Opticron ES80 with SDL ep and Fuji F30?

[chill]

I've been reading the threads on the F30 and it seems to be a good choice (looking at some images). I currently use an IXUS800i and find it worse than hopeless, images are poor no matter what setting (mind you mostly handheld but disappointing none the less). I have the SDL 20-60 eyepiece and wonder if anyone digiscopes with this set-up and can recommend the F30 or something else, possibly a CP4500 (from Warehouse express)?

Cheers for any help or insight,

Chill

[SteveClifton]

I got an F30 recently and am very happy with it. When I got it a couple of months ago I expected to still get some use from my Canon A95, which was very good also for digiscoping, however, I haven't used it once in that time.

The main advantage of the F30 is it's sensor, which allows faster shutter speeds to be used, especially in low light. It is useable right up to ISO800 with little 'noise', and on rare occasions I have also used it at ISO1600 and 3200. The images are quite grainy with these settings, but better than nothing when you want a record shot.

Personally, I wouldn't touch a Coolpix 4500 now. They have been far superseded by modern cameras (fine in their day, but too slow by modern standards).

I can't comment on how well the F30 would work with your scope, but would be very surprised if it didn't, as most 3x optical zoom cameras will work with most scopes. The large objective lens of an 80mm scope is always good, and even better if it's ED glass-though you can work wonders with image-editing software if it isn't.

You will also need to consider how you'll connect your camera to your scope. Personally I use a Baader adapter-cheap (£30) from David Hinds, and very similar to the universal adapter sold by Cley Spy for around £40. Both will allow virtually any camera/scope combination to be used. I bought mine because it was a cheap way to get into digiscoping, and am still very happy with it, despite its rather large size.

Whatever you decide, best of luck. It'll keep you busy for hours!

ps whatever camera you get, if you buy from somewhere like WHExpress, you should be able to return it within 1-2 weeks if it doesn't work, in the event that you can't get to try one out first in a local shop.

[postcardcv]

Personally, I wouldn't touch a Coolpix 4500 now. They have been far superseded by modern cameras (fine in their day, but too slow by modern standards).

I totally agree - while the 4500 delivers excellent image quality it is very slow by current standards and the shutter lag is infuriating.

I also use the Baader universal adapter and find it does the job very well. Not quite as sleek and stylish as some adapters, but it works and it relatively cheap. Certainly make sure you avoid the Opticron adapter, it is overly fiddly and will annoy you no end.

[border reiver]

Chill

I have Fuji F30 and use it with Nikon ED82, I know it also works well with zeiss Diascope 85. The only point worth mentioning is you won't be able to change zoom on your scope when the Baader adapter Steve mentioned is in situ. Does your scope have ED glass? If not you will need to use image-editing software to get your results looking better. Not sure if this is why you have not been happy with your results with the IXUS800i. The other thing about F30 is you can get fair results hand held as it has an anti-shake mode.
Steve's idea sounds good about trying out, I've had a few results that look great on camera monitor but have been disappointing when transferred onto PC.

[Modular]

Hello,
First off Welcome to the Forum,
I have the Opticron ES80 and the Sdl 20 x 60 EP and would'nt recommend
using that EP for Digiscoping ... It work's but the magnification is a bit high
in my opinion, Go for a Hdf EP at a low fixed magnification,
I took These Two picture's last Week using an Opticron ES80,
Baader Adaptor and a Nikon 7900, And a low magnification EP Hdf,
I'm suprised you can't zoom with the Baader adapter with a Fuji ... What
happen's when you do?, I use the zoom with the SDL EP ... You just
mount it further down the EP, Just roll the Eyecup back, Work's well,
Take care All,
John,

[Henry B]

John,how close/near were you to the birds for these pics..ta.

[Jaff]

... it is very slow by current standards and the shutter lag is infuriating.

This is why I've avoided using any other camera, if I have nothing to compare it with then I don't know how slow it really is and won't be tempted to upgrade. ;)

Fantastic images John, love the L.T. Tit.

The 4500 in its defence does allow for some really close-up digiscoping as vignetting can disappear at even 1x zoom and as we know the closer you can get to the subject the better. Also no other camera I've seen has a shutter priority mode to allow you to manually set which shutter speed you want or a full manual mode to set shutter speed and aperture for people who are far more techincal than I. Having said that the F30 seems to be the one people are getting and I've heard no complaints about it but not having used it (for the reason at the top!) I can't offer a personal opinion.

Regards all.
Jaff

[Modular]

John,how close/near were you to the birds for these pics..ta.Hello Henry,
Give or take 5 Foot they would have been around 30 Foot,
Never been good with gauging distance's to be honest,
The EP was 12x i think ... I'll check if you need to know,
Take care,
John,

[Henry B]

O k, John, was just curious as I,ve got the es80 +23hdf e/p and Canon 350d.

[Modular]

O k, John, was just curious as I,ve got the es80 +23hdf e/p and Canon 350d.Hey Henry,
How do you get on with the 350D and Digiscoping with the Opticron?,
Very interested in getting this camera,
The Eyepiece i used for these picture's is this One in the picture,
Take care,
John,

[Henry B]

John,I tend to use the Sigma 500-500mm lens now, more than the scope set-up, although the moon shot I posted was with the scope. Brightness and accurate focussing is essential and knowing what camera setting to use are all very important. I still manage to get it wrong.There are more threads on this camera in the photography section that has loads more info. Hope this helps..

