Astroscoped bird images at 840mm

I have been using a 600mm astroscope for birds for the past couple of months and have been very impressed with the IQ especially when using a 1.4x tc giving 840mm (1344mm 'reach' on the 7D). When you are reach limited this is a cracking good value long lens set-up costing a fraction of the price of a 600mm lens (just £300). Thought I would share some pics for those who may be interested. The last pic shows my set-up.
All shots 7D + 1.4x tc + 600mm astroscope - tripod, manual focus - all taken from more than 100 ft.(except the Goldfinch which was nearer)

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Thats a cool setup that works, I agree the IQ is very good, excellent clarity too, how hard is it to focus on a moving bird?
Great job!

great color and detail in these Roy, that's quite a rig that appears to produce amazing images.

Super images Roy. The quality is very nice, especially with the added glass of the TC.

Your shots clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of an astro scope approach for those trying to get reach without a large investment. Do you find portability and lack of auto focus challenging, especially when it comes to action and busy waders? Have you considered a ground pod for low angle work?

Very impressive results there; thanks for a look at the setup you're using, too!

Lovely shots! I have a Televue TV-85 apo refractor... tack sharp for viewing the sky. I've been meaning to try this out on that scope one of these days.....

BGgraphy wrote in post #15372987
Thats a cool setup that works, I agree the IQ is very good, excellent clarity too, how hard is it to focus on a moving bird?
Great job!

Nighthound wrote in post #15373154
Super images Roy. The quality is very nice, especially with the added glass of the TC.

Your shots clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of an astro scope approach for those trying to get reach without a large investment. Do you find portability and lack of auto focus challenging, especially when it comes to action and busy waders? Have you considered a ground pod for low angle work?

Thanks for commenting guys!. Perhaps the most surprising thing to me with this set-up (after the IQ) is just how easy it is to get sharp shots manually focussing. The focussing wheel is very smooth and I find it easier than manual focus with a DSLR lens. I shoot in high burst continuous mode, taking a short burst and then moving slightly out of focus and then back in again for another burst - that way you are almost sure to get a few sharp shots (BTW I am a pensioner so my eye sight is not what it was in my youth so if I can do then it should be a snap for a younger guy!).

The weight of the scope is a little less than the 300/2.8 IS MkI which makes it considerably lighter than both the 500/4 and 600/4 lenses. Of course you need to shoot on a tripod if only to enable easy focusing. I carry the rig by mounting on the tripod and carrying the whole lot over my shoulder.

Very nice! I tried that once, did not work out at all. I will have to get advise from you. I sold my only bird lens, but still have my telescope, you gave me hope

Great IQ and great images overall; well done.
Al

rick_reno wrote in post #15373136
great color and detail in these Roy, that's quite a rig that appears to produce amazing images.

Snydremark wrote in post #15373161
Very impressive results there; thanks for a look at the setup you're using, too!

Scrumhalf wrote in post #15373179
Lovely shots! I have a Televue TV-85 apo refractor... tack sharp for viewing the sky. I've been meaning to try this out on that scope one of these days.....

peregrineflier wrote in post #15373499
Very nice! I tried that once, did not work out at all. I will have to get advise from you. I sold my only bird lens, but still have my telescope, you gave me hope

CDMOOSE wrote in post #15373760
Great IQ and great images overall; well done.
Al

Thanks for looking and commenting folks!

Great shots. My favorite is the Goldfinch. I enjoy seeing the similarities between the birds in different parts of the world such as the robin, goldfinch and chickadee.

Great pics and interesting stuff , thanks for posting .

I presume you are the same Roy C from the bridforum.net ?

Foggiest wrote in post #15376487
I presume you are the same Roy C from the bridforum.net ?

Yep, that will be me

That second one is stunning!

An interesting set up Roy. Turned out some great images!