Spotting scope/digital camera setup?

[billkay]

If you already own an SLR, consider a 50mm mirror lens. Not too costly and might be just what you need.

[JimT]

Did you mean a 500mm Bill? If so, that would work fine for sure. Do you have one? I have been looking into getting one for a while. It would be perfect for what I do, and would be cheap. Only $150.00 for the lense and adapter. Whats the picture quality like? How well does it work in low light?

[smallmunster]

If you are talking about digiscoping it takes a pretty good chunk of change if you want a really good setup. The Nikon 4500 used to be the most popular camera because of its design, not sure what the best is these days. If you want the highest image clarity most have went to high def scopes, (swarovski, zeiss, some were having luck with cheaper ones like pentax). They cost upwards of $2000, it just depends on how good of pics you want. Most were also spending big bucks on a really good tripod that ran about $1000, but I can remember the name. I was looking into getting a cheaper setup, but I can't really justify it. I have not looked into it in about a year or two so a lot might have changed. Steves Forum has a lot of good info on it or do a google search for digiscoping.

[billkay]

Yes, I meant 500mm. Getting old sux! Low light pix are tricky due to a normal, fixed, f-8 of the lens. Your only exposure control is with shutter speed. A solid tripod is a necessity.