Mating camera to scope question

I have a Meade 8" LX200 Classic and am purchasing a Canon Digital Rebel camera for astrophotography.

Questions:

1. Do I get a T-Adapter or am I better off getting an Off-access guider (do they do the same function as far as attachment and do I not need a guider for long exposure)?

2. I guess I need a T-Ring also. Is this purchased from the camera store or from telescope store?

3. Can a webcam be used for autoguiding ( I own a Logitech Quickcam 4000)?

4. My scope is f/10. Will I definitely need a focal reducer? f3.3 or f6.3?

Thanks for your help.

XOrionFE

hi scott,
i image using a refractor and a dob so i dont have much advice to offer other than saying that i, too, use the canon rebel so be sure when you buy the T-ring that you get the EOS version (the rebel is called the EOS300 in other parts of the world) since the camera lense fitting differs from regular canon cameras.

a good and inexpensive place to find a t-ring and other accessories is at:
http://www.agenaastro.com

i know thats not much but i hope it helps,
good luck!!
ian

Scott,

As I understand it, the Digital rebel is a digital version of EOS series, and so uses EOS lenses.

Your first question, regarding whether to get a t adapter or an off axis guider: You probably should be using an off axis guider with a classic Schmidt-Cass. (The newer Meades--with locking mirror--probably could go either way.) Try to get a two inch version so you get as much light and less vignetting.

Second question--assuming you are getting an off-axis guider--just tell them what you are attaching to, and they will sell you the version that attaches to it. An OAG does not normally need a separate t-ring--but it might, depending on the design.

A webcam can be used for autoguiding. I am not familiar with the software for that, but others should chime in here.

You do not definitely need a focal reducer. You will probably want one eventually, but you can work for a while without one. Your chip is smaller than a traditional 35 mm film, so vignetting will be less of a problem.

To summarize--buy a good off axis guider now and a focal reducer when you can. I don't have enough experience to say whether it should be a 6.3, or 3.3. It would depend on the size of your chip.

Alex