Astronomer's Astro-Guide

Astronomer Astro-Guide

Overall, the LE Adapter earns 10 out of 10 stars!

The LE Adapter is a marvelous little accessory unlike any we've ever seen. It is, quite literally, a universal adapter. Just about any optical device you could possibly want to attach to another unit can be coupled using the LE Adapter. The simple but clever design consists of a machined aluminum ring with an additional adapter built in. Along its outside surface are three adjustable thumb screws which serve to hold the desired device via an adjustable inner ring.

We found the LE Adapter's uses bountiful and almost never-ending! For example, we were able to attach an SLR camera with and without various lenses in place, as opposed to without a lens at all. But the the most exciting use was the ability to attach a camcorder to the LE Adapter, and then couple the adapter to a telescope. While what you see will be entirely dependent on the quality and light sensitivity of your camcorder, we found the LE Adapter allowed us to take impressive video footage of bright objects such as the moon and Jupiter.

We tested the adapter using three different camcorders-- two Sony's and a Panasonic, on a Schmidt-Cass telescope and a 6" reflector. Each camcorder required a small, inexpensive stepping ring available at a local camera shop to attach the LE Adapter. Once connected, it was simply a matter of adjusting the thumb screws to attach the LE Adapter and chosen photographic device to the scope. The quality of the video varied, but as long as the object was bright, the video was always impressive. The footage really shined, however, when we used our scope and camcorders to tape far-away terrestrial objects during the day-- it was like watching a National Geographic special, only better!

While the LE Adapter is great for use with telescopes, it is also noteworthy that this little universal adapter really is-- you can also attach a camera, camcorder, or what-have-you to a microscope, riflescope, spotting scope, night-vision equipment, and more! We found ourselves constantly wondering just what else we could use the LE Adapter for. All in all, we have to recommend the LE Adapter not just for all its usefulness, but for all the fun it brought us!

Hits:

It really is universal!
Now you can videotape what you observe! (depending on your equipment)
Usefulness is not limited to astronomy, or to telescopes.
Easy to use.
Allows use of lenses with a telescope.
Just plain fun to think of new ways to use it!

Misses:

Can be tricky to center the image in your chosen photographic device.
Some equipment may require stepping-rings, though these are inexpensive. (<$5.00)

Ideal User: Anyone that wants to shoot video or take photos through the scope, or for that matter, through whatever you want!