Digiscoping Question???

So I thougt about getting a spotting scope to do some digiscoping as a cheap alternative to a supper zoom lens. My big question is how does the X factor work out in MM and also is there big disadvantages to uses a spotting scope?? I will be using my Sony A6000 as I already have a T-mount adapter..

Can't tell you offhand what the mm equivalent will be for a given scope magnification. What I can say is that you'll need to use a solid tripod and get a solid bracket to connect your camera and scope. Also that the aperture will be quite small, so expect to bump the ISO way up to get a decently exposed image. But if you don't have a spotting scope yet, be aware that a good one will be pretty expensive too. Think about some of the less-expensive long lens alternatives, maybe the Canon 300 f/4, 400 f/5.6 or the new Sigma 150-600s. You'll at least have something that you'd be able to hand-hold when needed.

ThomasDidymus wrote in post #17903890
So I thougt about getting a spotting scope to do some digiscoping as a cheap alternative to a supper zoom lens. My big question is how does the X factor work out in MM and also is there big disadvantages to uses a spotting scope?? I will be using my Sony A6000 as I already have a T-mount adapter..

Heya,

So, it's not just a cheap alternative, good digiscope gear costs basically as much as good 35mm format gear. You can do it inexpensively, but the quality will suffer proportionally. A small sensor is why the magnification is so great (or, rather, just think of it as crop factor). This puts a lot of strain on having high resolving glass, because you will be using the light from only a small portion of the total element. A good 65mm spotting scope, on a small M43's sensor, is like a 1000mm~1200mm lens in 35mm equivalency. Cheaper and lighter for sure there. You can get a weather sealed M43's and a weather sealed scope and have a weather ready setup for much less. But those good scopes are close to $3k, easily, so it's not "cheap" it's just cheaper than say, a 800L with a TC, which is obviously 3 times as much cost, and way heavier and bulkier to walk around.

The biggest compromise to moving to digiscope is that it's all manual focus. So it's not going to be awesome for things that are moving fast. But it's totally great for slow things or stationary things.

Very best,

That is kind of that I have found. Most of the entry priced spotting scopes I thinks would just frustrate me as I have some Ok gear.. Well I guess I will just keep saving for a 200-500 nikon then..