When choosing the best spotting scope for your needs, one of the first decisions that you have to make is to choose between a straight or an angled scope.
Straight-through scopes have the eyepiece and barrel in the same horizontal plane. Whilst with an angled scope, the eyepiece is at at an angle, usually 45 or 90 degrees from the barrel. Both have their advantages as well as disadvantages and it is a matter of deciding how you will mostly be using your scope to best decide which type to get:
Straight Spotting Scopes
Advantages
Easier to quickly find and track moving targets like birds
Easier to use if you do most of your birding or game viewing from hides or using a car window clamp
Easier to view objects below your own level eg at the bottom of a cliff
Disadvantages
Can get uncomfortable during prolonged observation periods
Digiscoping: depending on the weight of your camera and adapter, gravity can make the set-up less stable and there could be more chance of harming the eyepiece
If you’re above average height, it can be more expensive to buy a tripod that needs to be stable at 170cm high and above. The larger tripod is also harder to carry about.
Harder to view birds in the sky
Harder to use if you also plan to use your scope for astronomy
Angled Spotting Scopes
Advantages
Generally more comfortable for prolonged observation periods
Easier to view birds in the sky
You don’t need to raise the tripod so high and often depending on which tripod you have, you don’t even need to raise the centre column which makes a big difference regarding stability
Many prefer an angled for digiscoping, as you can set it at a lower height on your tripod, making it easier to keep it stable, especially in windy conditions
Gravity helps keep the camera in place for digiscoping making it more stable and so there is less chance of harming the eyepiece
Easier to use if you also plan to use your scope for astronomy
Disadvantages
Initially an angled scope can make it harder to find and track moving targets like birds, but over time you will get used to it and better at it
Harder to use if you do most of your birding or game viewing from hides or using a car window clamp
Harder to view birds or anything else that is below your own level eg at the bottom of a cliff
Taking photographs with a Swarovski Spotting scope using their UCA (Universal Camera Adapter) to attach your camera to the scope makes for a very light and secure digiscoping system. The UCA has the flexibility of working with both SLR and Compact type cameras.
Compatible Spotting Scopes
The UCA fits to all Swarovski telescopes: ATM/STM 65/80 (HD) Magnesium body Spotting Scopes as well as their aluminium ATS/STS 65/80 (HD) spotting scopes.
Compatible Eyepieces Swarovski eyepieces are usually sold separately from their scopes, and any of their three 30x, 25-50x and 20-60x eyepieces will work. The 30x and 25-50x wide-angle eyepieces in particular make excellent choices for digiscoping. The adapter fits in such a way that a zooming the eyepiece still works with the adapter fitted. It is also not necessary to remove the eyecup on the Swarovski eyepiece in order to use this adapter.
Compatible Cameras
The UCA adapter will fit most digital single lens reflex cameras (SLR) and compact cameras on the market, so long as they have a tripod screw thread under the body.
Connecting your Camera to the Scope using the UCA
For how to connect and use the UCA (Swarovski’s Universal Camera Adapter) with a SLR camera take a look at the video below:
Features
Rapid switching between observation and photography with a few small adjustments
The SWAROFAST function means you only need to adjust the position of your camera once in relation to your telescope. The camera can then be removed from the adapter and placed back in exactly the same position without any need for readjustment.
Low weight only 350 grammes and stable connection
Maximum security: attachment of the camera by means of camera tripod connection
Full functionality: the zoom eyepiece can be used without restriction
Specifications: UCA with SLR cameras:
Length : 221 mm/8.70 in
Width : 113 mm/4.45 in
Height : 165 mm/6.50 in
Weight approx : 350 g/12.3 oz
UCA with compact cameras:
Length : 168 mm/6.61 in
Width : 113 mm/4.45 in
Height : 165 mm/6.50 in
Weight approx : 350 g/12.3 oz
Buy & Compare Prices for Swarovski Digiscoping Adapters
Photographs
Below is an example of a digiscoped photograph taken using a Swarovski UCA (Universal Camera Adapter) and Swarovski Spotting Scope
The above photo was digiscoped with a Swarovski Spotting Scope, 25-50x zoom eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix P6000 camera and mounted using the Swarovski UCA Adapter. Photo Credit: neilfif11
If you are looking to digiscope with your SLR camera and a Swarovski spotting scope, you basically have three ways of connecting your camera to the scope: Swarovski’s DCA (Digital Camera Adapter), the UCA (Universal Camera Adapter) and the TLS 800 (Telephoto Lens System).
