A Newby

[Curt Higgins]

I am new to the digiscope scene but very much interested in it.
I have a Nikon D70s and have a great time using a 300mm on the local birds that hang around on my deck. However, a scope would be a great asset.
I have done enough research to determine that being wealthy certainly makes choices much easier!
My current wish list includes a Nikon Fieldscope 60mm with a 45 to 60X.
I also need the camera adapter FSA-L1 apparently. This brings the cost to over $1000...a bit pricey for me.
My question is, must I bite the bullet and spend the big bucks or can I find a way to reduce cost and still get satisfactory results? For instance, I can get the Nikon Sky & Earth scopes much cheaper but not sure if I can use my D70 on it. I want the advantage of SLR for obvious reasons. I am open to suggestions...
Thanks,
Curt

[Don Hoey]

Hi Curt

I have a Nikon ED82A scope the FSA-L1 attatchment and a D100 camera so maybe my thoughts may be of interest.

Firstly you need to consider if you wish to photograph birds more than just occasionally as I do. If so I would recommend a long lens for your D70.
Reasons :
1) The major difference between a camera lens and the FSA-L1 adaptor is aperture. The FSA-L1 has a constant aperture of F13.
2) With your D70 mounted on the scope it is very tail heavy so you need a very stable head with no bounce, as at F13 even with the camera set to 800ASA shutter speeds are quite slow. As the FSA-L1 on a 60mm scope with a D70 gives an equivalent focal length of 1200mm the head also needs to be firm enough to allow you to lock it once on target without it settling out at a different point.
3) General ease of use. A long lens of F5.6 will give a significantly brighter viewfinder and allow autofocus. Also it is a lot easier to handle and far quicker in getting on your bird.

The FSA-L1 is only compatable with the fieldscope range of scopes so you will not be able to save cash with a Sky & Earth scope.

If a quality scope is a primary consideration then I would have no hesitation in recommending the Nikon EDIII. Also from experience I would suggest the brilliant 24/30Wide as your first eyepiece. You would really need to see a comparison with the zoom for yourself. I rarely use my zoom so good is this eyepiece. With that level of spend you could get a lower cost non SLR digital camera and you could still get quality pictures within you budget.

Here is an interesting link http://www.nital.it/experience/fieldscope_eng.php

Don

[Katy Penland]

Hi, Curt! I see this is your first post, so let me extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of all of us on staff here at BirdForum!

[Curt Higgins]

Hi, Curt! I see this is your first post, so let me extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of all of us on staff here at BirdForum!
Thank you...I hope to learn much!

[Curt Higgins]

Hi Curt

I have a Nikon ED82A scope the FSA-L1 attatchment and a D100 camera so maybe my thoughts may be of interest.

Firstly you need to consider if you wish to photograph birds more than just occasionally as I do. If so I would recommend a long lens for your D70.
Reasons :
1) The major difference between a camera lens and the FSA-L1 adaptor is aperture. The FSA-L1 has a constant aperture of F13.
2) With your D70 mounted on the scope it is very tail heavy so you need a very stable head with no bounce, as at F13 even with the camera set to 800ASA shutter speeds are quite slow. As the FSA-L1 on a 60mm scope with a D70 gives an equivalent focal length of 1200mm the head also needs to be firm enough to allow you to lock it once on target without it settling out at a different point.
3) General ease of use. A long lens of F5.6 will give a significantly brighter viewfinder and allow autofocus. Also it is a lot easier to handle and far quicker in getting on your bird.

The FSA-L1 is only compatable with the fieldscope range of scopes so you will not be able to save cash with a Sky & Earth scope.

If a quality scope is a primary consideration then I would have no hesitation in recommending the Nikon EDIII. Also from experience I would suggest the brilliant 24/30Wide as your first eyepiece. You would really need to see a comparison with the zoom for yourself. I rarely use my zoom so good is this eyepiece. With that level of spend you could get a lower cost non SLR digital camera and you could still get quality pictures within you budget.

Here is an interesting link http://www.nital.it/experience/fieldscope_eng.php

Don

Thanks for the information. It makes good sense. I like the idea of the eye piece you recommended. Curt