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Leica Binoculars

Before you can photograph a subject you need to find it!!! I have recently upgraded my binoculars to a pair of Leica 8x32BN's which are a light, compact model which perform well in all lights. These can be used to"digiscope" through as well as a telescope though good results are harder to achieve.

For more information see the Leica website.

Kowa Telescope

Most birders also have a telescope. I personally opted for a Kowa TSN824 with a 20-60x zoom lens. I chose this model due to it's large objective lens and light gathering coating, though this comes at a cost; it weighs a lot. Kowa have finally released a 20x eyepiece for this model which has been designed with the "digiscoper" in mind so hopefully soon this will join my kit list!!! The zoom lens isn't ideal for digiscoping as it's light gathering ability isn't great.

For more information see the Kowa website.

Manfrotto Tripod & Head

This is my oldest piece of equipment which I have now had for over 10 years. Having said this I wouldn't change the tripod itself except for a new one of the same model. The Manfrotto was the only tripod at the time that would extend up to my height (6' 6")!

For more information see the Manfrotto website.

Eagleeye 10x Eyepiece

This eye piece was designed for digiscoping. For this reason it is a very bright and sharp lens which is ideal for close subjects or a subject in poor or failing light.

For more information see the Eagleeye website.

1 Piece of advice, when using this eyepiece ensure that the camera is well supported and that the eyepiece isn't taking any weight. I have managed to strip the thread on my scope now, so at present I can't use this lens till I find a way to repair the threat. Any ideas anyone?

LCE Digiscoping Adapter

These are great bits of kit which attach your camera or camcorder to your scope. They are available from London Camera Exchange but are massively over priced for what you get and to top it off they didn't make one for the Eagleeye!! I purchased one to fit my zoom lens then had to take a hacksaw to it to make it fit the Eagleeye.

Adaptor rings

These are available from Warehouse Express. You will require at least one of these in order to attach your cameras to the digisoping adaptor.

Kyocera Camera

I use the Kyocera Finecam SL 400 R.This is the cheaper version of the Contax but it seems to perform very well. If you can't quite stretch to a Coolpix then it is well worth looking at one of these.

For more information see the Kyocera website.

Pro's

Very light, fitting easily into your pocket, can shoot 3.3 frames per second if using a high speed memory card. Swivel design makes it ideal for Digiscoping.

Con's

Battery life is poor and not suitable for macro work. Closest focus is 20 cm.

Cable Release Bracket

Rather than paying out for one of these I decided to make my own. It consists of a thin strip of metal, bent in 2 places. On the base I have taped some sponge to help secure the bracket when in use. On the top is a piece of nylon with a thread to accept the cable release. This is all held on the camera using a safety pin!

Cable Release

By using a cable release you ensure minimal movement of the camera whilst photographing.

For more information see the Jessop's website.