Archive 2022 · Spotting scope with Z mount

shekarn64
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Spotting scope with Z mount

Hello! I am trying to go light weight for bird photography. Currently, using 200-500 with FTZ with Z7II and Z6II.

I understand spotting scopes are manual focus and have to set my exposure correctly on my camera. Assuming I can manage that, is there any advantage in considering any spotting scope? What magnification would get me a good range comparable to 600mm lens? Also are there any Z adaptors?

Or is there any other alternate solution for light weight lenses?

TIA!

Jun 17, 2022 at 07:43 AM

gear-nut
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Spotting scope with Z mount

They are optically slow, usually f10 or 12, and may not fully cover an Fx sensor. Better option is converting your 200-500 to a spotting scope with one of the rear mount adapters. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/857280-REG/Kenko_K_LS10_NFAB_LENS2SCOPE_for_NIKON_F.html

Jun 17, 2022 at 09:02 AM

pendennis
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Spotting scope with Z mount

Even the best spotting scopes are no match for your 200-500. As GEAR-NUT states, they are slow optically, and their resolution is not the best. I've tried using a Celestron Regal F-ED model, and it works for me at the rifle range, but that's all.

If you want to lighten your load, and save a bit of money, their are lots of 500mm lenses out there in the f/8 range which are superior to spotting scopes.

Jun 17, 2022 at 09:55 AM

CanadaMark
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Spotting scope with Z mount

Have you looked into M43? My father is actually in a similar situation. We've rented a bunch of equipment together from 4 different brands and what he's starting to realize is that the lens itself is the killer. There's barely any weight difference between various camera bodies of similar quality regardless of sensor size, and none of that really matters when you have a 5lb+ lens attached.

A 100-400 lens on M43 gets you 200-800mm equivalent with a decent aperture and significantly less weight (just under 50% for something like an Olympus OM-1 + 100-400).

Of course, there are a number of disadvantages that come with M43 depending on what you are trying to achieve, but if you really want to cut down on weight and still shoot birds it's a pretty good way to do it.

Personally I think shooting with a spotting scope would be a nightmare for reasons the above 2 posters already touched on.

Jun 17, 2022 at 10:05 AM

elkhornsun
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Spotting scope with Z mount

On the other hand I have seen photos taken with a smartphone and a 20x spotting scope of distant wildlife where even a 800mm lens with a 2x teleconverter would not have provided an equivalent image size.

Smartphones and P&S cameras work the best as they can focus on the image in the scope's eyepiece. Check references on digicam setups.

Jun 18, 2022 at 04:38 PM


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