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Better zoom for a canon powershot A570 IS

I was trying to take a picture of a lunar eclipse that's happening right now but my zoom isn't powerful enough and I can see the picture in my mind but I can't catch it.

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February 20, 2008

You can affix a small telescope or binoculars to a sturdy stand. Most choose a spotting scope with tripod, purchased at the local sporting goods shop (about $60)

Once the view through the telescope or binoculars has been adjusted to your satisfaction, you can hand-hold your camera up to the eyepiece, allowing your camera to peer through just as you did. In a pinch you can rest binoculars on a convenient wall or ledge. The camera will show you the image on the LCD screen and it will auto-focus. The typical image will be circular like looking through a peep hole. You can search the web for mounts to hold your camera to specific scopes. I use a Nikon spotting scope. Try to get a straight-through scope rather than one that has the eyepiece set off at an angle. Angled eyepieces may put your eye and head in a more convenient position, but such a design is more difficult to point and aim. Additionally an angled eyepiece design presents additional difficulties when mounting a camera.

Such a lash-up can be rewarding but certainly no substitute for an astronomical telescope or a SLR with high powered telephoto.

Not ready to buy? You can use binoculars you already own and hand-hold your camera and experience this yourself.

Luck to you,

Alan Marcus
ammarcus@earthlink.net

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February 20, 2008

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February 20, 2008