Digiscoping with the Canon PowerShot S100 and a Kowa TSN spotting scope

Eagle Optics,

Do you have any tips on attaching the Canon PowerShot S100 to a Kowa zoom 20-60x or the 25x eyepiece with the Vortex DCA? Distance of lens to camera?

Should I use the tele-convertor on the camera? Which settings should I use? J peg or raw, etc?

Thanks,
Kevin

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Kevin,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics.

First of all, I’m not entirely sure the S100 will work for digiscoping because it has a 5x optical zoom. Generally, anything with an over 4x optical zoom doesn’t work well because you can’t get rid of vignetting. That being said, you might have a camera that bucks the trend and is the exception to the rule.

Which Kowa scope do you have? The DCA you choose will depend on which scope you have.

If you’re using the 60mm, 66mm, or 82SV scopes, you’ll want this DCA. If you have the zoom eyepiece with this setup, you’ll also need this extension ring. Then, assuming your camera does not have filter threads, which most of them don’t, you’ll also need Kowa’s DCA 37mm ring. And the Vortex PS100 to match the 37mm thread.

If you’re using the 77 or 88mm scopes from Kowa, with a zoom or fixed eyepiece, you’ll need this adapter. Plus the Kowa DCA 37mm ring above and the Vortex PS100 above.

You’ll want to put the camera in manual mode, turn the flash off, etc. You can shoot raw, but you will obviously need a much larger memory card. Please let me or anyone else know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Binoculars for a gift

Eagle Optics,

I would like to buy a pair of binoculars for my husband. He will use them for viewing travel landscape, sports, and a little star gazing. We're not really bird watchers, but lots of hiking brings that opportunity. I've watched the videos on your website and have read several reviews and there are many options but I'm not sure how to make the choice for this variety of uses.

We are in our mid 50's, don't want anything too bulky or heavy, and would like to spend less than $400. I don't need to over buy. He cares how well things work mechanically and how they feel in his hands.

Can you recommend some for me to look at online? Can I make an exchange if he prefers a different model?

Thanks,
Nancy

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Hi Nancy,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics. You have a full 30 day return policy, so no worries there.

I'd recommend you look at both the 7x36 Atlas Intrepid and 8x32 Eagle Optics Ranger. Both of these are mid-size, lightweight, and have the same comprehensive warranty coverage.

The Atlas is a bit nicer optically, and a bit heavier. The Ranger is a bit slimmer in the hand and has a bit better build quality and accessories. Can't go wrong with either one.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping with a Vortex Razor

Eagle Optics,

I just purchased a Vortex Razor spotting scope and camera adapter and need a couple of additional attachments but am not sure exactly what that is.

I purchased the scope (and love it!!) through Eagle Optics and thought maybe you might be able to tell me specifically what I need to order.

I have a Nikon Coolpix 4500 and the smallest adapter ring (30mm I believe) doesn't quite line up with the threads on the inside of the lens housing. Is there a slightly small adapter or a step ring to transition it?

Next I have a Cannon 5d SLR with a Cannon 1.2 50MM L series lens which the largest adapter ring doesn't fit. The lens thread is 72MM.

I don't know if there is a better choice for a lens for this camera - maybe the lighter, smaller non L series 50MM Lens? or maybe the SLR isn't the way to go - seems kind of big and gaudy on the scope and tripod.

Thanks,
Mark

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Mark,

Both of your camera options should work okay.

Your Coolpix has a 37mm thread, so you’d actually just thread directly to the 37mm ring provided with the Razor Digital Camera Adapter.

As far as the DSLR goes, generally folks use the fixed 50mm lenses with a 52mm thread on the front (which will match the 52mm ring on the adapter).
The basic, manual lenses are the ones you want. I don’t know if yours is fancier or not, but you do want the basics.

What I would try before you buy another lens though, is getting a step ring (which you can find at most camera shops) that will take you from the 72-52mm threads.
If you can easily find that, that may be all you need. Hopefully this helps.

You can certainly feel free to call as well and any of our staff will be happy to help.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping with a Kowa 883 and a Point-n-Shoot camera

Eagle Optics,

I recently purchased a Kowa TSN 883 from Eagle Optics (with which I am very happy) and would now like to get set up for digiscoping. From reading your articles and watching your tutorial videos I have decided to begin with a point and shoot camera, being unfamiliar with digital photography (I have quite a bit of experience with conventional SLRs, primarily in the Nikon family). Would you be able to provide me with a list of cameras you consider suitable (please include your opinions) for this activity that meet your minimum specs for digiscoping (including video-capable)?

I have not yet purchased an adapter, not having decided on a camera.
When I was doing bird photography with a telephoto lens in my conventional SLR days I found that a shutter release cable was essential to capturing good images, but I saw no mention of any need for this in digiscoping.

Thanks,
Charles

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Charles,

There is no comprehensive list of digiscoping appropriate cameras because the models and offerings change so much. The main thing is that you choose a camera with a small body and below 4x optical zoom.

Along with a camera like that, the nicest adapter setup for your scope would be
a Kowa TSN DA-10 Digital Camera Adapter, a 37mm adapter ring, and a Vortex PS100 Point-n-Shoot adapter.

The camera we use in store and love is the Canon SD4000IS.

I would suggest heading to B&H and see what they have. They usually have a really good selection of good quality cameras that are inexpensive.

And we are always happy to help answer any further questions you might have as you go.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Compact Binoculars

Eagle Optics,

Are the Eagle Optics Shrike 8 X 42 binoculars compact?

Thanks,
Ana

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Hi Ana,

Any binocular with a number greater than 30 for the objective lens size would be considered to be a full or mid-sized binocular.

The Shrike 8x42 has a 42mm lens size, making it a full sized binocular.

