Clear pictures of wildlife?
- Thread starter DFS
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rjthehunter
Well-known member
What mount are you using? You're probably shaking the phone/tripod when taking the pic.
Scott85
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- Nov 22, 2018
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How far away? This was over 1000 yards. 
Those deer were 500-600 yards
I’ve tried phone scope I’ve also just tried holding it up to the spotter. Seems like I get similar results. Vortex tripod. Swarovski scope.
WanderWoman
Well-known member
I’ve had noticeably different results depending on scope (Vortex Razor vs. Swaro) and phone.
Air temp makes a big difference too. If it’s warm (60s up) I’ll get ‘heat waves’ showing up. It can also be so bright that the critter gets washed out. A remote shutter also makes a positive difference.
Air temp makes a big difference too. If it’s warm (60s up) I’ll get ‘heat waves’ showing up. It can also be so bright that the critter gets washed out. A remote shutter also makes a positive difference.
Lots of variables, including the quality of scope, how square the phone camera is to the eyepiece, relief between the camera and eyepiece lens, whether you use the scope zoom or the phone zoom, heat shimmer, etc.
This video was taken at maybe 600 yards.
This one was 1.5 miles.
This photo was about 2.5 miles.
This video was taken at maybe 600 yards.
This one was 1.5 miles.
This photo was about 2.5 miles.
Vortex tripod Swarovski spotter
I would say to try the timer then and watch your light pollution. If something is getting washed out there is too much light coming in. You can tap different areas on the screen of your phone to change the focus and white balance or there is light getting into the lense of your camera between the scope and phone that would do it too. Try to set up somewhere the sun isn’t directly going into the objective lense of the scope.
I use a phone skope, but if Ollin made an adapter for my scope I would buy one in a heartbeat. I usually use a combination of zooms, depending on how far the distance. If it’s a really long way I will almost max the zoom on my scope, and then finish with the phone. The phone zoom is good for getting rid of any ring you have around the edge of your photo at any range. Phone zoom is a little trickier now if you have a phone with multiple camera lenses.
I think that a remote shutter release is easier to use than the timer. You can pick one up for $10 or less on Amazon, and you can just snap away.
WanderWoman
Well-known member
I’ve also been finding that my iPhones (12 pro and then a 13) do better digiscoping when taking video vs. a photograph. Picture is larger (zoomed without loss of quality) and seems clearer.
These goats were 1.85 miles with Vortex spotter and phone scope. You can see them and tell they’re goats but that’s about it. Wind was ripping, too.
These were a bit closer, same setup. Maybe 500y or so.
This bull was a ways (0.6 mile minimum but can’t remember) with Swarovski spotter and magview
This goat was with Swaro spotter and magview; about 400yards.
I feel like you definitely get improvement with good glass and a remote trigger, but conditions (light, wind, heat) play into it.
I know they make spotting scope adapters for DSLRs. I’d love to get my hands on one of those.
These goats were 1.85 miles with Vortex spotter and phone scope. You can see them and tell they’re goats but that’s about it. Wind was ripping, too.
These were a bit closer, same setup. Maybe 500y or so.
This bull was a ways (0.6 mile minimum but can’t remember) with Swarovski spotter and magview
This goat was with Swaro spotter and magview; about 400yards.
I feel like you definitely get improvement with good glass and a remote trigger, but conditions (light, wind, heat) play into it.
I know they make spotting scope adapters for DSLRs. I’d love to get my hands on one of those.
bonedogg
Well-known member
did you download the phone skope app? makes a big difference for me...
I did not. Thanks
bonedogg
Well-known member
used the app to take this pic by accident and the colour is incredible
