Digiscoping with a Vortex Razor

Eagle Optics,

I was formerly a birder, and, now that I am retired, thinking I would enjoy digiscoping photography in conjunction with resuming my interest in birding.

I am thinking of buying the Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85 Angled Spotting Scope, the proper coupling adapter and a Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens which has a 58 mm threaded filter (and a remote shutter release). High quality distance viewing equipment and impressive photographic results are important to me.

Will the adapter definitely work smoothly with this camera?

Is an angled eyepiece the advisable choice (I am 6'1") and wear glasses?

I would think the tripod should have a panning head instead of a ball-type? Do you have a recommendation for a particular make and model? on sale?

What about one of those sliding brackets to balance the scope when the camera is taken off?

Any irresistible deals for binoculars, which I basically see as a tool for locating the birds, and probably would not see a heavy expense as justified?

Thanks,
Don

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Hi Don,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics. The setup that you listed will work, except in order to digiscope you will need a fixed 50mm lens for the DLSR camera instead of the 18-55mm lens. These 50mm lens generally have 52mm threads, which will attach to the 52mm plate on the adapter.

As for a tripod you will certainly want a video pan-arm tripod head as opposed to a ball head.

For your height, I’d suggest the following setup:
Manfrotto 055xb Tripod legs
Manfrotto 128rc Tripod Head

You can check our hot deals section for binocular deals in your price range.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping with a Kowa TSN-2

Eagle Optics,

Several years ago I got interested in using my school's Kowa TSN-2 (77mm) for digiscoping. I bought a TSN-DA1 adapter, the extender and the piece that fits around the eyepiece.

My question is, will a full size Canon D7 work through such a tiny eyepiece?

The lens on the camera is a 18-135 with a 67mm filter size. It seems too large to work and I do not see a 67 mm adapter on your site.

Alternatively, can you recommend a point and shoot camera with filter threads that would be optimal? With the appropriate adapter? Most point and shoot cameras have no threads for filters/adapters.

Thanks,
Mark

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Mark,

Unfortunately, your lens will not work. In order to digiscope, you need a fixed 50mm lens for the camera. Almost universally, those fixed 50mm lenses have a thread size of 52mm. Assuming that’s the case with the one you buy, you’d also need the 52mm adapter ring for the front of the DA1.

As far as point and shoot cameras go, the first thing is to make sure its optical zoom is no higher than 4x. From there, any with filter threads (or a filter thread adapter) should work (along with the appropriate Kowa DCA ring) on the DA1.

The other option would be to buy one of the newer Vortex PS-100 brackets, which provide a 37mm ring.

We use a Canon SD4000IS with the Vortex PS-100 and it works well.

If you went the PS-100 route, you’d need the Kowa DCA 37mm adapter ring.

Make sense?

If not, we'd be happy to try and help answer more questions.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Tripod Head Advice

Eagle Optics,

Now that we have played with our new scope a bit, it is painfully obvious we need a better tripod head. I have done a bit of research, watched a lot of your videos, etc. I want to make sure the head I buy will support the Swarovski 80mm Spotting Scope and any DSLR - I currently shoot with a Canon 50D, but want it to support a heavier camera in case I move to a bigger camera/battery pack in the future.

I realize the heads that are good for digiscoping typically only pan/tilt, and don't offer that third axis for moving a camera to shoot portrait. Seems like most of the 3-way heads aren't great for digiscoping.

Of the Gitzo, Swarovski, and Manfrotto (or other brands) heads, what do you like best? What max support weight do you look for? I assume given the offset of the weight, you should allow for more than the actual combined weight of the scope/camera?

Thanks,
Greg

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Hi Greg,

There are several tripod heads that will work well for digiscoping, and I’ve listed a few of my favorites below. As for 3-way heads, it is possible to use them for digiscoping, but the drawback is that you can’t fluidly pan/tilt without first loosening the locking knobs. As for supporting the weight of the scope and DSLR, all three of the tripod heads listed below can handle it.

Recommendations:

I really like the Manfrotto 128RC Tripod Head which weighs 1.9 pounds, and has a maximum load of 8.9 pounds. It’s less expensive than the other two heads below, and lacks a few of their features, but it is very sturdy, will support your digiscoping setup.

