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Cell phone spotting scope adapters

LeadHead

I'm thinking of getting a cell phone adapter to allow me to take pictures through a spotting scope. It'll be for casual/occasional use so I don't want to spend more than about $50 or so but I was wondering what ya'll are using. I noticed some of them have a remote bluetooth shutter release to prevent the need of touching the screen to take a picture which seems like a great idea.
Thoughts?
 
Whichever you buy get the remote trigger. It is nice when shooting video, and a must when shooting stills. I have a NexYZ made by Celetron to fit my cheap Celetron spotting scope and will work on other spotting scopes as well, but I have no idea if it is better or worse than other adapters.
 
Phones are long/heavy and torque the eyepiece which usually needs extended out all the way. You must then have the phone square at the same time, vertically or horizontally. If you don't you won't film square. My suggestion is gopro...light weight small doesn't torque the eyepiece as much. Creates its own wifi signal to a tablet or phone, where it can be remote controlled. Records 4k as well.
 
In comparison to alternatives like the GoPro or a full frame or fourthirds camera, I think the smart phone adaptor is the easiest, smallest and handiest platform, once you get it setup and understand the drawbacks. Alignment is a bit tricky and this should be done far ahead of actual use, set it and it will be ready for use at the range. A remote trigger allows starting video and photo exposure without jarring the image under high magnifications of spotting scopes. It's rather simple once setup and you become familiar, but it does take the effort to get it aligned.
 
I bought one and it was a pita. It took so much away from the shooting, I didn't try it anymore. Certainly can't easily view any shots through a cell phone screen nor place the scope/phone assembly where it belongs, and even if you do, the sun will prohibit the use of the scope while the phone is on it.
 
Eagle Six said:
In comparison to alternatives like the GoPro or a full frame or fourthirds camera, I think the smart phone adaptor is the easiest, smallest and handiest platform, once you get it setup and understand the drawbacks. Alignment is a bit tricky and this should be done far ahead of actual use, set it and it will be ready for use at the range. A remote trigger allows starting video and photo exposure without jarring the image under high magnifications of spotting scopes. It's rather simple once setup and you become familiar, but it does take the effort to get it aligned.
Click to expand...
But I have no desire to own a GoPro since it would rarely get used.

Albany Mountain said:
I bought one and it was a pita. It took so much away from the shooting, I didn't try it anymore. Certainly can't easily view any shots through a cell phone screen nor place the scope/phone assembly where it belongs, and even if you do, the sun will prohibit the use of the scope while the phone is on it.
Click to expand...
Again, it would be an occasional use item.
 
Mine hasnt had any problems. Ive gotten it to align fine and clarity seems fairly good once adjusted right. It spots shots well. I used it for spotting hits at a mile. Once you adjust there adapter and lock it into place it is easy to set up and repeatable.

Not sure which one i bought but it was the type with a round twist to tighten eyepiece. One on amazon is advertised as 48$ but I know i didnt spend that much a few yrs ago when i got it.

Edit. Looked like this

SOLOMARK Cell Phone Photography Adapter Mount -Compatible Telescope Spotting Scope Binoculars Monocular, Fit Almost Brands Smartphones

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I just got a Gosky and it works well. Takes a minute to get it set up but it's sturdy and nicely made. I just use it to take pics of birds on the feeder.
 
I've been using a "Phone Cam" and like it a lot. It's basically like a chuck that clamps down on your scope or binos or whatever you want (fits a range of optics as a result) and the other end of it threads into an adapter that you glue on your phone. So I unthread it when I'm done and put the large piece in a protective case, only the thin adapter stays on my phone. I did have to modify my phone case to accommodate the adapter, but no big deal for me, and probably isn't always necessary.

scopecamadapter.com

Home - Scope)Cam Adapter

The Ultimate Digiscoping Adapters SCOPECAM ADAPTERS LIDS & TEES ACCESSORIES & MORE
scopecamadapter.com scopecamadapter.com

Another option to reduce the problems others have mentioned from touching the camera to take pictures, is to set a timer. That's what I've been doing, 3 second timer, by the time the picture goes the scope is settled back in. I like the remote trigger idea for sure though.
 
I have only used the Phone Skope but I have used it quite a bit. The case is unique to each phone which I like because it actually provides a lot of protection for the phone. It isn't an otter box but I have dropped it several times and haven't broken it yet.
A few years ago wife and I were mule deer hunting and I had an opportunity to record her making a long stalk and captured the shot. I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time and it sold me on the phone skope because I can attach the phone in a couple seconds.
It does take a bit of experience to get everything adjusted for field of view and focus but not bad, just practice a bit before it matters.
 
archangel485 said:
I've been using a "Phone Cam" and like it a lot. It's basically like a chuck that clamps down on your scope or binos or whatever you want (fits a range of optics as a result) and the other end of it threads into an adapter that you glue on your phone. So I unthread it when I'm done and put the large piece in a protective case, only the thin adapter stays on my phone. I did have to modify my phone case to accommodate the adapter, but no big deal for me, and probably isn't always necessary.

scopecamadapter.com

Home - Scope)Cam Adapter

The Ultimate Digiscoping Adapters SCOPECAM ADAPTERS LIDS & TEES ACCESSORIES & MORE
scopecamadapter.com scopecamadapter.com

Another option to reduce the problems others have mentioned from touching the camera to take pictures, is to set a timer. That's what I've been doing, 3 second timer, by the time the picture goes the scope is settled back in. I like the remote trigger idea for sure though.
Click to expand...
I use the same and like it.
 
I've tried several different digiscope mounts and never found one I liked. I finally broke down and bought a Sony P1000. 125x.

This is the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building. It's 12.5 miles away from where I was.
 

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