How to Mount a Spotting Scope on a Camera

Birds are small objects to photograph.

Spotting scopes and cameras can be coupled to capture long-range images of small subjects. The magnification of a spotting scope is much greater than most telephoto and zoom lenses available at a reasonable cost to consumers. Even with a zoom lens with a 400 millimeter focal length, it can be hard to get small animals and birds to appear big enough in the frame to identify what they are.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver or hex head driver
• Spotting scope
• Telephoto adapter
• Camera body adaptor
• Camera body

Instructions

1. Turn the spotting scope's ocular dust cap counterclockwise and remove it. Fully extend the eyepiece by gripping the rubber eye guard and turning it clockwise.

2. Set the female end of the telephoto adapter on the eyepiece end of the scope. Turn it clockwise, attaching the telephoto adapter to the spotting scope.

3. Remove the camera lens from the camera body. Align the camera body adapter's red dot and screw it onto the camera body.

4. Attach the telephoto adapter and spotting scope assembly to the camera and camera body adapter.

5. Adjust the tripod mount appropriately. If the tripod mount on the scope isn't on the same side as the camera bottom's tripod mount, adjust the tripod mount with a hex head driver or screwdriver. Loosen it and swivel it to the correct position.

References

• Bushnell: Spotting Scope Camera Mounting Instructions