Martin Standley said:
Just ready to start digiscoping (hopefully) i currently own a nikon coolpix 8400, and i am looking to purchase a scope complete with attachments with a budget of about £750.
Is the 8400 any good, where can I obtain a decent adapter (are universal adapters any good?)
Can anyone recommend a suitable set up?
Thanks
Martin!
I am just starting into digiscoping myself and was thinking about the 8400, but have not been able to get one to try, so would be interested to see how you get on.
From my early attempts I would advise you focus on getting a good scope and initially try your 8400 handheld. Technically the 8400 looks good 3.5 zoom, full manual control, accepts a lens adapter and remote, although it is a wide lens so may only be useable from half to full zoom.
I have recently just bought my scope after spending some time looking at the options which came down to Kowa or Opticron ES80 as my target budget was £1000.
Originally planed the Kowa 823 finally went for a Kowa TSN-663 which I love, sharp, bright, good focus control and small enough to carry with my camera gear. I chose the new TSE-Z9 20-60 eyepiece and all at a great price from Warehouse Express £500.
From your budget the Kowa 663 would fit fairly well, assuming your camera works out. Alternatively you may look at the Opticron ES80, whatever you select go for a scope with an ED type lens, with a larger objective lens being better.
I have been trying some practice with a handheld Minolta F100, which unfortunately does not accept a lens adapter, the results are fairly promising, one of my first attempts being posted in my gallery.
Have just ordered a digiscope adapter, Baader Microstage 6030 at £30.00 from David Hinds details can be found at
http://www.dhinds.co.uk/pages/fullProd.php?id=400 this is a generic mount that uses the camera tripod mount and should fit most scope/camera combinations, will try this before either making or buying something more expensive. If your camera works out you should have a number of options as the 8400 accepts a lens adapter, both Opticron and Kowa offer mounts to fit their scopes, but choose the scope first, preferably by trying them out, then try your camera hand held, before going for an adapter.
You will also need to allow for a sturdy tripod as slight movement caused by poor support will make shooting very difficult.
Someone with more experience will hopefully provide further advice.
Sid