DigiMount Adapter / CamMount / Image Locating Sight
for Spotting Scopes / Telescopes / Microscopes

Following many requests to design and manufacture specialised adapters to allow people to easily, safely and successfully use their digital cameras and camcorders in combination with their spotting scopes, telescopes and microscopes we have produced the DigiMount Adapter.

Previously, most people who have wished to do this have either handheld their cameras / camcorders against the eyepiece of the host equipment or have used some home-brew arrangement to keep the camera / camcorder and host equipment in position whilst taking photographs or filming.

For most it is difficult enough focusing and using the powerful magnifications provided by these combinations effectively, without the hindrance of rubber bands, straps, adhesive tape or an assortment of shaped bars holding everything together.

Whilst some extremely good results indeed have been achieved using these methods, the difficulty in setting-up the equipment ( particularly for spotting scopes in the field ), the stability of the union between camera / camcorder and the host equipment and the exposure of some very expensive equipment to the risk of accidental damage by scratching eyepiece or camera lenses using these methods, has kept many away from experiencing the benefits of recording their viewing pleasures using digital cameras / camcorders.

Our custom designed DigiMount Adapter, CamMount and Image Locating Sight ( specifically for spotting scopes) therefore directly address these issues and other important considerations.

They provide simple, fast and secure methods of attaching and removing a digital camera or camcorder to a spotting scope, telescope or microscope, whilst giving rock-solid stability to the combination and facilitating easier use of the equipment thus ensuring a far greater chance of succesfully capturing good photographs.

With the DigiMount Adapter and CamMount ( see below ) you can use countless digital camera / host equipment / eyepiece combinations.

For those that would prefer not to use the camera lens threads to attach the camera to the DigiMount Adapter our CamMount attachment will allow this to be done, as well as providing an attachment facility for cameras / camcorders that do not have lens threads. It must be used in conjunction with the DigiMount Adapter. You therefore have a choice whether you wish to utilise the lens threads or not for making the connection.

If the horizontal distance from the front of your camcorder / digital camera lens to the centre of the tripod hole is greater than 85mm or the vertical distance from the base of the camcorder / digital camera to the centre of the camera lens is less than 35mm then unfortunately the CamMount will not fit your equipment.

Because of the enormous variety of equipment on the market it is not possible for us to give details of compatibility when various combinations are being used together. We would strongly suggest that you first handhold your camera / camcorder over your eyepiece ( leave a gap of 3mm between the camera lens and eyepiece lens ) to ascertain if the combination of equipment that you have will work well together and produce results that you will find acceptable. In general, camcorders and digital cameras with small diameter front lenses when coupled to low power ( e.g. 20x ) fixed eyepieces give the best results.

The results obtained using different cameras will vary depending on the camera model being used. Usually the main issue is that of vignetting ( darkening around the corners of an image ). The extent of this varies considerably between different cameras and we cannot therefore provide any really meaningful guidance on this other than the general information stated above.

We cannot accept any responsibility if there is unacceptable vignetting with your particular equipment as this will not be due to the DigiMount Adapter. We would strongly suggest that you always handhold your camcorder / digital camera over the equipment eyepiece first ( leave a gap of 3mm between the camera lens and eyepiece lens ) to see that you will be happy with the type of image that you are likely to get from the combination.

Whenever any add-on is screwed into camera lens threads extra care should be taken both in fitting and removal and the manner of use.

We are sure that you will have some questions so we have provided a few answers below which we hope will cover most aspects. If there is anything else that you would like to ask or if you have any suggestions please feel free to e-mail us and we will be pleased to answer your questions.

Can any camcorder or digital camera be used for Digiscoping??
The very simple answer to this is yes, however you will get greatly varying results depending on the equipment combinations that are used.

Currently the Nikon Coolpix 995 / 4500 digital still cameras and the Sony PC100 / PC110 / PC120 camcorders are the most widely used for Digiscoping purposes.

Our Digiscoping Eyepiece may provide a solution.

Have you encountered any specific camera models that were not well suited for digiscoping purposes ?
Only the ones that we know about are listed below, there are likely to be many others. The main problem is vignetting ( dark bordering around the image ) - you can get a very good idea of how your particular camera will work for Digiscoping by simply handholding it up to the eyepiece ( leave a gap of 3mm between the camera lens and eyepiece lens ).

