Nikon 8400 with Swaro AT 80HD angled 'scope

[Bob Thompson]

Being a newbie to digiscoping I have been going thru previous posts and have decided on getting a Nikon 8400 camera but my problem is deciding between a Swarvoski 80HD or 65HD angled scope. My concern with the 65HD is it is a slower lens. What is the general feeling of the forum, should I dig deep and buy the 80HD or is the 65HD faster enough?

Thanks

Bob

[IanF]

Usual advice if for digiscoping rather than just for viewing the larger objectives are a better choice. Even an 80mm scope can seem dark for digiscoping. Also the 80mm Swaro is pretty compact and light weight so one of the reasons for choosing the smaller scope for lighter weight to carry around doesn't really apply.

[Forcreeks]

Bob, unless it's sunny nearly all the time, as for our San Diego digiscopers, I absolutely agree with Ian - splurge on the big lens. (you probably already did by now!)

[John151]

Bob, I am new to digiscoping and therefore, no expert, but I can show you a picture taken with a Swarovski 65. The lighting conditions were about one stop duller than cloudy-bright and my IXUS 400 decided to use 1/500 @f2.8 with ISO 100. I guess the distance to be 150 to 200 metres. I am sure that te previous advice about the 80 mm objective is sound but my primary interest is viewing. For serious wild life pictures I like to use an SLR providing that the distance is not too great, as it was in this case.

John

Being a newbie to digiscoping I have been going thru previous posts and have decided on getting a Nikon 8400 camera but my problem is deciding between a Swarvoski 80HD or 65HD angled scope. My concern with the 65HD is it is a slower lens. What is the general feeling of the forum, should I dig deep and buy the 80HD or is the 65HD faster enough?

Thanks

Bob

[Bob Thompson]

Bob, I am new to digiscoping and therefore, no expert, but I can show you a picture taken with a Swarovski 65. The lighting conditions were about one stop duller than cloudy-bright and my IXUS 400 decided to use 1/500 @f2.8 with ISO 100. I guess the distance to be 150 to 200 metres. I am sure that te previous advice about the 80 mm objective is sound but my primary interest is viewing. For serious wild life pictures I like to use an SLR proving that the distance is not too great, as it was in this case.

John

John,

I liked the shot. I have finally decided to splash out and have bought the 80HD. I hope in the future to post some shots. Thanks to everybody for their advice, I don't know what I would do without this forum

Bob

[Modular]

Hello Bob,

I'm buying the 8400 Next Month i hope but was wondering how you liked the Camera?,
I'd really appreciate any Comment's or picture's you have on this Camera,
Thank's,
Take care,
John,

[didnotbat]

Bob, I am new to digiscoping and therefore, no expert, but I can show you a picture taken with a Swarovski 65. The lighting conditions were about one stop duller than cloudy-bright and my IXUS 400 decided to use 1/500 @f2.8 with ISO 100. I guess the distance to be 150 to 200 metres. I am sure that te previous advice about the 80 mm objective is sound but my primary interest is viewing. For serious wild life pictures I like to use an SLR proving that the distance is not too great, as it was in this case.

John

Impressive picture John. What eyepiece where you using and how did you attach the camera to it.

david

[John151]

Hello David, I was using the 20-60 X zoom eye piece. I attached the camera via the Swarovski DCB-A Bracket. This swings out of the way for viewing and it is very rigid and well made. It attaches very easily and once the camera is line up the settings remain fixed when you remove the camera until you want to change them. It was purchased from and after advice from, Ace Optics who really know their stuff. Cost £220 +£8 p&p.

John


Impressive picture John. What eyepiece where you using and how did you attach the camera to it.

david

[Bob Thompson]

Hello Bob,

I'm buying the 8400 Next Month i hope but was wondering how you liked the Camera?,
I'd really appreciate any Comment's or picture's you have on this Camera,
Thank's,
Take care,
John,

John,

I am still waiting for my DCA and 30xSW eyepiece but once I have those I will try and post some shots.

Unfortunately due to the Bird Flu scare in Hong Kong the government has closed the main Ramsar birding site. I had been hoping to get some of the migratory birds in their breeding plumage but nobody can say when the area will be opened again. Anyway will try and get some Black-faced Spoonbill in breeding plumage for posting.