Step by step
To make the lens-to-camera adaptor, clamp and saw the PVC pipe coupler to the required length; ours was 20mm long to get the correct focal point for the guide camera. Use some fine sandpaper to clean up any rough-cut edges.
Step 3
After sanding any roughness, carefully apply the plastic solvent glue to the cut edges of the lens cap, making sure not to get any solvent on any threads, then insert the PVC pipe by a couple of millimetres ensuring a nice fit. Allow 24 hours for the glue to set.
Step 5
Measure your telescope’s findescope shoe and then saw strips from the plastic chopping board and file them for a smooth finish, making sure the strip for the base fits the findershoe. To build the pedestal part of the bracket, glue two strips together for the stem and then glue the base and top to it as shown here.
For the adaptor’s lens collar, first take the lens cap and drill a 3mm hole in its centre. Then remove most of the flat face with the 36mm hole cutter. We used a compass to draw a circle on a sticky label to accurately mark the centre of the lens cap.
Step 4
Now drill three 3mm holes, 10mm from the edge of the PVC pipe and 120° apart. Next, create threads on the insides of drilled holes, by slowly using the electric screwdriver with the M4 tap attachment, before screwing in the M4 nylon bolts. The adaptor is now ready and we can move onto making the bracket.
For the lens ring part of the bracket we used a 35mm section of 68mm plastic drain pipe. Make three double sets of M4 locking bolt holes to hold the lens in place (using the method set out in Step 4). Finally, the lens ring is both glued and screwed to the pedestal to finish the bracket. The bracket and adaptor are now ready to use with your lens.