Olympus C3040Z
Casio QV2800UX
When checking if my camera / camcorder might be acceptable to use for Digiscoping should I hold its lens tightly up against the scope eyepiece lens ?
Whilst the DigiMount Adapter design keeps the camera lens / camcorder lens as close as possible to the scope eyepiece lens it does create a small gap of around 3mm or 4mm, so you should allow for this when checking achievable results.

Additionally, if you also need to use a step-ring in the connection this will add another 2mm or 3mm to the gap and this should also be allowed for.

If you are unsure about this please telephone or email us for advice.
What host equipment and eyepieces will the DigiMount Adapter be compatible with ??
Please see the Type Selection List, If your equipment is not shown there go to the bottom of this page for information on how to check if the DigiMount Adapter will fit your needs.

If you are unsure on exactly what you need just email us on info@eagleeyeuk.com for assistance.

With the DigiMount Adapter attached can I still use the host equipment for normal viewing ??

The general answer to this is yes, but any eyepiece rubber that is normally used would not be in place as we advise wherever possible that this is removed.

Can the DigiMount Adapter be used on both angled and straight scopes ?

 Yes it can.
Can I leave the DigiMount Adapter permanently attached to my equipment without it getting in the way of normal use ??
This largely depends on the eyepiece that is being used. In general however the DigiMount Adapter can be left on but any eyepiece rubber that is normally used would not be in place as we advise wherever possible that this is removed.

As it only takes a few seconds to remove the DigiMount Adapter by simply loosening the 4 thumbscrews slightly and pulling the camera away from the eyepiece we would suggest that it is taken off after use.
See how quick & easy the DigiMount Adapter is to fit

Therefore the answer very much depends on your normal method of equipment usage, there is no definitive answer, it is really a question of whatever suits you best and is most convenient for how you use and store your equipment.

Can I use my zoom eyepiece with the DigiMount Adapter attached to my equipment ??
Yes you can, however large changes to your zoom setting will require a quick realignment of the camera to keep it horizontal.

This will only take you a few seconds to do. Simply loosen the 4 thumbscrews slightly, rotate the camera and tighten the 4 thumbscrews again.

Also, the design of some eyepieces means that the entire upper part of the eyepiece does not rotate when the eyepiece is being zoomed.

On some eyepieces the surface surrounding the lens, against which the eye goes when viewing, stays static. Because the DigiMount Adapter is in contact with this surface and to avoid the two surfaces rubbing, it will be necessary to slacken the 4 DigiMount Adapter securing thumbscrews and fractionally ease the DigiMount Adapter away from making contact with this surface before the eyepiece zoom setting is changed.

On some zoom eyepieces when used with certain camcorders / digital cameras you may find that they cannot easily be used in a midway position because the eyepiece will tend to rotate out of the horizontal position.

The best results will be obtained from lower power, fixed eyepieces. Our new low power Digiscoping Eyepiece will benefit camcorder users and owners of many digital still cameras that have larger diameter lenses.
Is the DigiMount Adapter difficult to fit and remove ??
No, the design allows the DigiMount Adapter to be fitted and removed simply so that it is very quick and easy to switch from normal eye viewing to camera and vice-versa.

See how quick & easy the DigiMount Adapter is to fit


There is also no fiddly, ' hit & miss ' centralisation of the adapter required to ensure that the lenses are in line with each other. Using the correct custom made Insert Collar for your particular eyepiece, the camera or camcorder lens and the eyepiece lens are easily aligned when the DigiMount Adapter is fitted.

The rubber lined custom made Insert Collars are locked into place using 4 aluminium thumbscrews, ensuring that the eyepiece is gripped very securely around its entire diameter over a large surface area and not just on one point of the eyepiece. The securing screws do not themselves grip onto the eyepiece and the rubber lining ensures protection for your valuable eyepieces. Please note that on the DigiMount Adapter Type L0 and Type S0 there is no rubber lining fitted inside the Insert Collar and so the smooth metal inner surface of the Insert Collar will actually be in contact with the eyepiece. Whilst this will usually contact onto rubber sections found on most eyepieces, we do advise that a thin cloth / plastic type tape be adhered either around the eyepiece or on the inner surface of the Insert Collar to help protect the eyepiece from any slight marking that might otherwise occur.

