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Digital Camera Buying Guide  Digiscoping DSLR camera for Digiscoping
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DSLR camera for Digiscoping |
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Written by openD
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Saturday, 25 August 2007 |
When it comes to photographing birds and other forms of wildlife, digiscoping is a technique that produces incredible results. As an avid bird watcher, you probably understand that there are a lot of gadgets you could end up with in order to fuel your hobby. You’ll want to view the birds through a telescope, binoculars, or other device.
But what if you see something that you want to capture in the form of a photograph? Often, you only have a split second before the bird flies away.
The answer to this potential problem is to purchase the tools that will make digiscoping possible.
Digiscoping is a method that is used for taking pictures of birds through a special scope. If you’ve been birding for a while, chances are you already have key elements of the equipment. In order to do digiscoping with a DSLR, you need a camera, a good tripod, and a good scope. Most birders have a tripod and a scope. The only missing link is to purchase the camera that works for you.
Positive and Negative Aspects of Digiscoping with a DSLR Camera
The technique of digiscoping when it comes to bird watching and viewing wildlife has been around. But since DSLR cameras are relatively new to the market when comparing them to film cameras, digiscoping with a DSLR is something that a lot of people would like to get into.
There are some positive and negative things about digiscoping with a DSLR camera. Several people who use a film camera for digiscoping and have also tried it with a digital SLR seem to think that the weight of the Digital SLR cameras is a real issue. The camera and the lens both need to be well balanced or else it could affect the shot.
One way to get around the weight issue is to make sure you have the proper adapter for the scope and to also make sure it has adequate support on the tripod. If you decide not to use a tripod, your own steadiness may not be enough to get a good shot.
The positive aspects are that it is practical and convenient and can save you some money. If you are a hobbyist, you may be reluctant to spend a lot of money on a lens that is suitable for bird watching. Also, it eliminates an extra step. If you have a special lens, you will still need to look at your scope in order to spot the birds. You may miss a key opportunity.
Another negative aspect is that when you digiscope with a DSLR camera, you don’t have the benefit of using an LCD screen. If you typically use a film camera, you will not miss this feature, however.
Digiscoping with a DSLR Versus a More Powerful Lens
Another thing to consider is why not choose a more powerful lens? Why would you choose to digiscope instead? If you are on the fence as to whether or not you want to digiscope with your DSLR, then there are some things to keep in mind.
First, it is possible to photograph birds very well with a digiscope on the DSLR camera. It is also possible to capture great photographs using a longer lens. However, if you are a birding enthusiast and hobbyist, chances are you probably prefer using a scope. A typical outing may have you looking through your scope for several hours before you even get a shot. It can be tiring to look through a lens for that period of time. A digiscope eliminates the need for that extra step.
Another issue with buying lens for your DSLR as opposed to a digiscope is that high quality lenses that will achieve the kind of shots that a digiscope can are very expensive. Using a digiscope is not only practical, but cost effective. Plus, if you are already a birder, you probably have the right scope on hand as well as a tripod. The missing link is to purchase the camera. And you can find really good cameras to use for digiscoping that are not too expensive.
Purchasing a Digiscoping Adaptor
Besides the tripod, DSLR camera, and the scope, you also need the right adaptor to be able to do some digiscoping. There are several different kinds of adaptors you can buy. These include:
• Olivon Universal Digiscope Adaptor
• Zhumell Universal Digiscope Adaptpr
• Barska Digiscoping Adaptor
• Swarovski DCA Digiscoping Adaptor
• And many others
The adaptor you choose will depend on the type of camera you have and the type of scope you have. Make sure it is compatible and does exactly what you need it to do.
DSLR Cameras to Use for Digiscoping
Not every DSLR camera is made the same. The older cameras seem to be inadequate for digiscoping because they are slower and a little more cumbersome. If you have an older camera and wish to try digiscoping with it, it is possible. However, you may find that the shots aren’t coming out as good as you would like.
There are, however, some cameras that seem to work really well. But keep in mind that the camera you use may depend on the type of scope you have.
Shoot for a camera that has a lot of megapixels. Four megapixels or higher is a good number to shoot for. That is one of the reasons why the older cameras are not good. Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and others all have DSLR cameras that are more than adequate.
Options for Digiscoping with DSLR
There are two different techniques you can use for digiscoping with your DSLR. The equipment you have and your preferences are two things that will determine which option you choose.
First, you can essentially turn your scope into a telephoto lens using an adaptor. This will allow you to attach the scope directly to the DSLR body. You can also attach it using an adaptor and a stepping ring. The method you choose will depend on the tools you have and your preferences.
You may need to experiment with both options in the field before you decide what to do. Another option is to test out the equipment before you buy it.
Final Thoughts
There are two different methods of digiscoping with a DSLR camera. If you have a certain camera or a certain scope, one method may work better than the other. However, you may need to do some experimenting before you settle on the method that works for you.
Also, there are numerous positive and negative aspects to digiscoping with a DSLR. Whether or not this is a method that will work for you is something that you will decide as you do your experiments.
If possible, you may want to try some of the equipment out before you buy anything. There are so many different scopes, cameras, tripods, and adaptors that unless you find the right combination you may not be happy with the results. You can borrow the equipment from people you know or see if you can find a try before you buy program through your equipment supplier. Also, you may want to work with a store that has a good return policy.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 25 August 2007 )
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