Comments on: Digiscoping with a Digital SLR Camera http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/ Bird Conservation Marketing - Promoting Conservation Through Birding Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:26:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jerry http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-13665 Jerry Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:00:26 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-13665 Help!!!! I have a Fujinon Super ED 80 that I wish to attach to my Canon XSi, can anyone tell me the proper attachment[s] that are required. Thank You. Help!!!! I have a Fujinon Super ED 80 that I wish to attach to my Canon XSi, can anyone tell me the proper attachment[s] that are required. Thank You.

]]> By: Review – Swarovski Universal Camera Adapter (UCA) http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-12933 Review – Swarovski Universal Camera Adapter (UCA) Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:04:53 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-12933 [...] you only use one camera, Swarovski’s Digital Camera Adapter (DCA) is easier to use. But for functionality, the UCA provides a great tool for multi-purpose recording [...] [...] you only use one camera, Swarovski’s Digital Camera Adapter (DCA) is easier to use. But for functionality, the UCA provides a great tool for multi-purpose recording [...]

]]> By: Rusty http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-11470 Rusty Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:56:48 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-11470 The lens I am using is fixed length and the focus was manual and set at infinity. I am guessing I have the lens close enough but a photo will help you decide. I will play some more this weekend and send a detailed description and a photo or two. Thank you. The lens I am using is fixed length and the focus was manual and set at infinity. I am guessing I have the lens close enough but a photo will help you decide. I will play some more this weekend and send a detailed description and a photo or two. Thank you.

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-11463 The Birdfreak Team Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:36:41 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-11463 Rusty - I have not have the problem you describe so I am just guessing here. Are the camera and adapter completely flush to the eyepiece? There should be almost no gap (although the lenses aren't actually touching). Is the lens in manual focus and set to infinity? My lens, when focusing, extends and retracts so it needs to be set so it is fully retracted. For the shutter speeds that may be fixed if the other two possible problems are fixed. Let me know any other details and feel free to email pictures of the setup/photos in question/etc. to birdfreak at birdfreak dot com and if there is still problems I can forward the info to Swarovski or other digiscopers :) Rusty – I have not have the problem you describe so I am just guessing here. Are the camera and adapter completely flush to the eyepiece? There should be almost no gap (although the lenses aren’t actually touching). Is the lens in manual focus and set to infinity? My lens, when focusing, extends and retracts so it needs to be set so it is fully retracted. For the shutter speeds that may be fixed if the other two possible problems are fixed.

Let me know any other details and feel free to email pictures of the setup/photos in question/etc. to birdfreak at birdfreak dot com and if there is still problems I can forward the info to Swarovski or other digiscopers :)

]]> By: Rusty http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-11449 Rusty Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:02:24 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-11449 I am just beginning this game of digiscoping and have a set up question. I have a Swarovski STS65 with a 30X eyepeice and a Nikon D80 with a 50mm f1.8 lens. I purchased the Swarovski DCB. Once I had things set up I discovered the camera "saw" only the top third or so of the scope image. I was surprised but it is usable. I have also found it is very hard to get a shutter sheet faster then about 1/50. All the photos recorded has being taken about about f20. Am I doing something wrong or this typical using DSLR? I am just beginning this game of digiscoping and have a set up question. I have a Swarovski STS65 with a 30X eyepeice and a Nikon D80 with a 50mm f1.8 lens. I purchased the Swarovski DCB. Once I had things set up I discovered the camera “saw” only the top third or so of the scope image. I was surprised but it is usable. I have also found it is very hard to get a shutter sheet faster then about 1/50. All the photos recorded has being taken about about f20. Am I doing something wrong or this typical using DSLR?

]]> By: Mark http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-11353 Mark Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:17:06 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-11353 Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it later this month. I currently have the stock lens (18-55mm), that came with the camera and that seems to be a decent lens for beginners. -Mark Thanks for the advice, I’ll look into it later this month.
I currently have the stock lens (18-55mm), that came with the camera and that seems to be a decent lens for beginners.

-Mark

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-11256 The Birdfreak Team Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:07:41 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-11256 Mark - Hard to say for sure but any lens with a wide angle and a low f/stop number would work great for landscape. Image stabilization is always a good idea but probably not as important for landscape. Mark – Hard to say for sure but any lens with a wide angle and a low f/stop number would work great for landscape. Image stabilization is always a good idea but probably not as important for landscape.