[chill]

Thanks for the input so far. Nice pics, so far nothing I've taken with the Canon comes anwhere close. I am tempted to go for an F30 but not sure if I want to get another ep, but if that is the best way to produce decent pictures then that'll have to be the route I go.

I tried using the Opticron photoadpter 4113 I bought for my EOS 300d (incidentally that was not particularly great either but possible camera shake there). I attached plastic tubing to the adapter allowing relatively good position over the eyepiece. Improved pictures but not a patch on Johns. Is there an optimum distance from the ep that the camera lens needs to be? I have tried the various focus settings ie macro etc but never much difference.

Thanks again.

Chill

[Paul Jarvis]

Have a look in my gallery, I have the same equipment as your self but use the A620. It works great for what I want.

Regarding the HDF, it has the same mag as the SDL both are 20-60 on the ES80ED. So I'm sure where Modular has got his info from. Unless it is to do with the internals of each EP that are different.

Paul

[erniehatt]

Have a look in my gallery, I have the same equipment as your self but use the A620. It works great for what I want.

Regarding the HDF, it has the same mag as the SDL both are 20-60 on the ES80ED. So I'm sure where Modular has got his info from. Unless it is to do with the internals of each EP that are different.

Paul

Top images there Paul. Ernie

[Modular]

Regarding the HDF, it has the same mag as the SDL both are 20-60 on the ES80ED. So I'm sure where Modular has got his info from. Unless it is to do with the internals of each EP that are different.

Paul" I have the Opticron ES80 and the Sdl 20 x 60 EP and would'nt recommend using that EP for Digiscoping ... It work's but the magnification is a bit high
in my opinion, Go for a Hdf EP at a low fixed magnification,"

I said to use a fixed HDF EP not a Zoom ...
I've also never seen a SDL Fixed EP as yet,
Here's the Info for HDF Eyepiece's,
HDF Eyepieces for ES80 ED Models

23xWW £99
40810 *
23xWW £119
40872 *
25xWW £129
40809 *
32xWW £129
40858 *
44xWW £149
40859
50xWW £89
40860
80xWW £89
40861
100x £89
40862 *
20-60x £159
40935
20-60xWW SDL £199 ,
Info for the SDL 20 x 60 Zoom, ...

An F24 - F8, 5-group 8 -element 'super' zoom, the 40935 SDL has been designed to maximise the performance gains inherent in Opticron ED objective lens fieldscopes at higher magnifications. Offering an optimum ratio between field of view and resolution, the main viewing characteristics o fthe SDL eyepiece are superior cross-field definition at all magnifications coupled with exceptional viewing comfort. Mechanically the eyepiece is waterproof, uses the M41.5 collar thread attachment, features a 90° rotation between high and low magnification settings plus a rotating eyecup that can be positioned to match individual needs. Supplied in a soft padded case.

I'm guessing the SDL has better optic's somehow but would'nt think there
is much difference between the SDL zoom and the HDF Zoom,
Like i said i would'nt generally use a Zoom EP for picture's unless it's for
reference only, They don't hold the clarity that fixed HDF Eyepiece's have,

The Eyepiece i use most of the Time is the 40929 DTL Telephotography
lens at £79 from WarehouseExpress, It's a good 12x EP and is made
expecially for Digiscoping,
Take care All,
John,

[postcardcv]

The Eyepiece i use most of the Time is the 40929 DTL Telephotography
lens at £79 from WarehouseExpress, It's a good 12x EP and is made
expecially for Digiscoping,
Take care All,
John,

This is a bit of an odd eyepeice, it works well with some digital cameras but not with others, it's definitely one you should try before you buy.

I see no reason not to digiscope with a 20-60 zoom. I've used zoom epeice on Opticron, Leica and Swarovski scope and digiscoped with all of them. I can't imagine taking a diffeent eyepie with me just to digiscope and I would not be without a zoom for viewing. You might need slightly more camera zoom to get rid of vingetting than with a mixed mag eyepeice, but it will still give a very useable magnification.

I'd recommend trying the eyepiece you've got before you start looking at buying a different one solely for digiscoping.

[Modular]

This is a bit of an odd eyepeice, it works well with some digital cameras but not with others, it's definitely one you should try before you buy.

I see no reason not to digiscope with a 20-60 zoom. I've used zoom epeice on Opticron, Leica and Swarovski scope and digiscoped with all of them. I can't imagine taking a diffeent eyepie with me just to digiscope and I would not be without a zoom for viewing. You might need slightly more camera zoom to get rid of vingetting than with a mixed mag eyepeice, but it will still give a very useable magnification.

