A guide to digiscoping

Digiscoping is the technique of taking a photograph or video through a spotting scope, binocular or monocular using a smartphone or camera. It allows you to use the magnification of your optics to capture distant birds and objects without carrying a large telephoto lens.

For maximum image quality and photographic control, a dedicated camera and telephoto lens will normally have the advantage, so it is not a direct replacement for a dedicated camera and telephoto lens. It can however be a practical, portable and affordable way to record sightings, and allows you to use your optics for general observation too.  

In this blog, we'll try to give you all the information you need to get started.

CAMERA vs SMARTPHONE:

Traditionally, digiscoping has been associated with digital cameras attached to a spotting scope using an adaptor. As digital cameras are relatively big and bulky, it means the adaptor needs to be more substantial and specific to the spotting scope. This normally means it needs to be brand and product specific, such as the PA-202 Adaptor which is designed to fit the Endeavor HD Spotting Scope as shown below.

As the cameras on smartphones have improved, there has been a natural evolution towards digiscoping with these, using adaptors such as the VEO PA-65 for larger eyepieces on spotting scopes, or the VEO PA-62 for binocular/monocular eyepieces. 

There are several advantages of digiscoping with a smartphone compared to a camera that include:

If you're new to digiscoping, we'd definitely recommend the smartphone route as the way to go.  

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED FOR DIGISCOPING:

Whether you choose to use a camera or a smartphone, the supporting kit you’ll need is pretty similar.

As a simple summary, we'd recommend:

Simple starter setup: 

• Monocular/binocular
• Digiscope adaptor
• Tripod mounting adaptor (binoculars)
• Smartphone
  

Maximum magnification: 

• Spotting scope
  
• Digiscope adaptor
• Tripod
• Smartphone
• Remote control, or timer (recommended)

THE OPTICS:

Each different style of optics has its strength:

A spotting scope is the traditional optic that is used for digiscoping as you can achieve extremely high magnifications, up to 60x on Vanguard spotting scopes, with additional magnification available through the smartphone. That magnification is the key benefit.  The challenges of using a spotting scope are its portability (especially as you’ll definitely need a tripod too), the field of view is extremely narrow which can make it difficult to locate your subject (even at the lowest magnification) and it's generally the most expensive option.

As more people are using smartphones, it means you can also consider digiscoping through your binoculars. You can use either barrel, but it generally makes sense to use the left barrel without the dioptre. The most common binoculars will give you 8x or 10x magnification before using the magnification from your camera or smartphone, but you can get higher, such as our VEO ED 1250 binoculars which give you 12x magnification. 

Alternatively, you can use a monocular.  These are less than half the size and weight of a pair of binoculars and are easy to slip into a pocket or small bag, so they’re easier to always keep close for those unexpected shots. If you want to digiscope by hand, then they’re also the easiest to control, and like binoculars, will normally give you 8x or 10x magnification before using the magnification from your camera or smartphone.  Vanguard monoculars also include the smartphone digiscope adaptor as standard.

THE SUPPORT:

While you can digiscope by hand, any movement will be magnified, so there is more likely to be blurring in the final image. Image stabilisation in cameras and smartphones helps reduce this, but it won’t eliminate it.

Using a suitable support, such as a tripod or monopod, minimises the risk of movement to optimise the final image quality, especially when combined with a remote control or a timer. This is especially important for wildlife, where there may only be one chance at a shot, and therefore the image needs to be right first time.

As spotting scopes can have 60x magnification or more, and weigh over 2kg before attaching your camera or smartphone, a suitable support is particularly important. In this case, we would always recommend a full sized tripod with a suitable 2-way pan head, such as the VESTA 3 Spotting Scope Tripods or the more premium and portable VEO 5 Spotting Scope Tripods series.  Both series have good working heights for spotting scope without the need to use the centre column which can introduce movement, and a single handle control that allows you to follow your subject on the move with your other hand free to adjust focus or zoom.

For a more portable solution there is the VESTA GO Nature Travel Tripods which fold down to under 48cm, making them easier to pack for travel, and carry over longer distances.

While binoculars and monoculars are lighter and have lower magnification, we’d still recommend a tripod for situations where you're set up in one spot for a while and where the centre column can be fitted into a hide clamp where necessary, but you can also use a monopod for more freedom of movement.  If using a monopod, we’d recommend one from the VESTA Monopods Series as the retractable tri-feet deliver that bit more stability than a traditional monopod, though a simple monopod option is also available.  Whilst you can use the monopod without a head, it can limit your shot as you have to “aim” the monopod.  Using a head gives you that bit more control in framing your shot.  

THE DIGISCOPE ADAPTOR:

You then need an adaptor such as the VEO PA-65 or the VEO PA-62 to connect your camera/smartphone to your optics, but there are a couple of elements to check in choosing your adaptor.

The adaptor needs to fit your chosen optics: 

If using a camera, then the adaptor will generally need to be brand/model specific to ensure a solid fit that will bear the weight of the camera. 

If using a smartphone, you have more choice, but you do need to ensure that the adaptor will fit the diameter (or width) of the eyepiece. You can sometimes get dedicated adaptors, but you can also get “universal” adaptors. 

