Spotter scope + SLR adapter v Telephoto zoom

andrewcollier

Hi.

This is my first post on this forum and it is not for me but a friend who does not have a computer. He is a keen bird watcher with a quality spotting scope and is thinking of getting an SLR.

What image quality could he expect with an adapter for his spotter scope? Would he be better putting this cost towards a telephoto lens, say 70-300 with image stabilization + 1.6 conversion factor(480) of Canon? I have no experience of bird watching so do not know if a 480 equivalent focal length will be close enough for birds.

Thanks in anticipation:help

Andrew

gus

For canon & birds v's bang for buck then you cannot go past the 400 L f5.6. On a canon 350/400/20 & 30D you are going to get a 640mm optical photo. ie they are 1.6x crop factor & 400mm will be actual 640.

I would forget anything else for crisp clear photos.

Harryb

Hi Andrew,

It depends on what's important to your friend. Digiscoping is becoming very popular and it will give one lots more reach for far less cost than is possible with a camera and telephoto lens. The drawback is that the image quality is not as good. Also digiscoping is not effective for an action shot or a moving subject.

If you do a google search for digiscoping you will get loads of info. Also if your friend's locale has a wildlife festival there will probably be a presentation about digiscoping given during the festival.