K-Tec

Laser Finder

  • Paul-Byrne
  • Paul-Byrne's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Main Sequence
  • Main Sequence
  • Posts: 161
  • Thank you received: 9

Laser Finder was created by Paul-Byrne

Hi all

When doing some DSLR photography, I soon realised that I needed some kind of finder scope for more accuracy, randomly pointing the camera to a region of the sky was not ideal as I could easily miss my target.  I had an RDF, but no way to attach it to the cameras hot shoe.  I saw one on 365 Astronomy, but they do not ship outside the UK for less than £200, nice.  Astroshop.eu do not have them in stock until February 2022.  Omegon has a finder scope and adapter, but at €64, this was a bit steep.
I have a laser pointer and I was wondering about using this, but the problem was how to attach it to the camera.  Searching around the web I came across an item from a well known company named after a South American river, not the Orinoco, that is designed to hold a small microphone, it was only €12 so I ordered one.


It uses rubber bands to hold the microphone, or in this case, the laser, in place.

File Attachment:
DSC01363 by pbyrne1965 , on Flickr

It attaches to the hot shoe via a knurled ring and it remains tight.  There is the capability to change the angle, handy for accurate alignment.

File Attachment:
DSC01364 by pbyrne1965 , on Flickr

With the laser attached, it looks like it will do the job, I just need to get some decent weather to test it.

Paul
The following user(s) said Thank You: Until_then-Goodnight!
1 year 5 months ago #110651

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Paul-Byrne
  • Paul-Byrne's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • Main Sequence
  • Main Sequence
  • Posts: 161
  • Thank you received: 9

Replied by Paul-Byrne on topic Laser Finder

Here's an image of the laser attached.

File Attachment:
DSC01365 by pbyrne1965 , on Flickr

The rubber bands have a little flexibility, as expected, though not too bad, so I will look at stiffening them up somehow.

Paul
The following user(s) said Thank You: michael_murphy, flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!
1 year 5 months ago #110652

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Until_then-Goodnight!
  • Until_then-Goodnight!'s Avatar
  • Offline
  • Super Giant
  • Super Giant
  • Posts: 1089
  • Thank you received: 12

Replied by Until_then-Goodnight! on topic Laser Finder

That's brilliant Paul. 

I'm sure you've tried this already, but just in case....Those little elasticated bands can pulled fairly tight by placing them in other positions in the cradle. While it works for holding mics nice and steady, the barrel of the laser may be too narrow to get the benefit from it though. Just thought I'd mention to you.

Clear skies,

Darren.



 
1 year 5 months ago #110654

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Time to create page: 0.041 seconds
Powered by Kunena Forum