Our design completely prevents any slipping that would occur if it were inadequately secured at just one or two points on the eyepiece. It causes no damage to the eyepiece and it remains fitted 'square' to the eyepiece lens without tilting to one side when it is secured in place.

Your camera or camcorder attaches either directly to the DigiMount Adapter which has 37mm male threads or you should use one of our Special Lens Thread Adapter Rings ( preferably ) or one of our standard Step-Rings to match the thread sizes.

The new Nikon Coolpix DigiMount Adapter is now also available. Having 28mm threads it can be screwed directly to the camera or into the Nikon Lens Thread Adapter Tubes. With the CP995 / CP4500 the gap between the front of the camera lens and the back of the eyepiece is only 4.25mm ( +/-0.25mm ) when using this new version of the DigiMount Adapter.

For those that would prefer not to use the camera lens threads to attach the camera to the DigiMount Adapter our CamMount attachment will allow this to be done, as well as providing an attachment facility for cameras that do not have lens threads. The CamMount must be used in conjunction with the DigiMount Adapter.
Why is it better to remove the Rubber Eyecup from the eyepiece when Digiscoping ?
Generally, one of the most important factors to help you achieve the best results from attaching your camera or camcorder to a spotting scope, microscope or telescope is to ensure that there is as small a gap as possible between the camera or camcorder lens and the host eyepiece lens.

This is one of those times where even one or two millimetres can make a very significant difference.

Removing the eyecup rubber will ensure that this gap is kept to an absolute minimum.

 The rubber eyecups fitted to virtually all scopes / microscopes / telecopes have small recesses moulded in them to hold them in place. The manufacturers also usually apply a very small amount of 'tacky' type adhesive to help them stay in place.

To remove the rubber eyecup from the eyepiece in most cases it is only necessary to very gently 'tease-off' just the rubber ring itself ( the part that your eye normally goes up against ). It does come-off but you do need to be very gentle when doing it, just in case your particular eyepiece has had more adhesive applied to it than most

On a few eyepieces there may be specific requirements or problems associated with doing this and you should refer to any notes shown against your particular eyepiece in the Type Selection List. For example, it has been reported that on a few models ( notably the new Swarovski ATS65/80 20-60x zoom eyepiece ) the amount of adhesive applied can differ quite significantly between individual eyepieces and there can sometimes be quite a lot of adhesive applied. If this is the case then it should be noted that damage may be caused to the eyecup rubber whilst trying to remove it. In all cases, you will need to decide yourself whether you wish to proceed with the eyecup rubber removal on your particular eyepiece, bearing this fact in mind.


Why is it better to use the Special Lens Thread Adapter Rings rather than Standard Step-Rings to attach my camera or camcorder to the DigiMount Adapter ??


Generally, one of the most important factors to help you achieve the best results from attaching your camera or camcorder to a spotting scope, microscope or telescope is to ensure that there is as small a gap as possible between the camera or camcorder lens and the host eyepiece lens.

This is one of those times where even one or two millimetres can make a very significant difference. Our Special Lens Thread Adapter Rings have been custom designed by us to directly address this issue.

So, what's the difference ?? Well, a standard Step-Ring adds about 2 or 3 millimetres onto that crucial gapping which we are trying to avoid. Our Special Lens Thread Adapter Rings do not add anything !!!

Furthermore, the actual design of the DigiMount Adapter is such that it keeps the lenses as close as possible, whilst still maintaining structural integrity of the components.

The new Nikon Coolpix DigiMount Adapter has been designed to improve this even further. Having 28mm threads it can be screwed directly to the camera or into the Nikon Lens Thread Adapter Tubes and reduces the crucial gapping even further. With the CP995 / CP4500 the gap between the front of the camera lens and the back of the eyepiece is only 4.25mm ( +/-0.25mm ) when using this new version of the DigiMount Adapter.


I have found when using my digital camera handheld up to my spotting scope or telescope that it is very difficult to track any moving objects accurately or indeed pinpoint static subjects, do you have anything that will help ??


Yes, the new Image Locating Sight allows this to be done quickly, simply and with good accuracy so that what you see in the sight will appear in the centre of the camera LCD.

