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.

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.

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

Here's an image of the laser attached.

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

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.