information overload!! (1 Viewer)

Hi

I’ve read so much about digiscoping that I’m suffering from information overload!
I know all of the questions have been asked a million times but before spending every penny I have I would really appreciate some advice.
I’ve read lots of information about the best type of camera, scope and setup etc. but once I started to write down on my list things like “must get a video head not a scope head” I thought – hmmm, I don’t really know what I’m doing!!

I’ve decided to buy a Coolpix 4500 and a Swarovski ATS HD 80mm Angled scope.
However, I’m not too sure about all the extras like cable release, view sunshade, battery backup, tripod and head etc or if I’ve missed anything off my list.
The adaptor, the Eagle Eye or Swarovski….. then I saw a message by Felipe suggesting an adaptor www.dlc.fi/~artoj/vehkeet with easy adjustable zoom.
But then I read a message by Tannin called “Swarovski adaptor in detail” – this was really helpful and I think this is the one to go for – I think!

Also, any advice about a lens for the cp4500 I could use for close up pictures of moths, butterflies, insects etc.

Ok, I know some of these decisions are more to do with personal preference but I real would appreciate any advice or help you can offer before I empty the piggybank!
This is my list so far:

Camera = Coolpix 4500
Scope = Swarovski ATS HD 80mm Angled Scope
Case = Swarovski stay on case (free with scope at WExp)
Eyepiece = 20-60 zoom
Adaptor = Swarovski but maybe the Eagle Eye or the Foto Fennica Duo adapter?
Battery Pack = can't seem to find the ones I read about?
Tripod = Manfrotto MN055 –head??? - not concerned about the weight.
Cable release = ???
Monitor Shade = Nikon LCD Monitor Shade
Memory Card = I already have a IBM 1GB Microdrive card

Thanks

Mike

Also, any advice about a lens for the cp4500 I could use for close up pictures of moths, butterflies, insects etc.

Click to expand...

The CP4500 is superb for close up work without any extra lens. You can focus down to 2 cm. Look in the Gallery, there are many example of this use.

Dave

Hi Mike,

On behalf of Admin and the Moderators I'd like to welcome you to Bird Forum :t:

You have certainly come to the right place with your queries and I'm sure you'll get some excellent advice.

I have the 4500 too and as Dave says the camera has a superb macro facility. My only gripe is that getting as close as 2 cm doesn't usually sit well with live subjects and some I wouldn't like to get too close to anyway. I use a teleconverter with my camera. I don't think there is much doubt that the Nikon TC-E3ED 3x is about the best on the go - it's made for the Nikon CP's and allows you to get decent close-ups from a little further distance. I had one myself until it was stolen, but I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. An alternative you know is to use the scope for macro shots. Dragonflies, Damselflies and Butterflies give very good results.

I can't help with adapter as I don't have that scope, though I think you made an excellent choice of scope and eyepiece.

I'm not convinced on the need for a battery pack. I only have two CP batteries which I always keep fully charged. I have two 256 MB cards and two 64 MB cards. I usually fill a 256 MB card per battery and have some juice left over. So far that has proved enough for me.

Monitor shade I'd say is a neccessity rather than an extra and personally I have an EagleEye version and a Photosolve version which look the exact same and are of very high quality. Photosolve's actually works out cheaper even though it's shipped from the States.

Likewise cable release. I never really took a decent shot until I got one. I got the Jessops cable release and bracket. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Tripod wise I have the 55NAT. I use the 128RC head, but would prefer the 501. If weight doesn't matter then I'd go with that as to my mind at least it's streets ahead in quality and versatility.

I'm sure other members will have their own peferences, but I hope this helps.

Hi Mike
Welcome to the birdforum net it looks as though you have done a fair bit of browsing already and as you have found there is an enormous amount of info on here.

To try and answer some of the above as Dave has said the macro on the 4500 works really well so try it without any additional lenses to start with.

As regards the rest of the gear well you seem to be set on the swarovski and that is a good choice and 20-60 eye piece ok.

As for the rest it all comes down to how much you want to spend

Adaptor-they all do the same job and seem to work as weel as each other the difference is price and how quick or easy they are to fit.

Personally I prefer the LCE because it is a snug fit and only 1 screw to tighten.

Tripod & head- if at all possible go to a dealer and try out the various set ups make sure you take all that you are going to mount.

Battery pack sorry can't help with this one I made my own. There is a thread about on the Digisnap 9000 and eagleeye should have there new one out soon.

LCD shade- eagleeye works. You will have problems with the hood types unless you have superduper eyesight.

Cable release- Funny one this I prefer the nikon mc1-eu but others swear at em. If you can get on with a mechanical one then at least they are cheaper. But again try before you buy.

Right Iv'e rattled on a bit I'll let somebody else have a go.

Best of luck

Pete

Leica apo 77, cp995 LCEadaptor nikon cable release manfrotto 190 tripod 501 head home made batt pack

Hi Mike

I`ve just had a look for you on a site that does specialist close-up filters & although I can`t see one listed for the CP4500 the company says it can manufacture to individual requirements.Do a search for srbfilm & it should bring up their site.

ps IanF the reason the photosolve & the eagleye sunshade look the same is because they are the same.Eagleeye imports them from photosolve in the USA.

Regards Steve.

Just to confuse you even more what is wrong with any of the Nikon scopes, they already provide the special reasonably priced adaptors to ensure their coolpix cameras mate correctly and accurately to their scopes.

Hi Dave, Ian, Pete & Steve

Thanks for a warm welcome to this forum and all your replies. I posted the message last night and went out for the evening on a family do. Sat there all night thinking about eyepieces etc.

I’m about to fulfil my lifetime ambition and take a trip to the Amazon and Pantanal. I go in 2 ½ weeks and the decision to buy this kit is a last minute thing, so I don’t have much time to try out different options so this advice is essential to me.

Re: additional lens
As suggested, first, I will try the cp4500 without a lens to see how I get on but now I know that the Nikon TC-E3ED 3x is about the best or perhaps one from SRB - I know where to find one if necessary.

Monitor shade
Thanks for the advice – I’ll try to get the EagleEye.

Cable Release
Adapter bracket and cable from Jessops for about £30 – just because it’s cheaper than the MC-EU1

Battery Pack
I agree Ian – two batteries should normal do but I’d like a backup battery pack of some for this trip– I’ll try to find the thread about the Digisnap 9000 that Pete mentioned.

Tripod & Head
It seems that the Manrotto is the preferred choice and I now know what the 501 head is

Thanks for all your help – time to finalise my list!

Mike

Hi Geoff

Easy to answer that one mate, probably nothing!
I just looked at hundreds of messages and it seems the Swarovski is very popular and probably the best scope to get. I just want to setup something similar to what many others have found to work well, a sheep not a pioneer am I
Also, I guess it’s going to be a lot easier to get help and advice with a popular setup if I have any problems.
Same thing with the camera, I wouldn’t have chosen a cp4500 but 90% of digiscopers seem to use this camera (or cp9x) so again I will follow the trend.

Mike

Hi

Thanks for all the advice last week

The Swarovski 80HD scope is really hard to buy. After days of hunting around, finally managed to buy one and hoped to get it the next day. But the following morning the supplier phoned and said, “Oops, sorry we only have the box!”
So, I’ve changed my mind and I’m going to try to get a D100 and lens simply because I’ve more chance of getting my girlfriend involved – important seeing as how she’s paying!!
Thanks

Mike