Camera Mounts

Attaching Cameras to Mounts and Telescopes

Whether the camera rides alongside a telescope, sits on a tracker, or looks through the telescope, the requirement is the same: no movement during the exposure.

• Ball heads: The usual way to aim a camera on a tracker. Rigidity varies enormously, and a head adequate for daytime photography often creeps under a long exposure.
• Dovetail-to-photo-thread adapters: Convert an astronomy dovetail to 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 so a camera can ride on a mount saddle directly.
• Piggyback mounts: Carry a camera and lens on top of a telescope's rings, sharing the mount's tracking for wide-field work alongside the main instrument.
• T-rings and prime focus adapters: Attach a camera body directly to the telescope with no lens, using the telescope itself as the lens.
• Counterweight considerations: A camera and lens on a tracker shifts the balance point, and heavier combinations need a counterweight to track well.
• Creep under load: Ball heads that hold in daylight can slowly slip under a two-minute exposure, which shows as trailed stars that look like tracking error.

Why Choose David Astro for Camera Mounts

Most tracker disappointments trace back to the head rather than the tracker.

• Head rigidity assessed: We will tell you when your existing photographic ball head is likely to creep under a long exposure, which is the most common cause of trailed stars on trackers.
• Thread standards identified: Photographic and astronomical standards differ, and we specify the exact adapter rather than leaving you to work it out.
• Payload totalled: Camera, lens and head together often exceed what people estimate, and we check against the tracker's rating.
• Authorized dealer: Genuine hardware with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
• Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Camera Mounts in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my stars trail even with a tracker?

Very often the ball head is creeping under the load rather than the tracker mistracking. A head rated for daytime use can slip slowly over a two-minute exposure without any obvious movement.

Can I piggyback a camera on my telescope?

Yes, with a piggyback bracket on the tube rings. It is an efficient way to capture wide-field data while the main telescope works on a smaller target.

What thread does my mount use?

Astronomy mounts use dovetails; photographic hardware uses 1/4-20 or 3/8-16. Adapters bridge them. Tell us both sides and we will identify the part.

Do I need a counterweight on a tracker?

With heavier camera and lens combinations, yes. It reduces motor load and improves tracking consistency as the payload swings through the night.

Mounting a camera?

Tell us the camera, lens and what it attaches to and we will specify the parts. Full warranty, shipped from Canada.