Hi an opportunity to buy a Nikon P5100 has presented itself to me and I think I have read that this camera comes highly recommended for digiscoping. I would be using it with my Kowa 883 and 20-60 eyepiece. Can anyone confirm if this is so and what accessories I would need for joining camera to eyepiece? Many thanks
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Nikon P5100 and Kowa 20-60 Eyepiece (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter portnoy58
- Start date
My sincere apologies.......I have just realised there is a very considerable thread on this camera! It would appear to answer all my queries and looks like I will be buying the camera! Many thanks
OK RJM this would be my first venture into digiscoping and really it is based on a desire to maximise use of my scope and avoid the expense of a telephoto lens. Of course I have used a hand held compact against the eyepiece but...... very serious limitations! I am looking to keep my costs to about GBP 250. I definitely want to do it on the cheap and would be looking to connect via DA10 Adaptor & Ring. I should stress this is a first venture and understand this is a fairly complex activity so it is about getting started, suck and see, and if results are promising then I might be tempted to spend more. I think a p5100 would be a good start but am open to persuasion.
Steven Astley
Well-known member
The P5100 is a great camera especially for the price, you can pick one up for about £150 on ebay.
I have the P5000, the same camera with less pixels, I am happy with the IQ although its a little sluggish to autofocus.
The more modern cameras have faster autofocus and work better at high ISO.
Look at this for examples http://www.flickr.com/photos/revs45/sets/72157600205421154/
I was out today digiscoping with my P5000 attached to nikon ed82
I have the P5000, the same camera with less pixels, I am happy with the IQ although its a little sluggish to autofocus.
The more modern cameras have faster autofocus and work better at high ISO.
Look at this for examples http://www.flickr.com/photos/revs45/sets/72157600205421154/
I was out today digiscoping with my P5000 attached to nikon ed82
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RJM
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
There are a multitude of threads here concerning which current cameras are best for digiscoping. The issue you will have is using the DA10 by itself as a connection method. as there are only a few cameras with lens threads. The DA4 universal adapter is certainly expensive, but allows for greater freedom in P&S camera selection.
The P5100 has an ideal lens but the camera's IQ, functions and operation leave alot to be desired. I don't pay attention to what used cameras sell for outside Japan but given its age, I would not pay much more than US$75 for one and with a new battery included too as the original battery would be on its last legs by now.
FWIW, the best price at auction in Japan for a mint condition P5100 including all the TC lens options, extra batteries and memory cards is still under 10,000 yen while a body alone is ~3,000 yen.
Rick
The P5100 has an ideal lens but the camera's IQ, functions and operation leave alot to be desired. I don't pay attention to what used cameras sell for outside Japan but given its age, I would not pay much more than US$75 for one and with a new battery included too as the original battery would be on its last legs by now.
FWIW, the best price at auction in Japan for a mint condition P5100 including all the TC lens options, extra batteries and memory cards is still under 10,000 yen while a body alone is ~3,000 yen.
Rick
Samples and initial observations
Well I am up and running so to speak as I bought the p5100 and was able to buy the parts to connect it to my eyepiece. I am staggered by the range of the combined parts. The pole pic subject was about 1 km from me. However I really don't know what I am doing! There is way to much movement from the various parts and it is difficult to get the target in the the viewfinder and then snap. The shutter seems to be a bit slow and needs a bit of pressure which in turn shakes the camera. Anyhow I am excited by the prospects of getting some decent shots once I know what I am doing.
Well I am up and running so to speak as I bought the p5100 and was able to buy the parts to connect it to my eyepiece. I am staggered by the range of the combined parts. The pole pic subject was about 1 km from me. However I really don't know what I am doing! There is way to much movement from the various parts and it is difficult to get the target in the the viewfinder and then snap. The shutter seems to be a bit slow and needs a bit of pressure which in turn shakes the camera. Anyhow I am excited by the prospects of getting some decent shots once I know what I am doing.
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John Hague
aka The Drunkbirder
Hi all,
I'm still not really happy when digiscoping with my Kowa 883 with the 20-60 zoom and Coolpix P5100. I mostly use an SRB Griturn alignment collar which is OK if the light is good and the bird perching up on a twig.
I also have an SRB Griturn alignment sleeve. This really isn't a good fit and I can't do a great deal with it.
I'm looking for another way as I want to use my scope and then bring in the camera. The SRB Griturn swing-out system seems to mean that I would have to remove the eyecup. This is something I don't want to do as it defeats the object of a swing out system.
Can anyone recommend a good cost effective solution. I'm not up to making my own adaptors.
Cheers
John
I'm still not really happy when digiscoping with my Kowa 883 with the 20-60 zoom and Coolpix P5100. I mostly use an SRB Griturn alignment collar which is OK if the light is good and the bird perching up on a twig.
I also have an SRB Griturn alignment sleeve. This really isn't a good fit and I can't do a great deal with it.
I'm looking for another way as I want to use my scope and then bring in the camera. The SRB Griturn swing-out system seems to mean that I would have to remove the eyecup. This is something I don't want to do as it defeats the object of a swing out system.
Can anyone recommend a good cost effective solution. I'm not up to making my own adaptors.
Cheers
John
RJM
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Afraid having to remove the rubber eycup is pretty much a requirement of any effective camera adapter. It really is not a viewing issue though. The Kowa DA4, while pricey, is the most elegant, small/light swing out adapter made. Hey, still cheaper than Swaro/Leica/Zeiss kit!
Hey just to say I am making reasonable progress with my Kowa rig and P5100. It is a serious shock to the system, a whole new ball game and the truth is I am struggling to get a decent focus. But I am definitely getting there and enjoying the learning curve. Too early to offer suggestions or advice but I certainly have been given some great advice by people. Many thanks
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