I'd recommend trying the eyepiece you've got before you start looking at buying a different one solely for digiscoping.Totally agree that the Opticron digiscoping EP is One that does'nt suit
some camera's as i've tried it with other camera's and was disappointed,

As for the 20 x 60 Zoom ... I never said you should'nt use it but rather
use a lower magnification, If your telling me that at 40x zoom you get the
same quality picture than at say 20x then i disagree, I bought my first
scope with the SDL 20 x 60 because i thought that i had a range of lower
and higher and would never need another EP, I was wrong and was'nt
pleased with the result's, So i changed to a lower magnification and it
worked much better, The Hdf 23x that i use aswell is to me far better
than the SDL ... But that's my opinion,
I'm yet to see a good picture with the SDL to be honest, If you know of
any please show me ... I'd like to see them,
Just like you said about trying before buying ... This definetly goe's for the
SDL ... I'd rather spend £75 and not be happy than to spend £200 like i did
and feel even worse,
Taking different EP's with you is up to the individual ... If you know where
your going then you can kind of plan the EP you'd need, Of course if your
going on a Marsh or water's then of course you'd use Zoom, But other
place's i think it best to take a few different fixed lense's and get closer
to the Bird if you want better picture's,
All this is to do with the Opticron Scope ... Other's may work wonder's
with Zoom, I'd still like to see some picture's using the SDL Zoom as of
all the Time of being here ... I've never heard member's praising the SDL as
they do Fixed Hdf EP's,
Take care All,
John,

[Paul Jarvis]

Hi John

Sorry I mis read what you said regarding the SDL and HDF eyepiece. Yes low mag fixed is better but for me it is too much of a hum bug to carry two EPs.

[postcardcv]

As for the 20 x 60 Zoom ... I never said you should'nt use it but rather
use a lower magnification, If your telling me that at 40x zoom you get the
same quality picture than at say 20x then i disagree, I bought my first
scope with the SDL 20 x 60 because i thought that i had a range of lower
and higher and would never need another EP, I was wrong and was'nt
pleased with the result's, So i changed to a lower magnification and it
worked much better, The Hdf 23x that i use aswell is to me far better
than the SDL ... But that's my opinion,
I'm yet to see a good picture with the SDL to be honest, If you know of
any please show me ... I'd like to see them

Hi John

I clearly misunderstood you - I entirely agree with you that a zoom eyepeice should be used at the bottoem end to achive good results when digiscoping. I definitely see a fall off in quality as you crank up the zoom.

As for the SDL... personally I far prefer the HDF zoom, I find it much easier to use for general viewing. However it does have one feature that may prove very handy for digiscoping (but I've not tried it). As it is parfocal, it should remain in focus throughout the zoom range, so in theory you could crank up the mag and get fine focus and then zoom out to take your shots (though this wouldn't be easy with most adapters). The SDL zoom seems a lot less popular than the HDF which may be why you don't see many shots taken through them.

Here's an old shot taken through an ES80ED with HDF zoom and a handheld 4500...

[Modular]

Hi John

Sorry I mis read what you said regarding the SDL and HDF eyepiece. Yes low mag fixed is better but for me it is too much of a hum bug to carry two EPs.Hey Paul,

Yeah i dislike carrying the EP's too and would never leave my stuff in the
car, To be honest i'm the type of Digiscoper that prefer's Woodland and
Meadow's than Water Park's and Marshe's so i guess i alway's put a low
magnification on the Scope, If memory serve's me right i can't actually ever
remembering carrying an EP lol, I'd be a bit worried of getting dust and
stuff in the scope and EP while in the Wood's changing it,
I really want to go to Dslr but the cost of lense's are like mortgage's lol,
I should go into the appropriate Forum and ask what lense i need for
a 350D to take picture's at 20 to 30 Feet away ... Close up's of course,
That may get me to Dslr ... Hopefully,
Thank's for getting back to me,
Take care,
John,

[Modular]

Hey Postcardcv,

Don't know your name so sorry for the member name,
Got to say i think the 4500 is still a good all round Digiscoping camera and
that picture is great, I owned One and sold it last Year, I've actually just
bought a 990 to have a play with ... There's just something about these
old camera's that i like,
I've also heard many good thing's about the Hdf zoom, More than i ever
had with the Sdl, You have a point with the focal thing ... I've never tried
that and it sound's interesting, Your making me think about getting it back
out the bag and experimenting a bit with it lol, I've used it at the most
about Three Time's ... So maybe i should'nt underestimate it,
By the way ... I've alway's liked your site and got to say your Photo's are
just getting better and better, Nice Work Sir,
Take care,
John,

[postcardcv]

Hey Postcardcv,

Don't know your name so sorry for the member name,
Got to say i think the 4500 is still a good all round Digiscoping camera and
that picture is great, I owned One and sold it last Year, I've actually just
bought a 990 to have a play with ...

By the way ... I've alway's liked your site and got to say your Photo's are
just getting better and better, Nice Work Sir,
Take care,
John,

I totally agree about the 4500 being a good camera (the IQ is excellent), I sold mine a couple of years ago, but would like to pick another up at somepoint. However it is just so slow (and that screen is tiny), I don't think it's a camera that is very encouraging when starting out in digiscoping.

Thanks for the comments on the site, much appreciated. There are still some digiscoped shots on there, but I'n using the dslr more and more these days.

cheers, Peter