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What magnification is my scope and camera at?

Started by Mark Van Tiem, 05/27/2006 12:09AM
Posted 05/27/2006 12:09AM Opening Post
I just started trying to take some birding pictures with the Prime Focus Methods. So right now I am only using my TV 85mm scope which has 600mm focal length with a 20D camera attached. So my how do I find out what magnification my camera is taking the picture at?
I also tried to use a TV 2.5x Power Mate in a Prime Focus shot. But I could not bring the scope and camera to focus. Do I Need to use a diagonal with the Power Mater to add some focal length?
Thanks For any help you can give me.
MarK
Posted 05/27/2006 01:47AM #1
When you are using a camera at prime focus with a telescope there is no specific "magnification". Comparing the size of the chip in the 20D camera with the field stop of a plossl eyepieces gives a result of about 20x to 30x equivalent though. Not sure what the issue with the powermate is but would guess that an extension tube before the powermate would solve the problem. You will probably find that the image when using the powermate is too dim (like using a camera lens at F 17.5) too focus easily. For longer distance shots a scope like a C5 would be easier to use.

Joplin