Camera & Adapter for Pentax PF-65ED-A Scope?

[Larry Usselman]

Greetings. I'm seriously tempted to take up digiscoping and it looks like this is the place to come for advice.

I currently have a Pentax PF-65ED-A Spotting Scope with a Vixen Lanthanum 8mm-24mm eyepiece mounted on a solid Bogen-Manfrotto tripod/head combo. I'm considering purchasing a reasonably priced point-and-shoot camera and adapter for mounting on the scope. I've heard some good comments on the Canon A590IS for digiscoping...is this a consensus favorite? The current price is just over US$100, so it's a good deal. Any other recommendations for new or used P&S cameras?

If I go with the Canon A590IS, what's the best adapter? I think I'd really like a swing-away style, so I can use the scope normally, and then swing the camera in for the shot once I locate a target. is the Seben DKA2 adapter a good piece of equipment?

How about a remote release? Is the Canon easily adaptable to some sort of wireless or cable release? Any recommendations?

If I can keep the entire camera/adapter combo under US$200, I and my wife will be very happy!

Looking forward to your advice and comments...thanks!

[ostling41]

Larry,

I have the same scope. Here is the adapter I made for using the A570 (which is identical to the A590 except for the sensor).

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=28631

This approach may not be applicable to your 16-48X zoom eyepiece, but I offer it for your consideration.

[Larry Usselman]

Very nice job, Allan. I'd definitely be interested in a similar setup. Unfortunately, I don't have the tools (or experience) to machine such a device, but perhaps I can find a local craftsman who can do it for a reasonable price.

Do you know if the A590 uses the same Canon filter/lens adapter? I like the idea of not placing any stress on the extending lens.

Regards,
Larry

[Tero]

With a zoom lens you may want a more rigid adapter. I have on that clamps on to the eye piece, but as it is not balanced, it starts to zoom, rotate.

I have not tried it, but this setup is more rigid
http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-spotting-scope-digital-camera-adapter-706.html

But, the clamp is in the way of regulra scoping.

Top avoid having to prevent accidental rotation, a fixed eye piece would not rotate.

[Larry Usselman]

Thanks, Tero...that Alpen adapter is one I have considered. It apparently does allow the camera to swing away from the lens while still mounted, which would still let you use the scope in a normal mode. It looks a little bulky, but I don't plan on carrying the rig for any great distances, so that might not be an issue.

Larry

With a zoom lens you may want a more rigid adapter. I have on that clamps on to the eye piece, but as it is not balanced, it starts to zoom, rotate.

I have not tried it, but this setup is more rigid
http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-spotting-scope-digital-camera-adapter-706.html

But, the clamp is in the way of regulra scoping.

Top avoid having to prevent accidental rotation, a fixed eye piece would not rotate.

[ostling41]

Do you know if the A590 uses the same Canon filter/lens adapter? I like the idea of not placing any stress on the extending lens.

Larry

Yes, both the A570 and the A590 use the LA-DC52G adapter http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=11740. This has a slight conical taper, as you can see.

The adapter I used for my machined project is a second-source adapter I found from an eBay seller -- it is stepped rather than tapered, so it was easier to machine the Delrin insert for my setup.

[Larry Usselman]

Allan, is this the adapter tube (or similar) that you got from eBay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/52mm-Lens-Adapter-Tube-Ring-for-Canon-PowerShot-A570-IS_W0QQitemZ250310899219QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLens_Ac cessories?hash=item250310899219&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18

I like that it's machined from metal, rather than plastic...gives me a greater sense of security (and it's much cheaper than the OEM tube!)

Yes, both the A570 and the A590 use the LA-DC52G adapter http://www.samys.com/product_detail.php?item=11740. This has a slight conical taper, as you can see.

The adapter I used for my machined project is a second-source adapter I found from an eBay seller -- it is stepped rather than tapered, so it was easier to machine the Delrin insert for my setup.

[ostling41]

Allan, is this the adapter tube (or similar) that you got from eBay?


Yes, that is the one.