The Gitzo Birdwatching Tripod Head is super small and lightweight, and is ideal for traveling or hiking with it. It weighs 1.1 pounds with a maximum load of 8.8 pounds, and has just one large knob that you can use to loosen/tighten the pan and the tilt, or lock both in a fixed position.

I personally use the Swarovski DH 101 Tripod Head and really like how it operates. It also is very light at 1.2 pounds, and can support up to 10.9 pounds. It has a very smooth pan and tilt which can be locked independently of each other, and it has a bubble level (which isn’t always useful, but can help with setting up a composition against a horizon).

I like all three of these tripod heads and I hope this was helpful, but if you have any other questions about them please let me know.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping with a Nikon D90 camera

Eagle Optics,

Do you carry a photo adapter that will work with the Kowa TSN 82SV angled spotting scope?

It would be attached to a Nikon D90 camera. Would a Nikon specific adapter also be required?

Thanks for the information,
Sally

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Hi Sally,

Thanks for your inquiry.

You would need the following parts:

Kowa DA1 camera adapter

Kowa extension ring

Kowa 52mm adapter ring

In addition to those pieces, you would need to get Nikon's 50mm F/1.8 lens for your camera.

The system works by attaching the adapter to your 50mm camera lens which will mount on/over the scopes eyepiece. What you will be doing is taking a photo through the camera lens and through the 20-60x zoom eyepiece. If you are using a different eyepiece on your scope, than you can skip the extension ring above.

Here is a link to an article about digiscoping with a DSLR.

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to email or call.

Best Regards,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping Questions

Eagle Optics,

I want to digiscope with my Nikon D7000 and Nikon S 6100 cameras. Will you please advise me on a scope with a budget of $200 to $300? Also the T ring, T adopters etc and tell me the total cost. I have gone through the web site and video demo of digiscoping.

From R.N.

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Dear R.N.,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics.

Unfortunately you will not be able to digiscope in this price range.

There are several reasons for this:

1. For your D7000 camera to be used for digiscoping, the only manufacturers who make adapters that will accept that camera body with a fixed 50mm lens are Kowa, Vortex, and Swarovski.

2. Your S6100 will not work for digiscoping at all because it has an optical zoom over 4x.

In order to use a small digital point and shoot camera and a universal adapter, you will need a small-bodied camera with a 3-4x optical zoom.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we are happy to help answer any other questions.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Binoculars for backpacking

Eagle Optics,

I’m a wildlife biologist and an avid birder but can’t always pack my regular binoculars due to space, weight, etc. while travelling/backpacking. I’m looking for a compact pair of binos that do not sacrifice too much light or clarity due to small size. I absolutely love my Swarovski 10x42s but have also owned and liked Bausch and Lomb 8x36 and Eagle Optic Rangers 10x50. A few different options in price range would be great. Since I already have Swarovski 10x42s, I don’t think I can justify spending $700-800 on a “travel pair” but it’s always good to know what else is out there.

Thanks,
Sophie

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Sophie,

Here are some recommendations for good, compact binoculars:

Bushnell Elite 7x26
Super nice optics at a good price: $219.99. The downside is that they are not the most compact of binoculars due to their design.


Vortex Viper 8x28
This sells for $320. Probably my favorite of the compacts outside of the “super-premium” models. It’s compact, bright, and has the feel/operation of larger binoculars. Easy to use with one hand and very well suited for eye-glass wearers.

Nikon Premiere 8x20
This sells for $430. This is the best deal of the “top-shelf” options. Optics comparable to the Swarovski’s and Leica’s but they run on average $200 less than the European models. Very small when closed up and in its case. Not as easy to use as the Viper but it’s smaller.

