Nikon Digiscoping set-up.

[Phat Phreak]

Good evening.

Hi, to all good people of ClubSnap.

I am currently a Canon user, but what prompted me to write in a Nikon sub-forum is due to my interest in a Nikon system, the so-called Digiscoping. I was recce-ing around the DSLR section of Courts Tampines when my eyes were caught by the Nikon Digiscoping set-up. Upon returning home, I surf around the Net and came upon this site :-

http://www.nikon.com.sg/pagearticle....111-ba262ad52f

It has exactly the same set-up (the digiscope that I saw was, if I am not mistaken, the Fieldscope ED82). It has to be attached to a adapter, the FSA-L1 and to a compatible Nikon DSLR.

I think this is probably one good alternative instead of getting one of those super-telezoom lens, if I were to start my interest in birding or moon photography.

I am thinking of getting a second-hand Nikon body and investing in the Nikon Digiscope set-up (that would save me a bundle of moolah, instead of getting, maybe the 50-500 Bigma)

What say you guys, the shifus and the seniors here? Anyone have tried this Digiscoping thingy before, I would appreciate some comments.

Thank you, and have a good day.

Phat Phreak.

[Meerkat]

Not worth it if you have not yet own any Nikon DSLR on hand.
If you buy new....probably going to cost u $3K-4K ++ (included the scope)...or maybe more!
In the end, if you get the Sigma 50-500 lens for your canon DSLR is much more cheaper.
Another thing to take note, your aperture cannot go lower than 13

[Phat Phreak]

Yup, I kinda realize it too.

Lotsa limitation in having this set-up.

No autofocus too, if I am not mistaken.

And the pictures quality will be compromised too.

But I am not gonna get a new high end body for this.

Am thinking of probably getting a second-hand D70 or D70s (around $450-$500)

And the scope is, I think going around $800++.

Plus the adapter, probably another $200-$300.

I don't know, still considering this alternative.

Thanks by the way, Meerkat, for the advise .

[sykestang]

There are many other good cheap zooms lenses ard... price wise not much higher than the Nikon ED82.

Personally I would not want this setup cos the ED82 with FS-1 will be a little difficult to hold especially the camera will be higher than the scope.

Do a search for zoom lens brand like opteka, rokinon, or maybe mirror-lenses... all these gives similar results as compared with the ED82 and price is only a fraction of the setup. And some even have the F-mount direct.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Phat Phreak Good evening. Hi, to all good people of ClubSnap. I am currently a Canon user, but what prompted me to write in a Nikon sub-forum is due to my interest in a Nikon system, the so-called Digiscoping. I was recce-ing around the DSLR section of Courts Tampines when my eyes were caught by the Nikon Digiscoping set-up. Upon returning home, I surf around the Net and came upon this site :- http://www.nikon.com.sg/pagearticle....111-ba262ad52f It has exactly the same set-up (the digiscope that I saw was, if I am not mistaken, the Fieldscope ED82). It has to be attached to a adapter, the FSA-L1 and to a compatible Nikon DSLR. I think this is probably one good alternative instead of getting one of those super-telezoom lens, if I were to start my interest in birding or moon photography. I am thinking of getting a second-hand Nikon body and investing in the Nikon Digiscope set-up (that would save me a bundle of moolah, instead of getting, maybe the 50-500 Bigma) What say you guys, the shifus and the seniors here? Anyone have tried this Digiscoping thingy before, I would appreciate some comments. Thank you, and have a good day. Phat Phreak.

Like what everybody say, no point if you don't already have a Nikon system. In the world of scoping (Microscopes, telescopes, endoscopes, spotting scopes etc..), T-mount is the de facto. So you'll just need to get a compatible T-ring for your camera mount.

Here are some resources for you. http://www.celestron.com/c2/index.php

And if you want to buy in SG, you may visit http://www.astro.com.sg, they are a bit expensive though..

[Phat Phreak]

Thanks to those who had replied.

Maybe its true like what they have mentioned.

Its just not worthwhile to venture into uncharted waters....

I might as well saved up myself for a good super telezoom lens like the Bigma....

Thanks again.

[diediealsomustdive]

Go visit the Botanic Gardens visitor centre shop. They sell scopes that can be mounted onto dSLRs and doesn't cost too much.

I looked but am not too committed into birding at this point in time so did not pursue further.

[An drew]

Originally Posted by diediealsomustdive Go visit the Botanic Gardens visitor centre shop. They sell scopes that can be mounted onto dSLRs and doesn't cost too much. I looked but am not too committed into birding at this point in time so did not pursue further.

Hehe, not Swarovski right?

To get good digiscope pics, the Nikon Fieldscope is probably one of the best buy. If you have bigger budget then look at Swaro, Leica or Zeiss, which are marginally better but cost a few times more.

A bigma or its sisters (120-400 OS, 150-500 OS) should be more economical and user friendly as others have already said. To mount a DLSR on a scope does not get you much more focal length, but if you were to use a pns, you can shoot 1000-3000mm. So digiscope only if you need that kind of focal length. Below 1000mm, you are better off with DSLR AF lenses.

[hukang]

What is the advantage of using PnS over DSLR for digiscoping? I am guessing there must be some advantage, as I have seen a lot of people spending a lot, just to digiscope with their PnS!

One more question, I have a Nikon P5100. What would be a budget digiscoping system that I can try which will give me good focal length? dont tell me to buy a Sigma 170-500, I already have one

[Harlequin]

Folks ,

I use both Nikon DSLR with 600mm F4 and the Nikon Digiscope ED82 system. Both system serve different purposes. You have to understand the capabilities and limitations of each system. Do a little search on the net and you should be be able to find out the answers.

There are many digiscoping systems out there but from an angle of buying everything already in place and ease of use (and no need to do modifications and so on), Nikon Digiscoping system is the answer.

Just buy the scope, your favourite Nikon Coolpix camera , eyepiece & bracket. And you are set to go.

I wrote an article on another website on the Nikon Digiscope setup that I have. Should be clear enough.

http://avianwatchasia.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4915