]]> By: Mark http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-11251 Mark Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:17:35 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-11251 Neat pictures mate, I got a Canon EOS 1000D for Christmas and I'm super excited to get started. Is there a special lens you recommend for taking pictures of landscape? Mountains, canyons and so forth... -Mark Neat pictures mate, I got a Canon EOS 1000D for Christmas and I’m super excited to get started.
Is there a special lens you recommend for taking pictures of landscape?
Mountains, canyons and so forth…

-Mark

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-10479 The Birdfreak Team Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:37:42 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-10479 Mike - 1) The DCA has no effect on using the scope normally. You attach one part of it to the eyepiece but it is out of the way when not using the 2nd half of the adapter. 2) It is a good idea to NOT let the camera hang there on its own. I hold the camera underneath to make sure the weight is not too much (note: I did leave the camera on there for a few photos of the setup but that was it) 3) The DCA part connected to the camera can be left on the lens of the camera. You can be scanning as normal and then slide the lens with adapter over the eyepiece in about 1-2 seconds and, after a bit of focusing/adjustment, be shooting. Then just slide it back off and go back to normal viewing. Mike –
1) The DCA has no effect on using the scope normally. You attach one part of it to the eyepiece but it is out of the way when not using the 2nd half of the adapter.
2) It is a good idea to NOT let the camera hang there on its own. I hold the camera underneath to make sure the weight is not too much (note: I did leave the camera on there for a few photos of the setup but that was it)
3) The DCA part connected to the camera can be left on the lens of the camera. You can be scanning as normal and then slide the lens with adapter over the eyepiece in about 1-2 seconds and, after a bit of focusing/adjustment, be shooting. Then just slide it back off and go back to normal viewing.

]]> By: Mike Trahan http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-10354 Mike Trahan Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:42 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-10354 Hi. I'm a birder with a Swarovski AT80 HD scope, 20-6-x zoom. Also have a Canon 7D (weighing 1.8lbs for body only). Two tripods, one carbon fiber. Have a couple of questions about using the DCA Zoom adaptor: 1. Does it reduce the viewing ease when using the scope normally? (I have glasses.) 2. Do I risk damage to the scope or camera hanging that much weight on the eyepiece and lens? (Read something about damaging the autofocus connectors.) 3. Sounds quick to switch from viewing to digiscoping. Is it like 10 secs (not counting a lens change). Thanks. Hi. I’m a birder with a Swarovski AT80 HD scope, 20-6-x zoom. Also have a Canon 7D (weighing 1.8lbs for body only). Two tripods, one carbon fiber. Have a couple of questions about using the DCA Zoom adaptor:
1. Does it reduce the viewing ease when using the scope normally? (I have glasses.)
2. Do I risk damage to the scope or camera hanging that much weight on the eyepiece and lens? (Read something about damaging the autofocus connectors.)
3. Sounds quick to switch from viewing to digiscoping. Is it like 10 secs (not counting a lens change).
Thanks.

]]> By: James http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-10328 James Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:41:16 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-10328 Great information...thanks for the link! Great information…thanks for the link!

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-10318 The Birdfreak Team Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:16 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-10318 James - here's an excellent source on the magnification as well as some tips/techniques: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/photography/index.aspx The multiplication gets a bit confusing (to us) when you factor in using a 50mm lens, crop factor, and then a zoom eye-piece of 20-60x. James – here’s an excellent source on the magnification as well as some tips/techniques: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/photography/index.aspx

The multiplication gets a bit confusing (to us) when you factor in using a 50mm lens, crop factor, and then a zoom eye-piece of 20-60x.

]]> By: James http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-10283 James Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:06:52 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-10283 I am curious if you can help me determine what a scope at say, 60X and 80X compare to in a lens (500mm, 1000mm...???)? I want to be able to compare apples to apples in length when my friend looks at me and says..."how far can you get and why didn't you just buy a XXXmm lens?" Not sure I will go down the Swarovski road...but if funds enable it, I will. Thanks for the great information! I am curious if you can help me determine what a scope at say, 60X and 80X compare to in a lens (500mm, 1000mm…???)? I want to be able to compare apples to apples in length when my friend looks at me and says…”how far can you get and why didn’t you just buy a XXXmm lens?”

Not sure I will go down the Swarovski road…but if funds enable it, I will.

Thanks for the great information!

]]> By: Matthew http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-9328 Matthew Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:35:40 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-9328 Great aticle. Yes, digital SLR's are the way to go when it comes to any form of demanding photography, especially anything fast moving, close up, or very far away. Great aticle. Yes, digital SLR’s are the way to go when it comes to any form of demanding photography, especially anything fast moving, close up, or very far away.

