[Grundy]

Testing the Nikon D7000 on a Swarovski 80 scope with a 20X eyepiece & the 35mm f 1.8 lens (which is internal focusing, so no movement or rotation of the lens. Camera set to AF-C & spot metering ISO 800. Auto-focus is difficult / very sensitive to scope adjustment. So not many keepers at the moment. The weight of the camera is taken by a Swarovski B type bracket (modified)

Here are a few examples of shots taken in the garden:

[RJM]

I think what you will discover is that this method is an expensive and cumbersome way to get to an effective ~fl=1000mm @F9 for what is almost always in the end mediocre results. Better off with a Sigma 150-500 OS HSM w/1.4TC on your Nikon. At least you will have OS and with a tiny piece of tape on the TC, full AF, and handheld too for ~50% of the cost of the Swaro kit and tripod.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by Grundy

Testing the Nikon D7000 on a Swarovski 80 scope with a 20X eyepiece & the 35mm f 1.8 lens (which is internal focusing, so no movement or rotation of the lens. Camera set to AF-C & spot metering ISO 800. Auto-focus is difficult / very sensitive to scope adjustment. So not many keepers at the moment. The weight of the camera is taken by a Swarovski B type bracket (modified)

Here are a few examples of shots taken in the garden:

Looking at the Exif your shutter speeds were down around 1/50th second. It's a bit difficult to freeze the action at those speeds. AF won't be accurate either so you would be better with MF.
Neil