Attach your Guide Scope to a DSLR

In this video I explain how I attach my ZWO 30mm f/4 guide scope to my DSLR.

Arca Swiss Clamp:

L Bracket:

Huskie Hex Key Set:

ZWO 30mm f/4 Guide Scope:

ZWO ASI 120MM Mini Auto-Guider:

[NebulaPhotos]

Great solution! Much better than trying to attach it to the shoe mount on the camera.

[ivarhusa]

I agree with Ianeck Wange, that it is simpler to mount the L-bracket to the right side of the camera. My setup is in progress, waiting on the Zwo guide camera Peter recommended. I did not learn of the existence of L-brackets with openings for cables until this video. I worked to make the guide scope not rotate in its mount. I carved a chunk of wood (holes, etc) to connect the guide scope (same as Peter shows) to my L-bracket with a single piece of wood and a sliver of aluminum. I have the advantage of owning a mortising drill/tool that let me fit the scope 'stem', without the dovetail, into my wood. I've struggled with it, so won't argue that there aren't any lessons to learn.

[BlackOps-Ent]

Thank you. I just wasn't seein' how to get this done.

[KnyghtErrant]

For what it's worth, there's no need to fret about getting the guidescope perfectly aligned with the imaging scope / lens in order to get good guiding. What matters is that the guidescope doesn't move at all relative to the mount over time. The weak link in this setup would be the single screw connecting the plate to the scope, since it might permit rotation of the guidescope over time. Even if you're using the guidescope camera for polar alignment (SharpCap and I think the ASIAir does the same basic routine), as long as the guidescope is in the right ballpark the calculations that determine the axis of rotation will still work out correctly. What matters most is that the guidescope is rock solid over the imaging session.

[whatmattersmost]

A few things Peter, 1. many company's make L brackets that the L part is adjustable in/out so then you can just slide the L part in or out without moving the Arca Swiss clamp up or down. Also since the weight of the guide scope is not very heavy, the thinest Arca Swiss clamp may be the best choice and it will clamp as good as that large clamp and more room to add or remove cables around the L part. As well as if others like Kirk or RRS or Small Rig has low cost L brackets, but there are universal L brackets on Amazon, not a perfect fit as it's not custom but will work fo that guide scope and light guide camera..

[DylanFahey]

Thank you for saving me so much money and giving a clear explanation. Removing the dovetail was key to my figuring out the setup.

[ianeckwang]

Hi, I bought a universal L bracket for my D850 but I mount it on the other side where the slots for the memory cards are. This way I always have access to all ports on the other side. And this also has the advantage to give more clearance between the guide scope and my 200-500mm lens so that the lens hood does not interfere with the guide scope when at 500mm. For the same reason this is why I attached the plate to the dovetail, give more clearance.

[mikehardy]

I did this a few days ago, from memory. It added an awkward center of gravity. It's currently running. I refreshed my memory by watching the video again. Smart removing the SYNTA style dovetail. I'm using the Tamron 150-600 as well. When I try to calibration the guiding in asiair, it is all over the place. It just stopped guiding, and continued tracking with the guider inactive. I'll reconfigure the mount sans SYNTA plate. Thanks.

[bartscully]

One suggestion - just did this exact same thing with the same scope and same clamp. The little 2mm pins that help keep the scope square on the dovetail bracket will fit nicely into the detents on the bottom of the arca swiss clamp too - helps keep the scope from rotating.

Also, I did end up losing one of the pins that came with mine, but I was able to make a new one with an old bike spoke (in case anyone else loses theirs too).

[ME]

Great video, I'm new to this and knowing the correct terminology of whats required is half the battle

[henservillela]

this is awsome... i had already bought all the parts and just couldnt figure out how to attach the damn mini scope to the clamp LOL... but thanks to this I got it... thanks a lot!!

[brentnewton]

Could the L bracket simply be mounted to the right or opposite side as to not block the ports?

[roud]

Hi! great video! How do you bvalance this? It's heavier on one side so it's hard to balance. Thanks

[AndreaGirones]

Hooray, thanks for this, perfect timing for me! another very helpful video.

[tenman]

Incredibly helpful- saved me loads of time. Thank you.

[Terrancegoan]

Thanks so much for the wonderful tutorials. One quick question, if the guide scope is pointed in the same direction of the lens on the camera toward the Milky Way, it is almost 180 degreese from Polaris. I would think we need it to point to the North Star along with the guide scope to get the correct polar allignment. thanks

[StuartAnderton]

I used a cage rather than an L bracket. That lets you use this same procedure to add the guide camera to the top of the cage in line with the lens, or - what I do - add the guide camera on one side and my ASIair on the other, roughly balancing.

[icogicog]

Thank you extremely helpful as always. Could you please please do a similar video on how to focus the guide scope. I am new at this and I can’t find a single set of instructions about that. Your calm precise and step by step approach would really help

[revenger]

Brilliant! Just what I was looking for, Thanks!

[RaysAstrophotography]

This is a pretty good solution, Peter! I was missing the L Bracket solution from your earlier presentations. Now I think, I got a workable model. Thank you!