How to mount a DSLR on a HEQ5

[AstroOz]

I’ve just bought a used HEQ5 Pro. I’m a complete newbie when it comes to processing and plan to use my new mount with a DSLR and my various canon lenses while I upskill. And anyway I can’t afford a decent telescope at the moment.

I can use my manfrotto tripod attachment to mount my DSLR, but can’t align the camera to the correct aspect to frame my target.

Any ideas on what I can do to fix this? Can I get a ball head attachment? If so how would I attach to my mount.

Any help appreciated.

[Tulloch]

I think this is what you are after.
http://www.astroanarchy.com.au/Accessories/Dovetail_L_Bracket.html

[astro744]

Yes a ball head will give you the freedom to frame but it needs to be connected to a dove plate which then connects to the saddle of the mount. The L camera bracket suggested provides the dove plate and freedom in one axis to swivel the camera. The other axis can be set by rotating the declination axis, (or connect a ball head to the L bracket).

This is what I was thinking although this one is a bit pricey:
https://www.highpointscientific.com/telescope-accessories/mounts/telescope-mount-accessories/ball-head-mounts/adm-v-series-universal-dovetail-ballhead-camera-mount-vdup-bcm

Other types at https://www.highpointscientific.com/telescope-accessories/mounts/telescope-mount-accessories/ball-head-mounts

If you already have the ball head then you just need the dove plate:

See https://www.bintel.com.au/product/orion-adapter-14-inch-20-for-dovetail-mount/?v=322b26af01d5

Either strainght dove plate+ ball head or L bracket as is or with ball head will work.

[Harpage]

Ballhead isn't a good idea as it can lead to flexure, and won't support heavier lenses. I got a 1/4" camera tripod bolt off of eBay and used that to attach my telephoto lens to a dovetail bar.

[Wilso]

Hi Chris,
I use one similar to the adm ball head but old school second hand off eBay.
Seems sturdy enough with my D5300 and a 18-200 zoom lens. They just have to have a high enough leg to give you good rotation for your camera to clear the mount.
Enjoy! :thumbsup:

[Crater101]

If it's just a ballhead that you're looking for, I've used these for years with a Canon 5dMkII and 70-200mm f2.8L, and they're very sturdy, never had an issues with timed (landscape) photography.


https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/heads/ballheads


They can be a bit pricey, but I've found them very solid and dependable.

[AstroOz]

Thanks for the feedback guys, and sorry for the late reply. I'm going to go for the Orion Adapter 1/4 Inch-20 for Dovetail Camera Mount from Bintel and a good sturdy ball head mount.

As I'm not going to be using heavy lenses, this setup should do me fine. Cheers and clear skies.