Celestron Piggyback Camera Mount Adapter for C8, C9.25, C11, and C14 Telescopes

The Celestron Piggyback Camera Mount Adapter for C8, C9.25, C11, and C14 Telescopes is a practical mounting accessory designed for astrophotography enthusiasts. This adapter allows you to securely attach a DSLR or mirrorless camera directly to the optical tube of your Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. By mounting your camera on top of the telescope, you can achieve accurate parallel tracking for wide-field night sky imaging, constellation photography, and deep-space observations without needing a separate standalone tracking mount.

Advantages

This piggyback adapter provides a stable and secure platform for mounting your camera directly onto compatible telescope optical tubes. It simplifies wide-field astrophotography by utilizing the precise tracking mechanism of your existing telescope mount to follow the apparent motion of the stars. The robust construction ensures that your camera remains firmly in place during long exposure shots, minimizing vibrations and shifting. It is an efficient solution for astronomers who want to expand their observation capabilities to include photography using their current optical equipment.

Suitable for

• Wide-field night sky imaging and constellation photography
• Parallel tracking observations using DSLR or mirrorless cameras
• Astrophotography sessions with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes
• Capturing extended celestial objects alongside telescope observations

When it may not be suitable

This adapter is not designed for mounting heavy telephoto lenses that exceed the balanced weight capacity of the setup. It may also not be appropriate for users attempting high-magnification planetary imaging through the camera lens, as this adapter is specifically intended for wide-field parallel tracking rather than primary focal point astrophotography.

Key specifications

• Compatible with Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope models C8, C9.25, C11, and C14
• Designed for mounting DSLR and mirrorless cameras
• Enables parallel tracking and wide-field night sky imaging
• Secure bracket design for optical tube attachment

How to use

To use the adapter, first ensure your telescope is securely mounted and balanced. Attach the mounting bracket firmly to the designated attachment points on the optical tube of your compatible Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Next, attach your DSLR or mirrorless camera securely to the adapter platform using the standard tripod thread. Adjust the position to ensure the camera and lens are balanced and tightly fastened. Once installed, align your telescope and camera setup with your target area in the night sky to begin wide-field imaging while utilizing the telescope tracking motor.

What to consider before purchase

• Verify that your specific telescope model is a C8, C9.25, C11, or C14 Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Confirm that your camera is a compatible DSLR or mirrorless model
• Check the total weight load on your telescope mount to ensure it can support the combined weight of the telescope, adapter, and camera
• Determine if your astrophotography goals align with wide-field parallel tracking

Usage recommendations: Always check and secure all mounting screws before every observation session to prevent accidental equipment slippage. Balance the telescope optical tube carefully after attaching the camera and adapter to reduce strain on the motor drives and ensure smooth tracking performance during long exposures.