepieces.
11. Designed specifically for just one line of digital cameras (the Nikon Coolpix 995, 990, 950 line).
12. The diameter of top of the eyepiece determines which adapter in the DigiMount line you will need. If the eyepiece types that you own vary in diameter, this is not a good generalized solution and several adapters will be needed.
13. An expensive solution, more-so if any additional rings are needed to interface with your camera.
14. If your camera does not have a barrel that fits securely into the DigiMount, this adapter will suffer from the same alignment problems as the EZ-Pix (see disadvantage d).
15. The Universal Camera Mounting Adapter is designed and dimensioned to be press-fit over the back of a standard SCT focuser. It will not work with non-standard SCTs or other types of scopes that have different focusers.


Sources for step up/down rings

A few places that carry rings and extenders geared specifically for people interested in attaching digital cameras to telescopes include Photosolve, CKCPower, and Scopetronix.

If all you need is a plain-old everyday step ring, you can't beat the selection at B&H Photo and Video. They have so hundreds of rings available... so many that the best way to find what you want is to use the search box rather than browsing. Searches should be of the form "41mm-49mm step-up ring" (without quotes) -- just substitute the diameters you need. Unlike most search engines, theirs recognizes the hyphens as characters so if you use spaces instead of the hyphens the search engine won't match any hits.


© 2001
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