[WildIreland]

August 16, 2013 at 11:55 am

Depending on your scope, camera, the subject and technique (digiscoping takes practice) you really can get some quite outstanding images from digiscoping. It’s never going to be as versatile or effective for all-round wildlife and bird photography as a long super-telephoto on a DSLR — but you can get 1,200mm + focal length equivalent through a scope for a fraction of the cost.

A lot of people are disappointed when they try digiscoping for the first time — because there are significant challenges to overcome — not least of which are the challenges inherent in all super-telephoto photography. But digiscoping is an attractive proposition — particularly for birders who have a high-end scope already, and want to couple it to their existing camera.

Check out some of the shots submitted to Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year competition for some idea of the quality you can achieve through a scope:

I’m planning a series of features on digiscoping in association with Czech optics company Meopta over on the Ireland’s Wildlife website in the autumn… covering the various set-ups, techniques, tips, etc. just waiting for the Meopta digiscoping adapter to arrive.