bower lens converter to telescope - is it worth it?

[jjm1600]

So I've been looking to actually find a use for this old rokkor 80-200mm telephoto lens (for my Minolta srt102) since I don't really take photographs which require it. So I was thinking of re-purposing it as a cheap, portable telescope. In looking for the right pieces to do this, I came across bower who makes this product:


(Sorry for the ebay link)
Bower Lens Converter to Telescope 10x Magnification | eBay

I was wondering what people think of it? is my project feasible with this in mind? Would I need to buy an adapter for it?

To add further fuel to the discussion, Minolta used to manufacture its own monocular lens converter which is here: (again, an ebay link)
Minolta Lens Monocular Converter | eBay

Now what do people think of this? Would it be a better or worse option for my lens? They are exactly the same price, but in regard to use, which seems like the better fit and why?

Thanks.

 

[zaroba]

Sorry that I can't offer any direct advice, but if I were to choose one, I'd take the bower due to the 10x magnification of the lens.
The other doesn't state any magnification.

 

[Patrice]

I tried something similar with my 70-200 f/2.8 and my 300 f/4 nikkors but I made my own. I drilled out a rear lens cap and fitted a 1.25" inch eyepiece holder in it. The lens turned into a telescope did not reach focus at infinity with a rectifying prism to make the image right side up so I had to add a barlow. Sure it works ok but is a bit of faffing about and just easier to use a real telescope.

 

[jjm1600]

Ok, it terms of the bower, I have a specific question in mind. How exactly do I mount it onto my lenses. I want to use it on a Minolta MD lens, so does that mean that this bower converter will just attach itself to my lens, or do I need to buy an adapter which will go between the bower converter and my lens? If so, what exactly is this adapter that I need?

Thanks.

 

[Patrice]

The Bower coveter is meant to fit the older Tamron t-mount lenses. It will not directly fit on your minolta (sony) mount lens. You'll have to find some sort of adapter or make your own.

Go have a look at the website of Baader Planetarium, they have a multitude of different adapters. They may have what you need.

Unless someone knows specifically exactly which one you need you'll have to do further research on your own.

 

[jjm1600]

If I do need an adapter, I keep finding things like these:


General Brand T-Mount SLR Camera Adapter for Minolta MD ATM B&H

Which are for the purpose of mounting your camera to a telescope, but not the other way around of mounting the bower telescopic eyepiece to a camera lens.

Does anyone know what exactly it is I am looking for or if it even exists? If not, then what exactly is the purpose of the bower teleconverter?