Digiscoping

[Tringa]

Does anyone have any experience of digiscoping?

Although I'd quite like a big lens I can't afford or justify(it probably would get a lot of use) one, and as I have a scope, I thought about digiscoping.

I'm talking about connecting a DSLR to the scope, not a smartphone.

There might be a number of methods but two seem to be the most common. Both involve removing the lens of the camera and fitting one end of an adapter(a different one for each method) to the camera body

In one method the other end of the adapter is clamped over the eyepiece of the scope as shown in the video here - https://www.srb-photographic.co.uk/pentax-k-srb-digiscope-adaptor-kit-9627-p.asp

The other method is the same except that the eyepiece of the scope is removed and the different adapter is attached to the body of the scope in place of the eyepiece.

I realise all auto functions of the camera will be lost but I could work with that.

All comments, thoughts, experiences appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

I think you're considering something like this...



My experience with the Kowa scope shown, considered a good one in its day, is that the results are seldom, if ever, worth the trouble.

I find that my Tamron AD2 500mm mirror is a great deal more convenient and provides much better results, if used on a tripod or even a monopod. This one cost me £60 or so - not much more than an adapter will probably cost...



The results also seem to be a lot better from the Tamron...

 

[Tringa]

Thanks for the reply.

The photo of your setup with the Kowa scope is the second method I mentioned, which I thought should give the better result of the two methods.

I'll have a re-think but might abandon the idea.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Jannyfox]

If it's static subjects you're after then manually focussing using the scope would be okay. If it's wildlife there's no way you're going to get it focussed quickly enough for a good photo. Looking through a scope your brain can tolerate a slight misfocus. Cameras are not forgiving. I think it's one of these things that sounds easy, but to get even acceptable results is really hard. I'd be looking for a second hand lens.

 

[mav]

Have a look on a website called bird forum its discussed at lenth on there

 

[Tringa]

Thanks Jan and Mav.

I looked at Birdforum, as you say Mav, lots of thread but not much on the quality of the results.

It looks like a cheap second hand lens could be an option. It has to be cheap because it won't get a lot of use and I'll have to accept cheap could compromise quality.

Dave

 

[Phil-D]

I've tried both methods, camera body attachment and phone scoping, never been happy with results from either.

Saying that.....I know a couple of blokes who do it with excellent success using a top quality phone, a good phone scope adaptor and a top end Swarovski scope, one even does videos of owls in flight.


I've asked advice and both say using quality gear is essential and then it's just practicing technique.

I seem to remember a few years back searching Flickr groups and finding a couple of digiscoping groups, it at least shows you what's achievable

 

[Tringa]

Thanks Phil.

Dave