How digiscoping works with Swarovski optics
Observation & Photography | with Matthias Feldhoff
In our exciting live talk with biologist and nature photographer Matthias Feldhoff , we took an in-depth look at the topic of digiscoping and gathered lots of exciting insights and practical tips. He has been observing and photographing birds, especially birds of prey, for many years, using both his camera and spotting scope. He is passionate about treating nature with respect and that is exactly what makes digiscoping so interesting for him. Here are the most important points from the talk at a glance:
Experience nature - without disturbing it
The greatest strength of digiscoping lies in the distance: you can observe and photograph animals from a great distance without scaring them off. For example, Matthias told us about photographing rare bearded vultures in the Alps. Using the spotting scope, he was able to stay several hundred meters away and still capture razor-sharp images.
This is a decisive advantage, especially with sensitive species. After all, good nature photography is not just about capturing impressive subjects, but above all about leaving the animals alone.
Why not just use a telephoto lens?
Of course, the question arises: why digiscoping at all if there are powerful telephoto lenses?
A comparison makes the difference clear:
- A 500 mm Lens with a converter will get you to around 700 mm focal length.
- With a spotting scope, on the other hand, you can reach 1,500 to 3,500 mm.
Advantages of digiscoping at a glance:
- Extremely high focal lengths for detailed images.
- Flexible use: with smartphone or camera.
- Compact and versatile - from lightweight binoculars to large spotting scopes.
- Respectful distance to animals without sacrificing image quality.
Of course, digiscoping also has its limits: A flying stork or a small songbird in the bush is difficult to capture with manual focus. But it is unbeatable for quiet subjects or long distances.
Which equipment is right for you? - From a beginner's set to a professional system
If you want to try it out first, you don't need a complete professional setup:
- Smartphone & adapter: With the universal VPA2 adapter, you can use almost any cell phone. Easy to use, ideal for spontaneous moments on hikes.
- Binoculars & adapter: Binoculars such as the NL Pure can be combined with a smartphone just as quickly and provide a focal length of around 500 mm from your trouser pocket.
For more ambitious photographers, a spotting scope is a must:
- Spotting scope for professionals: the ATC (17-40x) is suitable for on the go, while the large ATX (30-70x, 95 mm front lens) reaches up to 3,500 mm. This allows you to take close-ups that would be impossible with normal Lens.
Swarovski Optik is one of the leading manufacturers in the premium segment. Manufactured in the Alps near Innsbruck, their devices stand for the highest quality and precision.
Swarovski ATC 17-40x burnt orange
- compact and lightweight
- intuitive operation
- unsurpassed image sharpness
- maximum color fidelity
- can be connected to your smartphone
What is exciting is that Swarovski not only offers classic optics, but also develops modern solutions - such as the AX Visio, AI-supported binoculars that automatically recognize birds and transmit the results directly to a smartphone. They thus combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative technology.
Practical tips for better results
To ensure that your shots with binoculars or spotting scopes not only work, but also really impress, Matthias shared some valuable tips in the live talk:
- Stability is key: with focal lengths of 1,000 to 3,000 mm, a stable tripod is essential, ideally with a damped tripod head for smooth movements.
- Choose the right zoom on your smartphone: Use at least 2x zoom to avoid vignetting and make the most of the field of view.
- Avoid camera shake with a remote shutter release: Cable headphones or a small remote control help to trigger the shutter without touching the smartphone.
- Use support surfaces: If you are taking photos with binoculars without a tripod, rest your arms or hands on a rucksack, tree or railing to work more steadily.
- Ensure good light: Spotting scopes work with high aperture values - plan your shots with sufficient brightness so that the images are sharp and have low noise.
Conclusion: A new view of nature
Digiscoping is not a competitor to traditional photography, but an exciting addition. Whether with a smartphone and binoculars or with a spotting scope set-up - you have options that bring you closer to your subjects without disturbing them.
If you want to discover nature in a new way, give it a try. The combination of observation and photography gives you a very special view of animals and landscapes.
