Digiscoping
The Digiscoping describes a method of imaging telescopes and spotting scopes .
General
The meeting of two developments in the 1990s made this admission procedure possible. On the one hand there was the optical improvement of the telescopes , especially the larger exit pupils of the eyepieces , on the other hand there was a digitization and miniaturization of the recording devices, especially in the compact camera class . At the turn of the millennium, the two developments were so advanced that by connecting compact cameras to the spotting scope, long-focal length photos of good quality could be created at a low cost of equipment. This opened the door to the illustration of nature observation. Today, all major spotting scope manufacturers offer the appropriate technology, including the two market leaders Carl Zeiss Sports Optics and Swarovski Optik . The range of technology ranges from special eyepieces and adapter systems to modular or integrated systems (see graphic).
particularities
Digiscoping has enjoyed great popularity since the turn of the millennium, especially among bird and nature watchers. The high focal lengths of 800 to well over 2,000 mm help to bridge large distances photographically - as are typical in bird watching. However, they also pose a number of technical challenges for the Digiskoper, such as shallow depth of field or freedom from blurring.
Mobile phones with camera functions, compact or SLR cameras and smaller video cameras can be used as recording devices. The focal length of the lens used has a visual limiting effect. For optical reasons, the general rule is: the camera lenses should only be 3–4x zooms, i.e. cover a focal length range of approx. 24–120 mm in small format . The focus point of the spotting scope and camera optics should match exactly. Otherwise, blurring and / or strong vignetting (image shading) would be the result. For a digiscoping, (physical) camera resolutions of 6–8 million pixels are usually sufficient.
distribution
Digiscopy is widely used in Spain, as well as in Scandinavia and England. Demanding image results from this alternative photography with long focal lengths come from Spain (see Digiscoper of the year from Swarovski Optik ). One way to approach this topic is to visit one of the increasing number of bird watchers' fairs in Germany (e.g. BirdMunich, HanseBird, bird festival).
Originally developed by bird watchers, digiscoping is now another way of photographic expression. The process is suitable as an inexpensive alternative to long-focal nature photography as well as for the unconventional implementation of image ideas in art and advertising.
literature
- Adolfo Marpez: digiscoping - técnica fotografica con telescopio. Nueva communicación 2006, ISBN 84-935293-0-3
- Rouco (div. Ed.): A close up look: Approaching Nature through Digiscoping. 1st edition. Nayada Editorial 2008, ISBN 978-84-935232-6-8
- Swarovski Optik: Digiscoping 2007 (a calendar book). Absam 2006, ISBN 3-9502288-0-2
