{"product_id":"takahashi-tca-4-eyepiece-projection-camera-adapter","title":"Takahashi TCA-4 Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe TCA-4 is Takahashi's camera adapter for variable eyepiece projection, accepting both .965″ and 1.25″ eyepieces. Eyepiece projection puts an eyepiece between the telescope and the camera and uses it to magnify the image onto the sensor — a way of reaching effective focal lengths far beyond the telescope's native figure, which is what lunar and planetary imaging often calls for.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \"variable\" part is what makes it useful: the projection distance adjusts, and that distance sets the amount of magnification. One adapter and one eyepiece therefore cover a range of image scales rather than a single fixed one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a good match if you image the Moon or planets and want more image scale than prime focus provides, using eyepieces you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariable projection distance:\u003c\/strong\u003e magnification adjusts rather than being fixed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTakes .965″ and 1.25″ eyepieces:\u003c\/strong\u003e including older Takahashi .965″ oculars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMechanical adapter:\u003c\/strong\u003e the magnification comes from the eyepiece you fit, not from optics built into the adapter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical \/ Mechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn eyepiece projection the eyepiece sits inside the imaging train and projects a magnified real image onto the sensor. The magnification depends on the eyepiece's focal length and on how far the sensor sits behind it — extend the distance and the image scale grows. A fixed-length adapter locks you to one figure; the TCA-4's adjustable projection distance lets you tune the scale to the target and the seeing on the night, which matters because the useful magnification on any given evening is set by the atmosphere rather than by the equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh-magnification lunar and planetary imaging, where prime focus gives a smaller image scale than the target deserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccepts .965″ and 1.25″ eyepieces. Takahashi does not publish the camera-side thread or mount for the TCA-4 on this listing, so the connection to your particular camera body is the piece worth confirming — \u003cstrong\u003esend us your camera and the eyepiece you plan to project with, and we will confirm the fit and the adapters you need.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe eyepiece and camera are separate:\u003c\/strong\u003e the TCA-4 is the mechanism that holds them in relation to each other. The image scale comes from the eyepiece you fit and the distance you set.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCamera-side connection is not published here:\u003c\/strong\u003e that is the detail to pin down for your body, and it is a quick check for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited to bright targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e projection magnification spreads the light over more pixels, which suits the Moon and planets rather than faint deep-sky objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe assembly itself is straightforward — eyepiece in, camera on, distance set. Finding the projection distance that gives the scale you want takes a little experimentation on the first night, and that is normal for projection work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat eyepieces does it take?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e.965″ and 1.25″.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is it best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLunar and planetary imaging at high magnification.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is this different from prime focus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrime focus uses the telescope alone and gives its native focal length. Eyepiece projection adds an eyepiece to magnify the image further, at the cost of brightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it fit my camera?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTell us the body and we will confirm the connection for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA variable eyepiece projection adapter for .965″ and 1.25″ eyepieces — the route to high image scale on the Moon and planets, with the scale adjustable to the night.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54086047629423,"sku":"TAK-TKA00210","price":325.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/tfp0310_2_2.jpg?v=1787329096","url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/products\/takahashi-tca-4-eyepiece-projection-camera-adapter","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}