Prime lens for digiscoping?

[kennygee]

Is it better to use say a fast 50mm prime lens for digiscoping with my Canon 300D/Kowa 823M 21XW? I am currently using the supplied kit lens (EFS-18/55mm f3.5/f5.6) and finding it difficult, particularly in poor (normal!!) light

If so what would members recommend. If not, what is the optimum focal length?

Cheers

Ken

[fendetestass]

Is it better to use say a fast 50mm prime lens for digiscoping with my Canon 300D/Kowa 823M 21XW? I am currently using the supplied kit lens (EFS-18/55mm f3.5/f5.6) and finding it difficult, particularly in poor (normal!!) light

If so what would members recommend. If not, what is the optimum focal length?

Cheers

Ken
How do you adapt the EOS 300D to the Kowa with the lens?? I have a Tele Vue Ranger and can only adapt it without lens (primary focus)

[kennygee]

I attach it similarly to the way my CP4500 is attached, except the Kowa 28mm camera adapter is replaced by a 52mm adapter. Then a step ring is used to get to 55mm to suit the lens filter thread. I think the total cost is about £30 as all the other parts used on my CP4500 setup can be used. I do not get any vignetting at all with this arrangement.

I would think that in general if your setup is suitable for the more common digiscoping cameras, then step rings can usually provide a solution. The correct sized camera adapter is helpfull to reduce vignetting to a minimum.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Ken

P.S. see the Kowa site for a clearer explanation www.kowascope.com under Spotting scopes / Accessories. The camera adapter ring is the only thing that needs changing to switch cameras.

[yossi]

I used the 50/1.8 for it, till I discovered the small marvel from Nikon - the 45/2.8 which is tiny and tack sharp. Ideal for digiscoping.
I've also used the old 35-80mm zoom (not the N version)- very sharp, even though it's a plastic lens. The plastic filter thread scared me - so I've stopped using it.

[kennygee]

Yossi

I don't know either of the lenses you mention. Maybe theyr'e discontinued?

Cheers

Ken

[yossi]

The 35-80 is discontinued, but is available in many second hand stores. I use the older version - which is optically better. The later version, nicknamed "N", is not as good. The visible difference between them is the focus ring. On the older version it is wider, and on the newer version it's a very narrow rim. They can be found anywhere between $30-90 as used. The 45mm (P) /2.8 is still in the stores: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=245716&is=USA
It's tiny, manual focus but allows metering with the D70 & D100 (it's one of the 2 lenses that Nikon still sells of the "P" version).
Here's a picture how I use the D100 with the Swaro 65 HD. The camera has the 50mm lens mounted and a "home made" adapter over the eyepiece. Works very good. Both the camera and the scope are supported by the Nikon UBK bracket, to minimize camera shake:
http://www.kramery.com/digitalphoto/gallery/Test/SW65_D100.jpg

[kennygee]

Yossi,

Pic looks a neat arrangement. I use a Canon 300D, so the lens may not be the answer for me. Or can you still get those adapter rings that allow you to fit different makes of camera/lenses together?

Cheers

Ken

[yossi]

There shouldn't be a problem with any DSLR, including Canon. I use the 52mm lens thread to connect the adapter. Non "home made adapters", like the ones at Scoptronics site, usually employ a ~43mm ("T") thread, and a step up ring will do the job.