dkCambridgeshire Posted July 19, 2016 Share #1 Posted July 19, 2016 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Yesterday when using the SL 24-90mm lens with recently acquired Polaroid and Canon 77mm diameter achromatic close-up lenses ... http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/262292-sl-macro-adapters/?p=3080877 … I found the whole set-up rather too front heavy and unbalanced for efficient close-up composition. Thus today considered ordering the latest £139 Novoflex ASTAL SL tripod collar - but it's not yet available in the UK. In my astro telescope 'bits box' I have a pair of 90mm internal diameter, telescope / guide 'scope mounting rings bought secondhand for £5 in a WEX Norwich 'SALE'. The SL 24-90mm lens is approx. 85mm diameter - thus the telescope ring fits over the SL lens' rear but with 2.5mm clearance. Fitting a 2.5mm thickness shim will take up the clearance. The 'scope rings have regular ¼" tripod screw threads Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! To make the 2.5mm (ish) shim I cut a strip of Daler art card and covered both sides with strips of self adhesive, black, 'VELOURSFOLIE' ( a self adhesive matt black velvet fabric used for flocking / light baffling telescope tube interiors) . Three strips of Velour stuck onto the card were sufficient to provide the required 2.5mm (ish) thickness. The soft velour is 'kind' and will not scratch the SL lens . Fitting the trimmed shim into the mount/collar The finished shimmed collar mount on the SL lens Finished collar supporting lens and camera The modified 'scope mount is secure and works fine; when slightly loosened the lens/camera combination can be turned easily through 360º; Collar mounted onto ball head via regular ¼" tripod screw thread. Rear view of lens mounted on an ancient Benbo ball head. The Benbo head is not really large enough / smooth enough for efficient close-up photography composition - but was convenient to use it this afternoon. The shim's velour covering compresses when the clamping screw tightens the collar around the lens - thus no risk of being over-tightened Time to construct approx. 45 minutes. Total cost less than £10 . Now unlikely I'll need to buy the £139 Novoflex tripod collar. In practice I will be using a larger Arca Swiss ball head plus a Novoflex Castel focusing rack . Best wishes dunk EDIT: If anyone wishes to construct something similar it's at your own risk! If made a too tight fit, the ring might compress the rear lens group. The golden rule with telescope mounts, especially SCT OTAs is, " do not over-tighten the 'scope rings" Edited July 19, 2016 by dkCambridgeshire 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! To make the 2.5mm (ish) shim I cut a strip of Daler art card and covered both sides with strips of self adhesive, black, 'VELOURSFOLIE' ( a self adhesive matt black velvet fabric used for flocking / light baffling telescope tube interiors) . Three strips of Velour stuck onto the card were sufficient to provide the required 2.5mm (ish) thickness. The soft velour is 'kind' and will not scratch the SL lens . Fitting the trimmed shim into the mount/collar The finished shimmed collar mount on the SL lens Finished collar supporting lens and camera The modified 'scope mount is secure and works fine; when slightly loosened the lens/camera combination can be turned easily through 360º; Collar mounted onto ball head via regular ¼" tripod screw thread. Rear view of lens mounted on an ancient Benbo ball head. The Benbo head is not really large enough / smooth enough for efficient close-up photography composition - but was convenient to use it this afternoon. The shim's velour covering compresses when the clamping screw tightens the collar around the lens - thus no risk of being over-tightened Time to construct approx. 45 minutes. Total cost less than £10 . Now unlikely I'll need to buy the £139 Novoflex tripod collar. In practice I will be using a larger Arca Swiss ball head plus a Novoflex Castel focusing rack . Best wishes dunk EDIT: If anyone wishes to construct something similar it's at your own risk! If made a too tight fit, the ring might compress the rear lens group. The golden rule with telescope mounts, especially SCT OTAs is, " do not over-tighten the 'scope rings" ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/262653-modifying-an-astro-telescope-ring-for-use-as-sl-lens-collar/?do=findComment&comment=3081334'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 19, 2016 Posted July 19, 2016 Hi dkCambridgeshire, Take a look here Modifying an astro telescope ring for use as SL lens collar. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
mike_j Posted July 19, 2016 Share #2 Posted July 19, 2016 I am a great believer in the value of a bits and pieces box - this is an excellent example of the use of an item in the "might come in useful sometime" category. Well done Dunk. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted July 20, 2016 Thank you Michael. Making a second collar using the other 'scope ring; it will have an Arca plate attached permanently. dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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