After a while, it will become apparent that anyone who enjoys digiscoping, will want to improve their set up. I know I did!!
Now I'm not suggesting for one moment that Swarovski are the best manufacturers of optical equipment,(well maybe I am!) but they are pretty good at it! Many of the birders that I speak to own Swarovski scopes and bins and there must be a reason for this...
So after a lot of saving I was able to upgrade my equipment to the following
Now I'm not suggesting for one moment that Swarovski are the best manufacturers of optical equipment,(well maybe I am!) but they are pretty good at it! Many of the birders that I speak to own Swarovski scopes and bins and there must be a reason for this...
So after a lot of saving I was able to upgrade my equipment to the following
Swarovski ATS 80 and case, TLS 800, Canon EOS 500D,
BG-E5 Twin Battery Grip, Swarovski Telescoppen Rail.
Be a better Digiscoper,
Choose the best equipment
Like I said above, it took me a lot of saving, but in terms of digiscoping it makes a huge difference.
I picked the 80mm objective scope as it would let in more light than the 65mm version. This is always my biggest worry as shutter speed is so important.
I wasn't really sure what to expect, and had read many forums of other digiscopers using similar equipment before being convinced that this was the right way forward.
So, how does it all come together, it's quite simple really.
The tripod I used until recenty was a Velbon PX-581 with a Vel-flo 10 fluid panhead. This tripod is older, but heavier and as far as I'm concerned heavier is good as it makes the rig steadier. It is designed as a video camera tripod but this makes it perfect for supporting a scope and DSLR.
I now use a Carbon Fibre tripod. Not that I dislike my velbon (I still have it) Its just I was looking for something a little quieter. The unfortunate downside of aluminium alloy tripods is that the clank a lot after plenty of use!!
Also, spares (like the quick release plates) are like hens teeth now, so should my existing and only quick release break, I would be unable to use my rig.
I opted for a Manfrotto tripod and pan head.
My current tripod is a Manfotto 190 MFV.
My new tripod panhead is a Manfrotto 701HDV
Both are pictured below, and are excellent pieces of equipment.
If you click on the links, it will take you to the product information page on Manfrotto's website. This will help you choose the equipment for your set up. With carbon fibre tripods its important to consider the weight of your rig, as these tripods and heads have weight limits.
Manfrotto 701 HDV Fluid Panhead
Manfrotto 190 MFV Carbon Fibre Tripod
Attached to the QR (quick release) plate on the tripod head is a very clever idea from Swarovski. It is a balance/support rail. You attach the scope and it rests on a support at the back, thus keeping the scope really steady. Your scope and camera can then slide backwards or forwards to counter the balance when scope and heavy camera aSre attached. Most manufactures make balance rails to help with the problem of over balancing, however Swarovski have come up with something special here I think.
So, to attach camera to scope you can use a couple of adaptors for a DSLR. I went for the TLS 800. This great adaptor connects to the scope in the same way that the Swarovski eyepieces do. The adaptor itself is a 20x lens for your camera. Effectively your scope (80mm scopes) become a 1200mm lens with an aperture of around f10, which isn't bad for a big lens. Then you need the T thread adaptor that fits your DSLR. It will screw onto the other end of your TLS 800, then put your DSLR, make sure its on "APERTURE PRIORITY" mode (the camera chooses the shutter speed for you) and you're ready to take pictures.
This is the moment of truth, how well will it work??
I took my rig to Snettisham RSPB in silly strong winds and lots of cloud. Not great for photography at all, even worse for digiscoping I hear you say. I have to say though that I was amazed at the amount of light that the scope would let in. I used to have to shoot with an ISO of 800 with the exposure compensation set quite high, but now I could use ISO 400 and still achieve shutter speeds of 600-1000!! I couldn't believe it. On a dark, windy day, I was acutally having to slow the shutter speed to get some decent exposure, Incredible!!
I'm gonna use this page to put my best Swarovski taken pictures on, so let me know your thoughts.
For the record, I will always recommend and promote cheap digiscoping, as it brings it to the masses. But, if you feel like stepping up then this is definately a good way to go!
This is "Ernie, The Jumping Dog"
This was taken at a distance of around 5 meters, showing how close the Swarovski scope can focus.
Ernie is our companion on many a twitch and best jumper!
Greenfinch
Sometimes you get the right shot first time!
This Mute Swan was a touch aggressive!
Robins are great to digiscope. They're not really shy and often sit still.
Good for practicing your technique!
Black Necked Grebe, winter plumage,
What a bird!
Waxwings are so beautiful...
and even more so when there are less here!
Purple Sandpipers like to winter in Lowestoft.
Goldfinch
Orangetip Butterfly
Wren
Juvenille Robin
