With the right adapter, you can turn just about any camcorder into a telescope.
Most Sony video camcorders have a built-in night vision feature. This capability allows you to record content without light, although it turns the entire recorded content to green. When using a video camcorder, you add additional lenses to the camera, which allows you to turn the video camcorder into a telescope if you have a correct lens attached.
Instructions
1. Check the lens size of your current Sony camcorder (the exact lens size will vary slightly, depending on your model type). Look for this information on the side of the lens and in the user manual.
2. Purchase a lens adapter. This adapter adheres to the camera lens while allowing you to connect larger, 35-mm-based telescope lenses to the video camera. Look for these lens adapters both online and at camera supply stores.
3. Attach the lens adapter to the Sony video camcorder's lens. The adapter twists on like any other lens attachment. Keep in mind that adapters are generally heavy, so they come with an attachment for a tripod. Screw the base of the adapter into the top of a tripod (if you have one).
4. Place a 35 mm telescope lens onto the opening on the lens adapter, and turn it to the right to set it into place and lock it into the camera. Power on the video camera; it should now be ready for your nighttime viewing. For best results, use the color viewfinder rather than the LCD screen, as the LCD screen creates light that may reduce the image quality of the night sky.
Tags: lens adapter, video camcorder, adapter turn, camcorder into, camcorder into telescope