If you are interested in getting a compact 8x binocular, you'll want to shop for something like an 8x20, 8x25, or 8x28.

In the same price range as the 8x42 Shrike, is the compact Vortex Vanquish 8x26. That is one of the nicer compact models that sells for around $100.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to email or call.

Best Regards,
Eagle Optics

Beginning Digiscoper Setup

Eagle Optics,

I am looking to get a digiscoping setup for my mother. What should I purchase to get the most bang for my buck?

I have never used a spotting scope or field scope so I don't know what specs I should be looking for. I would like to be able to zoom in close and take crisp pictures of birds.

Are there options that you offer for a digiscoping package?

I would like to be able to use the setup with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8S. Any advice? I really enjoy the eagle optics videos.

Thanks,
Ellen

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Ellen,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics.

It makes sense to get a scope of good quality glass since that will be the single most important factor in image quality. You could start around the price range of something like the Vortex Viper scopes. If you can afford the HD glass on those or any other scopes, it’s worth it for digiscoping.

I have bad news for the camera, unfortunately. You will not be able to use your Panasonic because its optical zoom is over 4x. Its 12x optical zoom will mean that no matter what you do, you’ll never be able to get a full frame image and everything will be a small image surrounded by black shadowing (called vignetting).

If you buy an inexpensive point and shoot with a small body and below a 4x optical zoom, you should be good to go with a wide variety of setups. The option we would recommend for use with the Vortex Viper would be the Point-and-shoot Adapter Kit.

We would be happy to walk you through any setups, price ranges, questions you have, etc, but you will need to get a different camera. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The good news is that digiscoping appropriate cameras need not be expensive in the scheme of things.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping with a Nikon V1

Eagle Optics,

I have just received the Nikon V1 camera for my birthday. I want to digiscope with it. I have a Kowa 82SV angled scope with the 20-60x eyepiece. What additional hardware will I need? The camera has the Nikkor 10-30mm kit lens.

Thanks,
Sally

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Sally,

Thanks you for your interest in Eagle Optics.

The first thing you’ll need is a fixed 50mm lens for your Nikon V1. You can’t digiscope with the zoom lenses.

Once you get it, you will also need these pieces:
Kowa DA-1 Digital Camera Adapter
Kowa Extension Ring z7/z9
Kowa 52mm Adapter Ring
(The 50mm camera lenses almost universally have a 52mm thread on the end of them, so you'll need that size adapter ring).

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Variable Eyepieces Question

Eagle Optics,

I purchased a Zeiss 20-75x85mm spotting scope, but noticed that the eyepiece has two scales on it, one from 15-56 and one from 20-75. Why is the 15-56 scale on the eyepiece if it is suppose to be 20-75?

Thanks,
David

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David,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics.
The eyepiece for the Zeiss scopes fit either of their scope bodies, the 65mm and the 85mm. On the 85mm scopes, the eyepiece is 20-75x. On the 65mm scopes, it is 15-56x.

There are actually a number of eyepieces that are designed this way, from many manufacturers as well.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

Digiscoping with a Swarovski scope

Eagle Optics,

I have an older angled 80mm Swarovski spotting scope that I would like to use with my Canon XTI digital camera. Does the Swarovski DCA adapter on the video on your website work with all brands? What info do I need to order the right adapter?

Thanks,
Dick

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Dick,

The Swarovski DCA adapter pretty much only works as is with Swarovski scopes. Here are the three pieces you’ll need to get in order to use your XTI with the old gray-bodied scope:

-Fixed 50mm lens for your camera (from a camera shop or online; we don’t sell these)

-Swaorvski Digital Camera Adapter for Zoom Eyepiece

-Swarovski Digi Camera Adapter Ring

The 50 mm lenses almost universally have a 52mm thread on the end of them. Swarovski provides a 52mm ring (along with other sizes) with the purchase of the DCA adapter.
This should all work quite well together.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics

New birder's questions on 8x42 binoculars

Eagle Optics,

I am new to birding (just starting) and looking for a decent binocular. I am tempted by the Nikon Monarch ATB and would consider that my top end. I am really thinking more about spending around $120. I do want to go with 42mm objective lenses and believe I want 8x power (possibly 10 power). Is there anything that would help me understand the difference between the following 8x42 optics:

Bushnell H2O
Atlas Radian
Eagle Optics Denali
Eagle Optics Ranger
Nikon Monarch ATB

I believe I have narrowed it down to the Radian or Denali. I think I want to stay with your brand for warranty, but it looks like Atlas also has a “no fault” warranty. (Do I deal directly with Atlas on a warranty claim?) Any help with this would be great!

Also, one other question. Many specs include a twilight factor” calculated as the square root of the magnification times objective size. This make since for higher twilight factor for larger objective, but does not make since to me when comparing an 8x42 and a 10x42. The 10x42 has a higher twilight factor, but the 8x42 is usually considered “brighter” than a 10x42 and better for low light.(due to exit pupil diameter?). I seem to be getting something wrong here…

Thanks for your help,
Warren

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Warren,

Thanks for your interest in Eagle Optics. You’ve selected binoculars that are all generally in the same class, though I’d agree that you should stick with the Radian or Denali for price and overall build quality/warranty.

Atlas is one of our house brands, so just like the Denali, it would come here to us for service.

We don’t really use twilight factor to talk about brightness of a binocular, because you can basically get the same answers by looking at the magnification, field of view, and front lens size. I’m not sure where you’re seeing the difference in twilight factor numbers, but the lower the magnification (and hence wider field of view between an 8x and 10x of the same model) and bigger the front lens size, the brighter your image will be in low light.

If you want a good all-around binocular that will work well in all light situations and be easy to hold steady for long periods of time, I’d suggest an 8x42.

If you have any further questions, we’re happy to help.

Thanks,
Eagle Optics