During my early years of retirement, like most folks, I often pondered what activities would fill my time before my golden years hit. I’ll admit, it’s not my favorite subject to mull over, but it was important. Not being prone to letting the grass grow under my feet, I was intent on finding activities that would provide enjoyment, help me learn, and, most of all, place me outdoors. As a hunter, scouter, hiker, and camper, I decided on a hobby that would effectively supplement my established hobbies. After discovering digiscoping, my search was over. After all, this cool form of outdoor photography brings animals, landscape features, and skies closer – all with just your optics and a smartphone camera. The beauty is, this hobby also serves as a great stand-alone hobby. I was lucky to try a Phone Skope adapter to make the magical connection and there has been no looking back. After trying many others, I repeatedly learned that there’s no better turnkey digiscoping system.
If you’re looking for reasons to get outside, enjoy nature, and even get a little exercise, digiscoping is for you – especially if you’re the creative type.
While digiscoping takes a little practice, it’s becoming more effective as smartphone cameras continue to improve. So, whether you’re giving it a try or simply don’t do it often, here are some basics to consider.
The Original Digiscoping Case
Make the connection. That’s right, grab your binoculars or spotting scope, Phone Skope adapter, and smartphone device, and have a seat. Make the connection, then repeat,… then repeat again. The more seamless you are at marrying optics with a phone camera, the better experience you’ll have when that rare bird or beautiful sun-splashed mott of oak trees comes into view.
More stability, more success. While a sturdy tripod isn’t non-negotiable for stability, it’s a great idea. Take it a step further and use a remote shutter release. Both actions will help prevent blurry photos caused by camera shake. Before you even leave, practice setting up your gear and focusing at home until it’s second nature, so you’re not fumbling when an exceptional visual opportunity presents itself.
Focus, man! Pay close attention to your optics’ focus and your camera’s exposure settings. Note that sometimes slight underexposure helps preserve detail in bright areas, and always aim for the sharpest focus you can get.
What about light? Remember, good lighting makes a huge difference, so try to shoot when the sun isn’t directly overhead. Brighter isn’t always better. That’s why the soft shadows of the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon are so beneficial. The same goes for overcast days.
Digiscoping with a spotting scope or binoculars, a tripod will help; avoid camera shake.
Patience, grasshopper. Patience is your secret weapon. While Phone Skope’s custom approach to digiscoping makes learning easy, perfect images don’t happen overnight. Like most activities, repetition is key. Practice often, embrace trial and error, and enjoy one of the best outdoor activities around.
Follow these casual tips, and you’ll be well on your way to bringing home some truly spectacular digiscoped memories from your outdoor adventures. There are, of course, more suggestions associated with the adapter, outdoor conditions, and your smartphone camera, but the above pointers will help your photographic efforts in the field every time.
Are you heading out on a nature tour, hunt, or hiking trip? After you’ve secured your custom digiscoping adapter by using Phone Skope’s digiscoping kit builder page, you’ll have a snug connection between your optics and smartphone model. A world of wonder awaits.