Basically the TLS 800 is a photographic lens and a spotting scope eyepiece all in one with a focal length of 800 mm (or 1280mm for DSLR cameras with an APS-size chip with 1.6x crop factor) and functions as an f/10 lens on Swarovski’s 80mm scopes and f/12.5 on the 65mm scopes. It replaced the old 800mm adapter and features totally redesigned optics with superior optical performance, especially edge sharpness.
The advantage of the TLS 800, Swarovski telescope and camera combination is that it forms a powerful but compact imaging system for high class photography that can be used with a normal 35mm as well as a digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Even higher magnifications can be achieved by using a high-quality teleconverter: A 1.4x converter would boost the TLS 800’s focal length to 1120mm (22.4x). The other main advantage is that this system is much cheaper than buying a separate telephoto lens of the same quality (a Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Super Telephoto Lens costs over $10,000) and you get a spotting scope to use when not digiscoping!
Compatible Spotting Scopes
The TLS adapter fits to all Swarovski ATM/STM 65/80 (HD) Spotting Scopes as well as their ATS/STS 65/80 (HD) spotting scopes.
Which Camera is best?
The TLS800 is suitable for all single lens reflex cameras (SLR) this includes the classic 35mm format versions or newer digital SLRs.
Because the spotting scope has no f-stop settings like a regular lens, it lets in light at a fixed rate – either f/10 for 80mm or f/12.5 for 65mm scopes, it means that as the scene gets brighter or darker, you must change shutter speeds to keep the correct exposure. Cameras that have an Aperture-Preferred Auto-Exposure system will change the shutter speeds for you, which will allow you to concentrate on the subject and not worry about the camera settings. “Programmed Auto”
and “Shutter-Preferred Auto” systems may not work, but the Manual Metering mode or manual shutter speed setting will work fine. Aperture-preferred works great when shooting print film, but slide film may require you to go to manual override for precise metering of tricky lighting conditions.
Connecting your Camera to the Scope using the TLS 800
The TLS800 adapter replaces the scope’s eyepiece and mounts in place into the scope body. To attach the camera to the photo adapter, you have to remove the camera’s lens and use a T-mount that fits your particular camera body (Canon, Nikon, etc.) to the TLS 800. It is important that you get the correct T-mount for your camera model, for example, there are two different T-mounts for Canon SLR cameras: one for autofocus bodies (EOS type), one for non-autofocus (FD type) bodies.
For more on how to use the Swarovski TLS 800 Telephoto Lens System take a look at the video below:
Features
Can be used with a normal 35mm as well as a digital SLR camera (DSLR)
Superior optical system consisting of eight lenses with SWAROTOP or SWARODUR coatings
Low weight, the system is much lighter than many comparable telephoto lenses
Much cheaper than buying a separate telephoto lens of the same quality
Disadvantages
Most SLR cameras with manual focusing have a focusing aid in the center of the view. This is either a split-image circle or a ring of microprisms. Any lens that is darker than f/8 will cause the circle or split-image focusing aids in the camera’s viewfinder to go black. This will always happen when taking photos through the spotting scopes. Obviously this black spot will not show up on the actual picture, but it will block out the center of the viewfinder and force you to compose your main subject slightly off-center. Most auto-focus cameras do not have these focusing aids on the screen, so
blackout is not a problem.
It is important to remember that Spotting scopes are NOT actually designed for photography and as such they do not give you the same quality of results as a 800mm or 1100mm Nikon or Canon telephoto lens. But having said that those telephoto lenses cost 6 to 10 thousand dollars each, are not waterproof and you cannot view through them.
