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Post by oldfulica on Apr 11, 2011 19:13:05 GMT -8
Hi I purchased a Canon 7D about a year ago and decided to take it out today and do some digiscoping for the first time. I took about 30 pictures all together, and I have put 5 different comparisons on my website. The first picture is as taken (only changed from Raw to jpeg). The second is with some post processing. All EXIF data is supplied with each picture and any questions should be answered there. 10 second timer and shutter lock were used on all. In the right situation this combination should give me some nice pictures (if I can peel myself away from my 300mm lens). The Swarovski eyepiece is 20X-60X and all pictures were taken at 20X (equivalent to a 1600mm lens). Digiscoping, for those who don't know, is attaching a camera to a spotting scope. The camera must have a regular lens attached. Look for the digiscoped journal at the following link; lenjellicoe.zenfolio.com/f944800113
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Post by theanimal on Apr 25, 2011 13:03:36 GMT -8
Len, I'm interested in the option of Digiscoping. I've got a Nikon D300s and would probably end up using a Nikon Scope if I went that option. The other option I've been looking at is a AF-S 600mm f/4 VR and TC 1.4X
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Post by oldfulica on Apr 25, 2011 15:04:13 GMT -8
Hi animal. I too use a jogging stroller for my gear. Works great. If you don't have a scope already I would go for the long dedicated lens. You need a very good scope to get reasonable pictures and that could go over $2000 plus adapters, tripod and camera. I am not familiar with Nikon lens but I would imagine a 600mm lens is over $5000? However the pictures you will get will be far superior than anything digiscoping can get. I find my 300mm with a 1.4 TC to be a very versatile unit. I don't need a tripod (although it helps) which you would with a 600mm. If you are still thinking digiscoping I hear the Nikon P300 is a very good camera. Not all cameras work so you have to be sure what will work before you take the plunge. A good site to learn more is; tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/digiscopingbirds/Hope that helps
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Post by theanimal on Apr 25, 2011 16:40:27 GMT -8
Len, this is my current "birding" baby. My D300s and 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII. ;D Unfortunately, I'm sitting here going "Do I go for the 600mm f/4 and 1.4X TC-14EII and spending somewhere in the neighbourhood of $9999.99+tax at Lens & Shutter, have to sit and wait 6 years to save up for the stupid thing or do I jump in in 6 months, getting acceptable birdshots with a ED82 spotting scope and FSA-L1 adapter and save up for the 600mm f/4 SLOWLY. ;D. Hmmmm, decisions, decisions Enough to make one's head hurt. ;D
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Post by martin on Apr 26, 2011 13:19:58 GMT -8
I would wait for the prime lens if you are serious about bird photograpy, in the meantime buy the 1.4x that will give you 280 + the 1.5 sensor crop. The 2x might even work with that lens ,should put you at 5.6, that would give you 400mm. Do not know if the Nikon would auto focus for sure though. The prime lens will give you better results though. Also you will need a Heavy duty tripod + gimble another $800-$1100. The 600 will be too heavy to hand hold, might be able to get away with a monopod. that should steady it enough for the vr to kick in. Sigma makes a 100-500mm alot cheaper too. You could always rent a 600mm. I use a canon 7d too, 500mm, + 1.4x and 2x also have a 100-400 which is extreamly versitile. My 2x only works as manual focus with my camera. Need a 1D, being good all year for Santa
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Post by theanimal on Apr 26, 2011 18:43:14 GMT -8
Martin, I've actually been looking at the TC-20EIII as an option to get out to at least 400mm f/5.6. Been saving up for the 600mm/4 but that's still going to take me till 2015 with the 200-400mm f/4 VRII coming afterwards in 2017. AF will work for the TC-20EIII and people have mentioned it's pretty sharp with the TC on. As far as the TCs are concerned, I might as well collect THE WHOLE SET. Hey...I guess...that's what they're there for. To accomodate the ranges of distance that are needed with the accomodating f/stop-drops. 1 for the 1.4, 1.5 for the 1.7 and 2 for the 2X. I've also looked into the GT5541LS (with an eye on the future 600/4) and a Wimberley WH200 Gimbal.
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Post by martin on Apr 27, 2011 10:34:41 GMT -8
Animal I posted in those dang tripods in regards to the gimbal head, I use the large Cameron Carbon Fibre hybrid Tripod, I think my gimbal ways more than the tripod.
My 100-400 is f4-5.6 so the 1.4X tele still will not work for auto focus for me. New one comes out this year and get this WITH A BUILT-IN 1.4X Tele, of course it costs more. Your 2x tele for $500 would be a good cheap option right know, I think there would be a little better IQ with the 2x compared to cropping your current 200mm pics. Again I am relating to Canon not Nikon so just do some checking on-line yourself, but I am sure it's the same.
Kenko teles are real good too, and a bit cheaper.
Cheers
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Post by martin on May 9, 2011 11:21:09 GMT -8
Len Sorry for changing the subject but got totally distracted by animals post.
One more thing about Digiscoping, You can also us point and shoot cameras as well for using with the scope. Just thought I would mention this as not everyone has a SLR
(you can also use them on telescopes and microscopes)
I was in Wholesale Outdoors in Langley and they have a bracket attachment for P&S camera to scope for I think $39 or $59 not 100% sure
Good topic Len, great for those who don't want to spend big dollars.
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Post by Gord on May 9, 2011 11:36:38 GMT -8
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Post by nealt on Jul 6, 2011 12:48:02 GMT -8
I have a Leica scope, couple of years old not the new televid and a Nikon SLR D300S, I would like to try digiscoping, anyone know what adaptor I need and where I can get one.
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Post by martin on Jul 6, 2011 16:58:24 GMT -8
I have a Leica scope, couple of years old not the new televid and a Nikon SLR D300S, I would like to try digiscoping, anyone know what adaptor I need and where I can get one. Try lens and shutter in Seven Oaks mall, if they don't have one they may be able to order one, also you could go the you scope makers website and see if the sell/have mount adapters.
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