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-7408 The Birdfreak Team Tue, 26 May 2009 14:34:34 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-7408 Sue - I'd probably contact your local camera store or a company like Eagle Optics for exact information. But I think most scopes will work with the XTi since it is the lens and scope eyepiece that matter. It all depends on how you can match the filter size of the camera lens (50mm Canon lens) with the scope. You might need step up/down rings to make a perfect fit but it should be possible. Sue – I’d probably contact your local camera store or a company like Eagle Optics for exact information. But I think most scopes will work with the XTi since it is the lens and scope eyepiece that matter. It all depends on how you can match the filter size of the camera lens (50mm Canon lens) with the scope. You might need step up/down rings to make a perfect fit but it should be possible.

]]> By: Sue http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-7382 Sue Mon, 25 May 2009 01:31:35 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-7382 Hello I have a Canon EOS XTi and also a Kowa TSN-2 spotting scope. Could you tell me if it will be possible to find an attachment this spotting scope? Thanks for any advice you can provide. sue Hello

I have a Canon EOS XTi and also a Kowa TSN-2 spotting scope.

Could you tell me if it will be possible to find an attachment this spotting scope?

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

sue

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-6893 The Birdfreak Team Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:40:00 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-6893 Unfortunately, we have no experience with the Celestron scope but if you already own both that and the 40D, digiscoping can be done by purchasing a filter ring that will connect the camera to the scope. The best bet would be to check out a good camera store; bring in both items and have someone who knows what they are talking about find a good step up/down ring that will allow for a good connection. Celestron might sell adapters so that would be a good place to start and then find the best ring to match the camera. Unfortunately, we have no experience with the Celestron scope but if you already own both that and the 40D, digiscoping can be done by purchasing a filter ring that will connect the camera to the scope. The best bet would be to check out a good camera store; bring in both items and have someone who knows what they are talking about find a good step up/down ring that will allow for a good connection. Celestron might sell adapters so that would be a good place to start and then find the best ring to match the camera.

]]> By: Rita http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-6881 Rita Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:42:18 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-6881 What can you tell me about using the Celestron Ultima 80 ED spotting scope for digiscoping with my Canon 40D camera? Rita What can you tell me about using the Celestron Ultima 80 ED spotting scope for digiscoping with my Canon 40D camera?
Rita

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-5495 The Birdfreak Team Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:19:38 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-5495 Many more in the works. Glad you like them!! Many more in the works. Glad you like them!!

]]> By: Kshea http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-5494 Kshea Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:40:22 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-5494 Love the posts on digiscoping, keep them coming. ~K Love the posts on digiscoping, keep them coming.

~K

]]> By: The Birdfreak Team http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-5491 The Birdfreak Team Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:41:48 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-5491 Whew! Tripods are a tricky topic because there are many and we have such little experience with them. We are happy with the Swarovski carbon fiber tripod. Carbon fibers are light-weight yet sturdy. Look for ones that feel really solid, can support a good deal of weight, and have a fluid yet lockable head so you can pan for birds easily (with the weight) yet stop on a dime. I am not sure what adapter would work but I'd give Eagle Optics a call. They have been really good with providing digiscoping gear and would be able to get you exactly what you need. (We don't have any affiliation with them, but they are a great company). Whew! Tripods are a tricky topic because there are many and we have such little experience with them. We are happy with the Swarovski carbon fiber tripod. Carbon fibers are light-weight yet sturdy. Look for ones that feel really solid, can support a good deal of weight, and have a fluid yet lockable head so you can pan for birds easily (with the weight) yet stop on a dime.

I am not sure what adapter would work but I’d give Eagle Optics a call. They have been really good with providing digiscoping gear and would be able to get you exactly what you need. (We don’t have any affiliation with them, but they are a great company).

]]> By: Mary Carlson http://birdfreak.com/digiscoping-with-a-digital-slr-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-5489 Mary Carlson Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:08:47 +0000 http://birdfreak.com/?p=2170#comment-5489 Birdfreak, I'm looking forward to more tips and info in general. I recently purchased a Canon Rebel Xsi EOS 450D with an EFS 18-55mm IS lens and I'm having fun learning the different features, although it can be challenging, too. I also recently purchased a Stokes (Vortex) Sandpiper angled scope that has a 15-45x65mm lens and hoping to learn what kind of digiscoping adapter I'll need in the future. Of course, I still need to buy a decent tripod before I get started digiscoping. Any suggestions for a tripod? Birdfreak, I’m looking forward to more tips and info in general. I recently purchased a Canon Rebel Xsi EOS 450D with an EFS 18-55mm IS lens and I’m having fun learning the different features, although it can be challenging, too. I also recently purchased a Stokes (Vortex) Sandpiper angled scope that has a 15-45x65mm lens and hoping to learn what kind of digiscoping adapter I’ll need in the future. Of course, I still need to buy a decent tripod before I get started digiscoping. Any suggestions for a tripod?

]]>