Photographs
Below is an example of a digiscoped photograph taken using a Swarovski TLS 800 Telephoto Lens system and Swarovski Spotting Scope
The above photo of a Daurian Redstart was digiscoped with Swarovski 80 ATS HD, with a Fujifilm FinePix S5Pro DSLR camera and mounted using the Swarovski TLS 800 Adapter. Photo Credit: wksevenleung
Taking photographs with a Swarovski Spotting scope using their DCA (Digital Camera Adapter) to attach your camera to the scope makes for a very light and elegant digiscoping system: The DCA digital camera adapter joins your camera and spotting scope together into a sturdy single unit.
Compatible Spotting Scopes
The DCA fits to all Swarovski ATM/STM 65/80 (HD) Spotting Scopes as well as their ATS/STS 65/80 (HD) spotting scopes.
Compatible Eyepieces Swarovski eyepieces are usually sold separately from their scopes, but any of their three 30x, 25-50x and 20-60x eyepieces will work. The 30x and 25-50x wide-angle eyepieces in particular make excellent choices for digiscoping. The adapter fits in such a way that a zooming the eyepiece still works with the adapter fitted.
Compatible Cameras
The DCA adapter will fit almost all still digital compact cameras or video digital camera that have a filter mount. This means that your camera must have a threaded objective lens or threaded adapter and maximum 4x optical zoom. Digital SLR cameras can also be used in combination with a fixed 50 mm objective lens and a suitable intermediate ring if necessary. Your Swarovski telescope thus becomes a telephoto lens with a focal length ranging from 1,500 – 4,000 mm and supports all the advantages of an SLR camera.
Connecting your Camera to the Scope using the DCA
The inner tube attaches to the spotting scope eyepiece, whilst the outer tube attaches to the camera and is then slid over the inner making mounting and removing your camera fast, accurate and easy.
For more on how to use the DCA (Swarovski’s Digital Camera Adapter) take a look at the video below:
Features
The use of a zoom eyepiece remains unrestricted
Rapid switching between observation and photography with a few small adjustments
Low weight and stable connection
The adapter comes complete with the most common connection rings to fit 52, 43, 37 & 28mm filter mounts. Other sizes can be fitted via step up/down rings which are widely available.
Accessories include a spotting scope rail, spotting scope base, balance rail and DCA adapter sleeve.
Buy & Compare Prices for Swarovski Digiscoping Adapters
Photographs
Below are a few example digiscoped photographs taken using a Swarovski DCA (Digital Camera Adapter) and Swarovski Spotting Scope
The above photo of a White-crowned Sparrow – Zonotrichia leucophrys was digiscoped with Swarovski 80 HD, with a Nikon 8400 camera and mounted using the Swarovski DCA Adapter. Photo Credit: Len Blumin
With the Swarovski Optik DCB digital camera base not only is it possible to connect your Compact Digital Camera to your Swarovski Spotting Scope, but with one simple pivoting movement (see animation on the right), it is possible to switch between digiscoping and observation mode in a matter of seconds.
Compatible Spotting Scopes
The DCB fits to all Swarovski ATM/STM 80/65 HD spotting scopes, as well as their ATS/STS 80/65 (HD) spotting scopes
Compatible Eyepieces Swarovski eyepieces are usually sold separately from the scope itself, but any of their three eyepieces (30x, 25-50x and 20-60x eyepieces). If you don’t know which eyepiece is right for digiscoping, Swarovski Optik recommend the 30x and 25-50x wide-angle eyepieces as excellent choices for digiscoping.
Compatible Cameras
The DCB adapter works with almost all digital compact cameras that have a tripod thread and a maximum 4x optical zoom with the 20-60x eyepiece or a 5x optical zoom when using Swarovski’s wide-angle eyepieces. It is ideal for cameras that do not have the facility to attach filters as this mount allows fitting via the tripod screw. The camera can be adjusted in all directions to ensure that it is correctly aligned to the eyepiece and fitted as close as possible to reduce vignetting of your photograph.