It is fully adjustable for alignment and can be used whether an angled or straight scope is being used.
It can be fitted either around the scope itself or on the outside of the scope carry case.

Extremely useful for birdwatching, sports and general nature photography.

Whenever moving the scope to track an object, in order to avoid unnecessary stress to the camera lens threads, this should be done using either the tripod handle or the scope itself and not the camera. If using the CamMount, this is not such an issue, but we would still strongly advise that the same procedure is employed.

Please note that attaching a camcorder or digital camera to your spotting scope or telescope will cause a change of balance to the equipment. When 'zeroing in' on a subject it will be necessary to make allowances for this and increasingly so, the higher the combined magnification power that is being used.

If you have a tripod head that allows you to adjust the centre of gravity by moving the fixing plate forward this will certainly help. Whilst this problem makes using the Digiscoping technique slightly more difficult at higher magnification powers, it is not directly related to the DigiMount Adapter itself, which purely makes the secure connection between the equipment. The use of a sturdy tripod and quality tripod head will help.

With practice, the following method of use, if necessary, should in general work well. Get the subject in the centre of your viewing area and focus the camcorder / digital camera onto it. Then move the centre of view downwards slightly so that the subject is a little top of centre. Tighten your tripod and remove your hold. You will find that there may be a few millimetres of downward movement at the camera end, which should put the viewed subject back into the centre of the image.

Obviously different tripod head types, weights and design of camcorder / digital camera equipment and varying magnification powers used will affect the amount of allowance (if any) that needs to be made.

 

I have found when using my digital camera handheld up to my spotting scope, telescope or microscope that it is very difficult to see the Camera LCD screen either to compose the shot or to ensure focus accuracy, do you have anything that will help ??


Yes, we have an ideal solution to these particular problems. They are caused by glare on the LCD screen and by the small image size displayed on the LCD which makes it quite difficult to ascertain when a good focus is achieved. The product we offer is called the Xtend-a-View ProTM

It is a Sunshade that stops glare on the LCD. It also has a built-in 2x magnification lens which really helps with ensuring that a good focus has been achieved. We also do a special version of the Xtend-a-View ProTM which fits onto our Mk2 Wing Bracket / Wing4500 Bracket (see below)

This item is part of the Special DigiMount Adapter Package Offers that we have made available, which are excellent value.

I have found when using my digital camera handheld up to my spotting scope, telescope or microscope that it is very difficult to take a photograph without casing blurred images. The slightest movement at these high magnifications causes shake. This happens quite frequently, even when I try my best to very gently depress the camera shutter button, do you have anything that will help ??


The answer here is firstly to ensure a solid attachment between the devices ( the DigiMount Adapter or DigiMount Adapter & CamMount combined will provide this ) and then to use a shutter release cable to depress the camera shutter button.

Users of the Nikon Coolpix CP990 / CP995 cameras will be able to utilise our Mk2 Wing Bracket and the ( model B ) Shutter Release Arm to enable a standard mechanical camera Shutter Release Cable to be used. Users of the Nikon CP4500 can utilise the Wing4500 Bracket for this purpose.

This set-up will ensure a far higher proportion of successful, sharp photographs. We are looking at providing a similar solution for other popular camera models as well in due course.

This item is part of the Special DigiMount Adapter Package Offers that we have made available, which are excellent value.

The electronic Nikon Shutter Release has proved somewhat problematic for DigiBirding use because of its tendancy to need a 'wake-up' period before it can be used to fire the camera. On some cameras it is sometimes necessary to turn the camera off and then back on again to try and re-activeate the electronic release before it can be used. This time-lag has resulted in many birds having flown away before it has been possible to take a photograph. Our mechanical system does not have this problem.
I have more than one eyepiece or type of equipment that I want to use my camera / camcorder with, do I need to buy a DigiMount for each one ??


The answer to this is No. You will not need more than one DigiMount Adapter, all that is needed is the appropriate Insert Collar to fit the eyepiece of the equipment that you intend to use the DigiMount Adapter with.

Because of their design, the Insert Collars may fit more than one size of eyepiece, so if the eyepieces that you have are very similar in diameter it is wholly possible that one Insert Collar will fit onto more than one eyepiece.

These Insert Collars will also be sold separately from the DigiMount Adapter so that you can purchase extra ones to suit your particular requirements.

If you are ordering for more than one 'Type' ( by getting extra Insert Collars ) you should first check if they are both from the same group i.e. either both of the 'L' Types or both of the 'S' 'Types.

If they are not from the same group ( for example one is from the 'L' Types and the other from the 'S' Types ) then you should always order the main Digimount Adapter from the S1-S7 'Type' group any extra Insert Collars from the L0-L8 'Type' group.

This will ensure that you receive the Reducing Sleeve and Longer Thumbscrews which are needed to use the S 'Types'.

If you are unsure contact us to check.

Whilst the DigiMount Adapter will cover an extraordinary range of equipment, there will always be a few that it will not be able to cater for. If in doubt or it is not shown on the 'Type' Selection List we would ask you to email us about your particular equipment .

What are the DigiMount Adapter and Insert Collars made of ??
Both the DigiMount Adapter and Insert Collars are made from high quality aluminium and have a black anodised finish.

The Insert Collars have a rubber lining that securely grips the entire eyepiece circumference and protects it from being marked.

Please note that on the DigiMount Adapter Type L0 and Type S0 there is no rubber lining fitted inside the Insert Collar and so the smooth metal inner surface of the Insert Collar will actually be in contact with the eyepiece. Whilst this will usually contact onto rubber sections found on most eyepieces, we do advise that a thin cloth / plastic type tape be adhered either around the eyepiece or on the inner surface of the Insert Collar to help protect the eyepiece from any slight marking that might otherwise occur.

What thread size does the DigiMount Adapter provide ??
The native thread size of the standard DigiMount Adapter is 37mm ( male ). Using our range of Special Lens Thread Adapter Rings or Standard Step-Rings these 37mm threads can be converted to match your digital camera / camcorder.

The new Nikon Coolpix DigiMount Adapter is also available. Having 28mm threads it can be screwed directly to the camera or into the Nikon Lens Thread Adapter Tubes.

For those that would prefer not to use the camera lens threads to attach the camera to the DigiMount Adapter or for those wanting the ability to be able to quickly move the camera away from the eyepiece our CamMount attachment will allow this to be done.

It also provides an attachment facility for cameras that do not have lens threads. It must be used in conjunction with the DigiMount Adapter.

My digital camera / camcorder doesn't have lens threads does this mean that I will not be able to use the DigiMount Adapter ??
The new CamMount will cater for these situations. It attaches to the DigiMount Adapter and provides a stable platform onto which the equipment can be fixed.

It can also be used by those who have equipment that does have lens threads but who would prefer not to use the camera lens threads to attach to the DigiMount Adapter.

You can even use it to get the camera lens and host equipment lenses even closer together, which will generally produce less vignetting at lower camera zoom settings, although the downside to this advantage is that it is a little more fiddly in use.

The CamMount must be used in conjunction with the DigiMount Adapter.

If the horizontal distance from the front of your camcorder / digital camera lens to the centre of the tripod hole is greater than 85mm or the vertical distance from the base of the camcorder / digital camera to the centre of the camera lens is less than 35mm then unfortunately the CamMount will not fit your equipment.
What are the prices ?? See the Shopping Area for all prices. You can simply browse the Shopping Area, it is NOT necessary to place an order.

My particular equipment is not shown in the 'Type' Selection List, how can I find out if the DigiMount Adapter can be used with it ??
Send us an e-mail with a photograph ( or sketch ) of your equipment showing the end with the eyepiece fitted ( without any rubber eyecup - if possible ).

If you advise us of the diameters and lengths this will enable us to give you an accurate answer.

Below are examples of what is needed.


Image supplied courtesy of Markus Jablonski

We need a diameter measurement at each point on the eyepiece where the diameter changes.

In the example below we would need to know 4 diameters ( your eyepiece will be different ).

We also need to know at what position on the eyepiece each of these diameter changes occur as well as their length and the overall length of the actual eyepiece itself.

The easiest way to do this is to give us the measurement (with the eyecup rubber removed) from the eye-end of the eyepiece, to both the starting and finishing point of each of the diameter changes.

In the example below we would need to know 4 lengths ( your eyepiece will be different ).

On your eyepiece if length 1 ( the overall length of the actual eyepiece itself ) is less than 33mm we will need some additional information about the socket that the eyepiece fits into.