FAQs-Digiscoping

Q. What is needed to attach a digital camera to a spotting scope?
Accessories may vary depending on the model spotting scope. To view all of our digiscoping accessories, please click here.
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Q. Is it possible to attach a video camera to a spotting scope?
Yes, it is possible to attach a video camera to a spotting scope in the same way as a digital camera, although most modern digital cameras include video recording options.

Q. Can I connect my phone to my spotting scope or binoculars?
Absolutely! There are a variety of third party products for connecting your smartphone to your Kowa optic.  

Q. Which spotting scopes can be used for digiscoping?
The vast majority of our spotting scopes can be used for digiscoping with our own camera adaptors or third party solutions.
・TSN-99/88/66/550 PROMINAR series
・TSN-880 (φ88mm) Series (discontinued)
・TSN-770 (φ77mm) Series (discontinued)
・TSN-820M/TSN-820 (φ82mm) Series  (discontinued)
・TSN-1,2,3,4 (φ77mm) Series  (discontinued)

   The TSN-1/2/3/4 series scopes would require a current eyepiece (TE-9Z or TE-14WD to utilize our TSN-PA8 adaptor. For smartphones, there are a variety of adaptors that would be compatible with the TE-9Z/TE-14WD. For eyepieces original to the spotting scope, a universal samrtphone adaptor would be required.
・TSN-660M （φ66mm）Series  (discontinued)
・TSN-600 （φ60mm）Series (discontinued)
・TS-610 （φ60mm）Series  (discontinued)

Q. What is the focal length of the digiscoping system?
The focal length of a digiscoping system can be found using the following equation:
Focal Length = Focal Length of the Digital Camera x Magnification of the Eyepiece

Q. What is the collimation method?
The method of taking photographs through a digital camera that is attached to the eyepiece of a spotting scope is called the collimation menthod. Collimate means the aligning of the optical axis of the optical system.
Usually, we look through a telescope/spotting scope through the eyepiece with our eye. When the human eye is replaced by a digital camera to look through the eyepiece to take a photograph, it is called the collimation method.

Q. Which camera brands can I use with my Kowa spotting scope?
Kowa manufactures T-rings/camera mounts with the following brands: Canon, Micro Four Thirds mounts, Nikon, Pentax K, Sony "A".