I am a professional photographer with a recently developed and growing interest in astronomy. As a user of high quality optical kit from the likes of Nikon and Canon, and with a keen appreciation of the quality of their ED and Fluorite lenses, I am not going to be happy with the cheaper optically poor telescopes, and one which would not allow me to take photos (eventually). I also use Leica and Sawarovski binoculars so have a good idea of what is "sharp" and aberration free. As I currently ponder what scope to buy I start to wonder what difficulties might be involved in converting a large Nikkor or Canon lens to a telescope. I currently have a Nikon 500mm f4 ED lens which will shortly be replaced by a Canon 300mmf2.8/400mmf2.8/500mmf4/600mmf4 fluorite lens (whichever one I decide on) as I am switching to the Canon system. Strikes me these would make a well corrected and optically stunning telescope, but I have no optical experience that will lead me to make any conclusions about the possibilty of this working. I presume some sort of focus mechanism at the back, plus an eyepiece holder. I know Nikon made a device some years ago that allows conversion of their tele lenses to a telescope, but it is out of production and only available secondhand now, if you can find them. Anyone got any advice they can offer for the likely designs that might make a Canon lens work? Thanks for any guidance that might be on offer!

• Re: 35mm camera tele lenses converted to telescope? - Kip - December 30, 1999 - 19:20 UTC
  • Re: 35mm camera tele lenses converted to telescope? - john/">john - January 2, 2000 - 10:54 UTC
    • Re: 35mm camera tele lenses converted to telescope? - comet61 - January 3, 2000 - 08:25 UTC