Features
The use of a zoom eyepiece remains unrestricted
Works with all Swarovski Optik eyepieces
Simple, quick fitting of the DCB to your telescope
You can switch between observing and photographing or filming in a single movement – When not in use, the camera can be swung upwards out of the way, allowing for normal use of the telescope.
Suitable for nearly all digital cameras with tripod connection thread.
The camera position remains fixed once adjusted
You can transport the complete digiscoping unit (tripod, telescope, DCB, camera) securely in a fixed photography position with out having to dismantle the digiscoping setup
Low weight (15,4 oz/430 g), stable and vibration dampening
The Digital Camera Base comes supplied with a balance rail, pouch and combi-key and is available in 2 designs – DCB-A for Angled scopes & DCB-S for Straight Spotting scopes.
Buy & Compare Prices for Swarovski Digiscoping Adapters
Photographs
Below are a few example photographs taken using a Swarovski DCB and Swarovski Spotting Scope
The above photo was taken at Kulagi Nature Camp, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary – Digiscoped with Swarovski ATS 65 HD, with the 30X eyepiece, Nikon Coolpix 8400 and mounted using the Swarovski DCB. Photo Credit: bv_madhukar
Video
The video below of an Oriental Turtle-Dove was taken by digiscoping with a Swarovski ATS80 and the DCB system with a Canon Ixus 95 IS digital camera. Video Credit: Maarten W. Kaales
Swarovski Spotting scopes are some of the best you can get and this still holds true if you want to use them for digiscoping. Connecting a camera to any Swarovski Spotting Scope is very simple using one of their specially designed camera adapters. Whist it is possible to use any Swarovski Spotting scope for digiscoping as they all use the same eyepieces, Swarovski recommend using their HD scopes for the sharpest image possible.
Swarovski Digiscoping with a Digital SLR Camera
Swarovski Optik currently have three adapters that allow you to attach your DSLR camera to their spotting scopes:
Swarovski Digiscoping with a Compact Digital Camera
Swarovski Optik currently have three adapters that allow you to attach most compact digital cameras camera to their spotting scopes:
Many spotting scopes are either waterproof, fogproof or both and some terms used include weather protected or even weather proof. But what exactly does it all mean, do you really need a waterproof scope and just what do they do to make a spotting scope waterproof and fogproof?
Waterproofing
Waterproof spotting scopes are sealed internally using O-rings to prevent moisture as well as dust and other small debris from entering the inside of the unit.
Fogproofing
When a spotting scope is Fogproof, it means that the optical barrel is filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging caused when subjecting your scope to temperature extremes, especially in high humidity. Fogproofing is sometimes referred to as nitrogen-purging. This term is probably more descriptive of the actual process because oxygen (O2) is purged from the barrel and replaced with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) which doesn’t condense.
A spotting scope can be waterproof without being fogproof. This merely means that it has been sealed, but the oxygen inside the device has not been purged and replaced with an inert gas. But if a spotting scope is fogproof, it has to be waterproof (sealed) as well.
Today more and more spotting scopes are both waterproof and fogproof. Just look out for manufacturers that claim that their optics are “weather protected” or “water protected” this usually means that they are not 100% water or fog proof, but can survive a little moisture. If you think that you will need to use your scopes in a wet environment, make sure that they are 100% waterproof.
Do I need waterproof scopes?
Whilst a waterproof spotting scope is never a bad thing, if you are choosing between two scopes and the one that is more expensive is water and fogproof you need to decide if you really need it. A scope that has internal moisture on the lens can be at the least very annoying or even unusable.
If you plan on using your optics in any marine or water environment, It is almost essential that you get water proof scopes as no matter how careful you are, mistakes will happen!
Waterproof and fogproof spotting scopes are also highly recommended if you plan on using them anywhere where the humidity is high in like, rainforests, or if you’re around water like a wetland. Some of the best birdwatching can be experienced during inclement weather and one of the main reasons birdwatchers go with spotting scopes that are both water and fogproof. Whilst not essential, waterproofing is also a good idea if you are taking your scopes on safari, hunting or most other wildlife viewing as I have often taken guests out in the bush whilst it is raining.
