BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

spotting scope

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February 15, 2007

The scope you are considering:

The main front lenses know as the objective is 65mm in diameter. Considering that most others are 50mm or 60mm this one is unique. The larger the diameter, the brighter the image will be. Vanguard is a respected name. The 65mm objective is not too shabby. I don’t know if sports a straight or angled eyepiece.

This scope features a variable power eyepiece. This feature allows the user to change the magnification. This model goes from 15 power thru 45 power. Some call this variable power or zoom. Most scopes will be used almost exclusively at the lower setting. This is true because image brightness is greatest at 15 x and far less bright at 45 x. You will naturally gravitate to the lower setting particularly if you are viewing under dim conditions.

Now I am sure that you intend to use this scope as a telephoto supplement for your camera. This can be a challenge. Success will yield a circular image much smaller than your camera’s normal view. You will see a magnified image in the center of the frame surrounded by black. The difficult part is mounting the camera. While it is possible to hand hold a camera to a scope, a mount of some type is far better.

First I suggest you attempt to photograph using a standard pair of binoculars. Best would be 7 by 50. That’s 7 power with a 50mm objective. Try setting the binocular on a post of better yet a tripod. Hold the camera to one of the eyepieces and take some pictures. If you succeed and get pictures that you like, then move on to the spotting scope. If you fail with binoculars, you are not likely to succeed with a spotting scope.

I use a Nikon Spotting Scope RAII 15-45 zoom 60mm objective. Two models available I use the straight body. Other model and types of spotting scopes are not straight meaning the eyepiece sits off the main tube at an angle. This angled eyepiece is comfortable when viewing a stationary target like at a rifle range. But, the angled eyepiece is a real pain otherwise as they are quite difficult to aim. Trust me, only consider a straight body for photography. Next you need to mount your camera to the scope. Hopefully there will be a mount or clamp made just for your camera and scope model pair otherwise you will need a Universal Digiscoping Adapter. Check the web.

You are choosing a challenging method. Please give this some consideration. A long lens like a telephoto is best. A spotting scope mounted to a camera is second best except for extraordinary situation.

Alan Marcus
ammarcus@earthlink.net

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February 15, 2007