Review – Swarovski Universal Camera Adapter (UCA)
June 29, 2010
Article in: Product Reviews
The following is a review of Swarovski’s Universal Camera Adapter (UCA). When coupled to a Swarovski spotting scope and a camera (or video camera) you have a super powerful way to capture excellent shots of birds and other wildlife.
At a mere 12 oz., the UCA will not add any undue weight to your photography and birding gear. At first look the UCA may appear a bit complex (it is pretty innovative) and takes a little while to get used to how it functions. However, the adjustments are intuitive once you start playing with them.
Here’s how to get set up and ready to digiscope:
First, position the “connection sleeve” away from the tripod adapter if your camera is large (like a DSLR or camcorder) or facing inward if the camera is small (point-and-shoot).
For large cameras
For smaller cameras
Second, attach the mount to your camera’s tripod adapter (this is the standard tripod mount for most cameras) and slide it into position on the UCA.
Third and Fourth, adjust the distance of the camera (on the mount) from the connection sleeve while adjusting the height of the sleeve to match the camera’s lens. On point and shoots you’ll want the camera on and the lens out to properly position.
This is what the setup looks like with a DSLR camera
Please note this is just for illustrative purposes and not set up precisely.
Last, slide the connection sleeve over the spotting scope’s eyepiece so the lenses almost touch. Make final adjustments and make sure all adjustments are tightened.
Once your setup is ready you can easily slide the UCA on and off and the adjustments stay in position.
We love how this adapter works because if you use various cameras (DSLR, point and shoot, video camera, one borrowed from a friend) you do not need any other ring or adapter piece. Just reposition with a few twists of the knobs and you’re good to go.
If 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 of images and video through the spotting scope.
All photos are for illustrative purposes. Instructions are our interpretations of how to use the UCA. Please refer to the instruction manual provided by Swarovski to use properly. We received the UCA from Swarovski to review on Birdfreak.com.
Phriday Photo – Whooping Cranes at Nygren Wetlands
November 27, 2009
Article in: Photography
Despite a heavy fog we were finally able to view a group of five Whooping Cranes that had stopped over at Nygren Wetlands in the northern part of Winnebago County here in Illinois. Here are the best shots amongst the fog. All images were digiscoped with our new Swarovski 25-50x eyepiece. Oddly enough, I was shooting “blind” as the camera’s viewfinder was grossly out of focus but I had thought it was just the fog 
Note: Detailed information about the origins of these banded cranes can be found from NCIOS, our local bird club.
Digiscoped American Golden Plovers
September 26, 2009
Article in: Photography
The following photos are digiscoped with our Swarovski Digiscoping Rig and are of one of the year’s few LIFE BIRDS. These American Golden Plovers were hanging out at a sod farm along a hidden gravel road.
Please note that the distance was far and the lighting poor but using high powered optics helps to manage workable photos when normally I’d get nothing.
Digiscoping Among Ghost Trains at Lost Mound
July 22, 2009
Article in: Photography
Lost Mound is located where the once vibrant Savanna Army Depot once was (still there, just not operational). It is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge and is a birder’s paradise, yet still fairly unknown.
The signs and sights tell you otherwise, but Lost Mound is unbelievable when it comes to birds. Nestled along the Mississippi River and forested palisades, this crumbling munitions mecca provides habitat for birds not normally thought of in northwestern Illinois. Birds like Blue Grosbeak and Upland Sandpiper nest, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks mix, and Henslow’s Sparrows are relatively easy to find.
Lost Mound is grossly underbirded and much of the prime habitat is unaccessible, so there are more hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Typical habitat of Lost Mound: strange decaying building among intriguing foliage
While there are miles and miles of roads, only a few are open to the public. Much of Lost Mound is blocked with barbed wire and strict signs. Much of the explosive ordinances are still unaccounted for, making hiking out of the question. Train tracks run every which way and you are free to explore the open areas.
I brought Bella along to walk some of the roads with me and of course, did a bunch of digiscoping.
Dickcissels are extremely abundant yet I kept on getting them posed in poor lighting.
This Northern Mockingbird was vigorously defending his territory with variations of Western Meadowlark, Dickcissel, and even a bit of train sound effects.
Grasshopper Sparrow letting loose
Western Meadowlark
Lost Mound has a lot of history as an artillery firing site and was only officially closed in March of 2000. There is over 9,400 acres of land being managed, some four thousand (!) of which is sand prairie/savanna. These rare habitats are why this is such an intriguing place.
Over time the goal is to fully clean up the area to better manage and allow more public access. However, the price tag of $350 million has considerably slowed the process. We hope over time the land will be improved greatly and more birders can lose themselves at the Lost Mound.
Digiscoping Definition
July 7, 2009
Article in: Photography
Digiscoping is the combination of a spotting scope and a digital camera to take long-range photography.
The technique is best done with high-quality optics because they have better coated glasses which help increase clarity and reduce light loss. However, just about any scope and digital camera will work for at least identification/proof shots, so long as the camera’s lens size matches as close as possible to that of the scope’s eyepiece. (more…)
Digiscoping is Child’s Play
June 30, 2009
Article in: Photography
Digiscoping1 requires a lot of practice to get the hang of. Some amazing photographers have mastered this technique and can produce some unbelievable shots of birds that are normally beyond the range of traditional digital cameras.
However, the concept and execution of digiscoping is rather easy once you get a little practice in. I took Dakota birding with the sole purpose of letting him have full control of the digiscoping rig. Manipulating the scope/tripod into position required a little assistance but once we found a good place to scope out, Dakota began to shoot. As an 11-year old, it is often difficult to keep Dakota from fidgeting or getting impatient. But, by allowing him (and other kids) the opportunity to use expensive (and durable) equipment gives him the sense of responsibility and helps to teach patience, a trait missing in many children (and adults).
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any birds that would light long enough to be photographed, but Dakota had a great time being his Uncle’s helper. Remember, not only can you teach kids to digiscope, they make excellent Sherpas when you don’t feel like carrying your gear.
1digiscoping is the combining of a spotting scope and a digital camera to take a long-range photograph
Digiscoping Tip – Aperture Priority or Av Mode
February 24, 2009
Article in: Photography
Digiscoping Tip: Setting the aperture to a low F-stop number is best for digiscoping, keeping the bird in focus at a long distance. Choose the Av (Canon) or A (Nikon) mode to enter aperture priority. This allows you to decrease the F-stop as far as your lens will allow you (F/1.4 for our Canon lens). This also lets the camera shoot with a higher shutter speed, a benefit when shooting through so much glass and reducing vibration.
We have never taken a photography class so much of how we shoot is good ‘ole trial and error. The beauty of digital photography is that it enables you to make adjustments as you go. Look for more tips and tricks soon!!
Finch Invasion Year?
February 4, 2009
Article in: Photography
Whether or not Winter 2008-2009 is “officially” an invasion year for winter finches can be left to the experts. But northern Illinois has been inundated with beautiful birds from the far north.
Pine Siskins have been so numerous the resident House Sparrows have been delegated to the front bushes, forbidden from the backyard.
Here we have one Pine Siskin and one Common Redpoll sharing a thistle sock {digiscoped}
Common Redpolls are outnumbering Dark-eyed Juncos nearly 3:1 and there have been reports of Hoary Redpolls throughout the Chicagoland area. (We have yet to find any).
Common Redpoll {digiscoped}
With so many redpolls, there’s bound to be a squabble over seed {digiscoped}
Crossbills seem to be everywhere, the Reds being much more camera shy than the White-wingeds.
White-winged Crossbill
Thus far, this has been an excellent winter for birding. Now if we can just get an Evening Grosbeak…
