How to connect ZWO Cameras to DSLR Lenses
Astrophotography offers a gateway to capturing the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky, but the journey often requires specialized equipment, necessitating some investment. If you already own camera lenses, there's a way to make the most of your existing lenses and explore wide-field astrophotography without having to purchase a telescope! By using adapters, you can seamlessly connect your ZWO camera to popular lenses from Canon, Nikon, and Sony, opening up a world of wide-field imaging possibilities.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of connecting your ZWO camera to your photo lenses, providing you with the tools and knowledge to start capturing stunning celestial images. Whether you're using Canon EF, Nikon F, or Sony E lenses, we have you covered. Let's dive into the steps and equipment needed to transform your standard photo lenses into powerful tools for astrophotography.
How to install a lens and ZWO camera on a mount
The first step is to securely install your camera along with your lens on a star tracker or mount. Here's how to get started:
Lens with a Foot
If your lens comes equipped with a foot, the process is straightforward. Simply attach the foot to your star tracker 1/4" mounting screw, or attach a dovetail plate to the foot if your mount features a Vixen or Losmandy style dovetail. This dovetail can then be easily mounted onto your star tracker or telescope mount, ensuring a stable and secure connection.
Lens without a Foot
For lenses that do not have a foot, you will need to use the ZWO holder ring. This specialized ring is designed to clasp securely around the body of your lens, providing a firm hold without risk to your equipment. The holder ring features a 1/4" threaded hole at the bottom, which is a common size for tripods and star tracker connections.
There are three holder rings available, select the one that matches the diameter of the outer body of your cooled ZWO camera:
Attach the holder ring to your star tracker using a 1/4" screw. If you are using a mount with a Vixen or Losmandy style saddle, you will need to attach a dovetail plate to the bottom of the ring to interface with the mount.
How to attach a ZWO camera to a lens
After securing your camera setup on the star tracker or mount, the next crucial step is connecting your ZWO camera to your chosen lens. This connection is made possible through specific adapters, tailored to fit Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony lenses. There are even filter drawers adapter available that allow you to easily insert and swap astrophotography filters to enhance your images! Let's break down the adapters needed for each type of lens, and if your camera is not listed in the possibilities below, please contact us to see if we can provide a custom solution for your setup.
Canon EF lenses
- Camera without filter wheel: EOS T2 Adapter or EOS 2" Filter Drawer Adapter
- Camera with 1.25", 31mm or 36mm filter wheel: EFW EOS Adapter
- Camera with 2" filter wheel: EFW2 EOS Adapter
Nikon F lenses
- Camera without filter wheel: Nikon T2 Adapter or Nikon 2" Filter Drawer Adapter
- Camera with 1.25", 31mm or 36mm filter wheel: EFW Nikon Adapter
Sony E lenses
- Camera without filter wheel: Sony E T2 Adapter