Minox 8x24 BV BR
Sells for $150 and the best option for a budget compact. If you are used to using Swarovski’s, I’d be willing to bet that you would find the view not so satisfying, but it’s the best in this price range.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Binoculars for $200-$300

Hi Eagle Optics,

I work as a professional wildlife biologist and I am looking into replacing my personal set of binoculars. At work we have the Ranger 8X42 which I have found agreeable, I however personally prefer a 10X42. I am debating between buying the Ranger 10X42 or the Denali 10X42. I am recently out of school so every dollar counts. The aspects that are very important to me are clarity and performance in low light. Is the Ranger worth the extra money, is the Denali plenty good or am I looking at the wrong binoculars all together?

Thanks,
Bik

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Bik,

Thank you for your interest in Eagle Optics. I think you've selected two excellent binoculars to consider in the Denali and the Ranger. The Ranger, however, is a clear winner when it comes to brightness, especially in low-light conditions. The Ranger also has a more true color tone than the Denali which tends to be a little on the warm side.

I feel it is definitely worth the difference in cost, although the Denali is a great binocular for under $200, and I can't think of a binocular that I would recommend over these two automatically.

For another alternative though I would look at the Atlas Intrepid ED which has extra-low dispersion glass that will reduce Chromatic Aberration and has a little better contrast than the Ranger. However, the brightness and clarity is the same between the two of them, and the Atlas Intrepid is larger and heavier, so it has its drawbacks.

I hope that was helpful and please let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Razor Digiscoping Setup

Hi Eagle Optics,

I have a Canon G11 and would like to know if that will work with the Vortex Razor HD and what adapter I would need.

Thanks,
Ken

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Ken,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics. You're in luck. The G11 is one of very few exceptions to the rule that a point and shoot has to have a below 4x optical zoom to digiscope. The G11 has a 5x zoom, but works well.

In order to digiscope with your Razor scope you'll need these pieces:

Vortex Razor Digital Camera Adapter

And you'll also need one of these which you can order online but not from us:

Canon Filter Adapter

OR

We can sell you this adapter that will attach to the Razor DCA and provide a platform to mount your camera on:


Vortex PS-100 Point-n-Shoot Adapter

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

15 power binoculars on a tripod

Eagle Optics,

I have a very good spotting scope, a fairly new Zeiss 85mm w/20-60x eyepiece, but I find hours of one-eyed viewing to be uncomfortable. I almost always use 20x, 90% of my scope birding is over water, and I find distortion and shake to negate any advantage from higher magnification.

I was considering mounting a 15x50 Vortex Viper on a tripod, but am reluctant to spend $650+ on an experiment that may be a failure and I have no experience with the stability or durability of bin/tripod adaptors. I'm also a little reluctant given that I've seen only one or two folks in my 37 years of birding with a bin/tripod set-up.

Do you have any insight on this matter, pros or cons? Will you have any reps in Michigan, perhaps at a festival or show, where I might have an opportunity to try such a set-up? Thanks for any information you can provide.

-Matt

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Matt,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics. The tripod and binocular setup should work well for you and reduce eye fatigue since you’ll have both eyes open.

You’re right that most folks don’t use these setups. I’d argue that there are two reasons for that. Most of the time, people like the light gathering of a scope (bigger front lenses) and there is not a wide selection of binoculars in similar front lens sizes.

I guess a lot of folks also don’t mind the one-eye viewing. But if if is a problem for you, I think the bin/tripod setup might be your ideal fix.

We don’t have any upcoming festivals in Michigan, but we do have a full 30-day return policy. You have 30 days from the time you receive the order to set it up and check it out. If you’re not happy for any reason, you can return it in original condition for a full refund or exchange.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

8x vs. 10x Magnification

Eagle Optics,

Can you tell me what percentage of birders get magnification 10x vs 8x? They both seem really good. I have viewed your videos which are very helpful in demonstrating field of view, etc. Is it just a matter of personal choice?

Thanks,

Terri

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Terri,

It is mostly a matter of choice. I’d say the majority of birders use 8x.
A 10x is perfect if 1) you can hold that magnification steady (many people can’t), and 2) you are doing mostly long-distance viewing.

I would say in general 8x work well because they are very all-purpose as far as having a good mix of magnification and field of view. Most people will buy a spotting scope eventually if they need high magnification.

If you are a beginning birder or binocular user, I would also suggest an 8x binocular.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics