Create a spotting scope with SLR lenses?

[wowzer]

I was curious if it were possible to create a spotting scope using lenses from photography?


I was curious if you can turn it into a spotting scope to watch birds at larger distances?

[freeradical]

You can, but it's probably the most expensive way to do this, especially if you want something that's fast. Nikon even made a lens scope converter.

A better bet would be to get a decent spotting scope, and then get an adapter that you will allow you to do afocal photography with a p&s camera.

[Gareth]

It is my understanding that spotting scopes have much greater magnification and at less cost that a camera lens.

It's usually done in reverse, people adapt spotting scopes to DSLR's to gain magnification at greatly reduced cost.

A spotting scope can be the equivalent of up to 3000mm? Compare that to the Canon 1200mm 5.6L which is no longer made and costs 120k+ used...

[Racer X]

Yes you can. http://www.lens2scope.com/index.php/product/detail/37

[pqrst]

Here is a home-brew version using home depot parts altho you need to find a telescope eyepiece.

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00HfRR

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Amazon pricing implies the Lens2Scope was under $50 for a while, it might be worth it if you have the right lens.

[ztirffritz]

This is what I did: https://youtu.be/dEyl6MUJhNk

[Racer X]

Filliam H. Muffman wrote:
Amazon pricing implies the Lens2Scope was under $50 for a while, it might be worth it if you have the right lens.

If you have access to a big Nikon manual focus zoom, I'd try it. If it doesn't work for you, eBay the adapter.