11 replies to this topic

[Makobeast]

Hello

 

I was wondering if anyone knows a way to connect a Nikon DSLR to a ZWO AM5. I have an AM5 for my SCT, but been wanting to try larger objects with my Nikon DSLR and thought i could just keep using my AM5. I however do not find any accessories online that can directly mount the Nikon to an AM5. Does there not exist some kind of dovetail that screws onto Nikon camera's and can be clamped to the AM5? Thanks in advance

 

Clear Skies

[BlueMoon]

You could mount a Arca-Swiss clamp to a Vixen dovetail and then mount the dovetail on the AM5. https://photographyl...-release-system (You don't need the ball head). You then attach the Arca-Swiss plate to the bottom of your DSLR and it gets clamped in the Arca-Swiss clamp. Very secure and simple.

 

I use this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.c...16383217&sr=8-5

 

That's how I mount a Canon T3i to my AZMP alt/az mount. Works fine. Cheers.

Edited by BlueMoon, 22 May 2024 - 08:07 AM.

[wrvond]

https://www.amazon.c...d/dp/B0CNGYD41S

[Makobeast]

So would something like this combination work?

https://amzn.eu/d/6yeteoq
https://amzn.eu/d/bTOZuSS

[BlueMoon]

The Arca-Swiss would work (I have one of those as well) but I'd look for a Vixen dovetail that is flat on both sides. https://www.amazon.c...nics,235&sr=1-3

 

It doesn't have to be this exact one, but you can see the top side is flat and smooth.

 

As that Arca-Swiss clamp doesn't come with a camera mounting plate you would need to get one separately: https://www.amazon.c...nics,231&sr=1-1

 

A small detail. If you get a 70mm Arca-Swiss clamp, be sure to get a 70mm Arca-Swiss plate as well. There are different widths available. Cheers.

Edited by BlueMoon, 22 May 2024 - 09:35 AM.

[Makobeast]

The Arca-Swiss would work (I have one of those as well) but I'd look for a Vixen dovetail that is flat on both sides. https://www.amazon.c...nics,235&sr=1-3 As that clamp doesn't come with a mounting plate you would need to get one separately: https://www.amazon.c...nics,231&sr=1-1

 

It doesn't have to be this exact one, but you can see the top side is flat and smooth. Cheers.

Thank you for all the help!!

[fmendes]

Note that heavy lenses may cause some strain on the camera mount, and even cause the camera to unscrew from the dovetail. Very heavy lenses will have their own collar that can be attached to the dovetail bar. I'm more concerned about lens without a collar, being attached using the camera tripod threads. You didn't mention what lens you'll be using, but this is something to keep an eye on.

Edited by fmendes, 22 May 2024 - 09:47 AM.

[Makobeast]

The Arca-Swiss would work (I have one of those as well) but I'd look for a Vixen dovetail that is flat on both sides. https://www.amazon.c...nics,235&sr=1-3

 

It doesn't have to be this exact one, but you can see the top side is flat and smooth.

 

As that Arca-Swiss clamp doesn't come with a camera mounting plate you would need to get one separately: https://www.amazon.c...nics,231&sr=1-1

 

A small detail. If you get a 70mm Arca-Swiss clamp, be sure to get a 70mm Arca-Swiss plate as well. There are different widths available. Cheers.

I also found this online: https://www.amazon.c...B08KS2L39L&th=1

This seems to be everything in one, cheap, package or am i mistaken (I dont know a lot about all those connectors and how they work rogether)

[Makobeast]

Note that heavy lenses may cause some strain on the mount. Very heavy lenses will have their own collar that can be attached to the dovetail bar. I'm more concerned about lens without a collar, being attached using the camera tripod threads. You didn't mention what lens you'll be using, but this is something to keep an eye on.

I dont really plan on using big lenses. I will probably just stick to the kit lens (it weighs 450g) to do some casual wide field shots, untill i get myself a telescope with a shorter focal length like a redcat 51. but they have their own connection to the mount so should be no problem

Edited by Makobeast, 22 May 2024 - 09:50 AM.

[BlueMoon]

 

This seems to be everything in one, cheap, package or am i mistaken (I dont know a lot about all those connectors and how they work rogether)

Looks like it would work fine.

 

I've mounted my Canon T3i with 135mm lens by attaching the Arca-Swiss plate to the camera as well as using the plate with  a beast of a 300mm telephoto and the T3i using a mounting foot on the 300mm. No problems. In both cases take care to make sure the Arca-Swiss plate is attached firmly. The plates come with a D-ring for quick attachment. I'd suggest using a screwdriver to snug the plate down, don't over torque it, and you should be good to go. Cheers.

[jpengstrom]

I also found this online: https://www.amazon.c...B08KS2L39L&th=1

This seems to be everything in one, cheap, package or am i mistaken (I dont know a lot about all those connectors and how they work rogether)

That arca-swiss dovetail bar in that package won't mount on the AM5's saddle.  The AM5's saddle has a vixen and losmandy dovetail saddle, and the smaller of those two, the vixen, is still larger than arca-swiss.  You'll need something with a Vixen (or V-style) dovetail bar to put into the AM5's saddle.  Do you already have an arca-swiss connector on your DSLR?

[BlueMoon]

 

That arca-swiss dovetail bar in that package won't mount on the AM5's saddle.  The AM5's saddle has a vixen and losmandy dovetail saddle, and the smaller of those two, the vixen, is still larger than arca-swiss.  You'll need something with a Vixen (or V-style) dovetail bar to put into the AM5's saddle.

My bad. jpengstrom is correct. I thought it was a Vixen and that dovetail won't fit correctly.  A dovetail like I posted earlier would be the correct type. Cheers.