Dry and Sandy Environments
It is not only watery and humid conditions where water and fog-proofing can help: in an extremely dry and dusty climate, the O-ring seal will prevent dust and tiny debris from entering your spotting scope.
Spotting Scope Covers
With many spotting scopes, you can get a cover or Handholding Case as an accessory that can also help to protect your optics from the wet.
Yes, the title is correct, you can get a free Manfrotto 7301YB Tripod worth about $156.00 when you purchase the excellent Nikon Fieldscope 25-75×82 ED Angled Spotting Scope.
This offer is available at Eagle Optics (click the link to view more details)
Nikon ED Fieldscope 25-75×82 A
The angled Nikon ED82 A’s come with eleven different compatible eyepieces and feature Nikon’s excellent ED glass (extra-low dispersion glass) for chromatic aberration compensation and which produces extremely brighter and clearer images.
Digiscoping with the Nikon ED 82A spotting scope is simple, you can connect your SLR digital camera with the special SLR camera attachment (FSA-L1), or connect your compact digital camera using a special bracket and with some Nikon Coolpix cameras you don’t even need the bracket.
Manfrotto 7301YB Tripod with 3-Way Head
An ideal tripod for travelling as this reliable tripod that can be easily packed into a suitcase and carried for long distances. The portable Manfrotto 7301YB aluminum tripod folds to a compact 20.1 inches and weighs only 3.7 pounds. The four-section legs extend to a maximum height of 56.3 inches and can be set independently in two different angle positions. Topping off the legs is an aluminum three-way head with separate pan and tilt locks, a short handle for easy panning, and the 200PL-14 quick release plate. Manfrotto completes this ready-to-take-anywhere tripod by including a convenient carrying bag. The 7031YB is covered by a Manfrotto 2-year limited warranty, plus an additional 3 years when you register online.
Get a FREE Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera Kit worth $549.95 with any purchase of a Nikon EDG Fieldscope or EDG Binocular.
Yes, you read it right, now could be the best time to get into Digiscoping as Nikon will send you a free D3000 camera kit with 18-55VR Nikkor lens if you buy a Nikon EDG spotting scope or binocular from an authorised dealer Nikon EDG dealer in the US. Please note the Nikon’s Take it to the EDG promotion ends on October 31st 2010.
Where can I get this offer?
The two major online spotting scope retailers in the US are also authorised dealers of Nikon EDG Fieldscopes which is great news:
Digiscoping
So not only can you now get some of the best spotting scopes available, but you also get an excellent DSLR camera as well. This is a truly great offer, but especially great if you were thinking of getting into digiscoping as you can now get both essential pieces of equipment for the price of one.
The full terms and conditions are available from the above retailers, the main ones being that the offer ends on October 31st 2010 and is offered exclusively for consumer purchasers of new eligible Nikon EDG products (see below) imported by and distributed for retail sale within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by Nikon Inc., Melville, New York. Purchases made in or delivered to other countries are ineligible.
July 21, 2010 | Posted by admin 
When choosing the best spotting scope for your needs, one of the first decisions that you have to make is to choose between a straight or an angled scope.
Categories: All About | 
Tags: Angled Spotting Scope, Straight Spotting Scope | 
No Comments »
If you are looking to digiscope with your SLR camera and a 
With the Swarovski Optik DCB digital camera base not only is it possible to connect your Compact Digital Camera to your 
Swarovski Spotting scopes are some of the best you can get and this still holds true if you want to use them for digiscoping. Connecting a camera to any 
The Waterproof Spotting Scope
Dry and Sandy Environments
Yes, the title is correct, you can get a free Manfrotto 7301YB Tripod worth about $156.00 when you purchase the excellent Nikon Fieldscope 25-75×82 ED Angled Spotting Scope.
The full terms and conditions are available from the above retailers, the main ones being that the offer ends on October 31st 2010 and is offered exclusively for consumer purchasers of new eligible Nikon EDG products (see below) imported by and distributed for retail sale within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by Nikon Inc., Melville, New York. Purchases made in or delivered to other countries are ineligible. 