Digiscoping Birds

I would like to see what kind of results you folks are getting digiscoping birds and hear about your set-ups and any tips you can give as well.

My wife just bought me a Leupold Ventana SX-1 scope and I also have a Canon PowerShot S90 camera that I plan on using for this. I just ordered a Celestron Universal Adapter from our friends at B&H and should have it by the weekend. I am anxious to start digiscoping with that set-up.

Also, I have a Canon 7D. Anybody using an SLR for digiscoping and if so what is your set-up?

I imagine that I will be using the digiscope set-up for stagnant birds, e.g. shore birds, nesting Owls, Hawks, Herons and Eagles etc. that are out of the range of my 400mm as well as for birds that are far too skittish to approach with my conventional set-up.

I will post up images of my results a.s.a.p. but in the mean time I would love to see the results of your efforts and hopefully get some tips.

I'll be curious to see your results Paul.
I was tempted to give this a try, but alas was forced to sell my Zeiss Diascope a year or 2 ago. You would think that as sharp as these scopes are they'd take some great pictures.
Sorry I can't help with any advice though. Good Luck!

Thanks Steve, I was hoping to view some images of others here but the response has been underwhelming. I should have the last piece of gear (universal adapter) I need tomorrow and I will post up some images as soon as I can. Again, thank you for the response.

Paul,

You might try asking on one of the birding sites like birdforum.net ( http://www.birdforum.n​et/forumdisplay.php?f=​243 ). In my experience, it is more frequently birders rather than photographers who tend to lean towards digiscoping. Good luck and please do report back!

I've just taken my first stab at digiscoping:
https://www.flickr.com …icineman4040/13​165581465/
To me it is quite remarkable that the video was taken 1/4 of a mile away.
I'm sure you know the name Tara Tanaka...a simple googling will show what can be done in this genre of photography.
I went into this knowing that ultimate image quality is secondary to seeing what is normally impossible even with the best and longest camera lenses...that said, Tara Tanaka's work rivals any I've seen with the best Canon glass. Does that mean you or I can do it? That is to be seen but from my extremely limited exposure I can readily say up front that practice and patience are hallmarks moreso than many other areas of photography.
So for me the 'why' is one of challenge.

Well done, I do see that there is a possibility to get some awesome shots. Very cool video.

I have talked with this flickr member before about digiscoping their results are very impressive

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/focused-on-birds

I have personally never tried it but it is a very cool concept

I've not forgotten digiscoping; though not a big topic here at POTN it is yet another wonderful genre of photography to explore.
Took this shot while eating/literally between bites. Coupled the Swarovsky 95mm ATX with my phone Adapter used is made by PhoneSkope, highly recommended-their adapters fit like the perfect glove. Second shot also with my phone but with the diminutive Minox M 50 spotting scope.
There is no doubt the IQ of the Swarovsky makes the Minox pale but the Minox is right at a pound and the Swarovsky set up way way more; the idea here is that most of us have a phone and the weight of the Minox is not such a great penalty.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/sugU​DS

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/stid​HM

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/s9xm​Qr

Not that anybody is following this thread but I just received the Minox Minoscope. I immediately shipped it to PhoneSkope
to be fitted for an adapter for my Note 4. This had got to be the most 'universal'/lightest/a​lways have with you setup out there.
But the Minoscope is a 'macroscope' but it does normal telescopy too

Show us a photo of the setup when you get it back. I have the same phone, very interested in this sort of thing. The camera in the Note 4 is very impressive and should get good results.
ed

I'll post up images when it gets back. Probably will be mid next week.

Backpacking this past weekend for 3 days. I always carry my phone (maps/weather/etc). The Minox Minoscope came back from PhoneSkope with the adapter. Mid-way through the hike we reached the Hensley Settlement-buildings maintained by the Nat.Park service....so we sat down for lunch on a picnic table. I set up the Note4 + PhoneSkope + the new Minoscope...had it trained on a distant fence post in spotting scope mode but noticed a fly about 1.5 feet away on the picnic table....OK a true Canon 100 L F2.8 it's not but for a phone???? Seriously impressed I am...not even in good light.