For example, the VEO PA-65 will fit any eyepiece between 34mm and 54mm wide making it suitable for all but the largest spotting scopes, as well as a huge range of binoculars or a monoculars on the market (though it will be very bulky for a binocular or a monocular and we'd recommend the VEO PA-62). The image below shows how the VEO PA-65 fits onto the eyepiece of any suitable spotting scope:

The adaptor needs to fit your camera or smartphone:

On a camera, this will be onto the thread of your chosen lens, which is generally 52mm or 58mm, but check the size of your lens thread.

On a smartphone, the width of the clamp needs to be able to expand wide enough to allow you to fit your camera (with/without a case) and without impeding the buttons on the side.  As most cameras now have multiple lenses, the eyepiece also needs to be adjustable so you can select the correct lens for your smartphone camera.

For example, the VEO PA-65 will hold any smartphone up to 90mm wide, and has an adjustable eyepiece to centre on any lens. The image below shows how the VEO PA-65 fits onto any suitable smartphone:

When attaching your smartphone, you may need to remove it from the case for optimal performance. As you tighten the clamp, it means it is tightening the case first and may make the smartphone come loose.  While theoretically possible, it’s unlikely to fall out of a case designed for the smartphone, but it may mean that it pushes the smartphone slightly off centre which may impact the framing of the final image, or interferes with the buttons.  If the case has a transparent cover over the lenses, then it may also distort the light entering the lens and distort the final image.   

Some camera software may cause an issue in digiscoping with any digiscope adaptor as the software switches between lenses as the camera works out the optimal lens for the shot. Most smartphones will allow you to manually select the lens, but if not you can use apps such as Camera+.

ATTACHING YOUR OPTICS TO YOUR SUPPORT:

Attaching your spotting scope is generally straightforward. Traditionally, spotting scopes have a foot that can be attached to a suitable quick release plate and attached to your tripod head. We would recommend that the quick release plate has a second non-twist spring pin setup, such as on the Arca compatible QS-71P or the compact QS-56P. This ensures your spotting scope faces forward and minimises the risk of the quick release plate loosening over time.

More recently, many spotting scope brands are making this spotting scope foot “Arca compatible”.  This allows the foot of the spotting scope to be attached straight into the clamp on an Arca compatible head, eliminating the need for a quick release plate for the most solid fit possible.

On your binoculars you will need an adaptor such as the VEO BA-185.  This has an industry standard 1/4” thread that attaches to the front of your binoculars, and a second thread on the base that attaches to a suitable quick release plate, or it can be fitted straight into the clamp on an Arca compatible head.

On any Vanguard monocular, there is a 1/4” thread hole on the base, but not every brand includes this.  This can then be attached to a quick release plate, or directly onto a suitable monopod (or tripod).  If you’re looking to use a monocular for digiscoping, we recommend you check your preferred model includes this thread hole.

THE REMOTE CONTROL:

If you’ve gone to all trouble to make the setup as stable as possible, you don’t want to introduce a bit of shake taking the shot. A remote control or a timer means that you don’t have to touch your camera or smartphone to trigger the shot, keeping it as stable as possible.

It’s worth checking if your preferred digiscope adaptor includes a remote control as standard.  For example, both the VEO PA-65 and the VEO PA-62 include a Bluetooth remote control for iOS or Android smartphones as standard.

If not, there are many options on the market, such as Vanguard's VEO BT-11 Bluetooth remote control for iOS or Android smartphones.

CARRYING YOUR KIT:

This varies depending on your kit.  If you’re looking to digiscope with a monocular, then you can probably carry all but the support in your pockets.  Clearly that’s not possible if you are digiscoping with a spotting scope and camera.

If you’re using a monocular or binoculars, there are a wide range of shoulder bags that would do the job of carrying your kit and a portable support, such as the VEO Metro Shoulder Bag Series, though there is a hige range of bags that would work and they don't need to be padded camera bags. Just remember that you’ll probably want to take personal kit such as water, a jacket and snacks too, so it may be worth considering a larger model than your digiscoping kit needs.

If you’re using a spotting scope and a full sized tripod, especially with a camera, then you'll definitely need a larger bag and padding is recommended to protect the spotting scope, let alone the camera. What style then depends on the distances and terrain that you need to cover.

With smaller kits such as a spotting scope and smartphone setups over shorter distances, you can use a shoulder bag, though you may need to carry a larger spotting scope in hand. Just make sure that your chosen bag is long enough for your spotting scope and has pockets for your accessories, like the VEO Range 38.

For longer distances with a smartphone we'd recommend a backpack as the spotting scope, camera and a light travel tripod alone are going to weigh from 4kg up. A camera bag may be on the larger size, but we would recommend a bag that can carry your tripod, and you can use the extra space for other essentials such as a jacket and snacks.

As soon as you bring a camera into the equation, whether you're covering shorter or longer distances, then you're adding bulk with a camera body and lenses that need to be protected. We would recommend the 17 litre Alta Sky 42 which is a compact backpack specifically designed for carrying longer lenses and spotting scopes across rugged terrain. The spotting scope (or long lens) can be fitted in one side of the compartment, with the other side for camera kit and personal gear, with the ability to carry a full size tripod on the back. If you need something a little larger, there are different sizes in the Alta Sky Series, up to 49 litres. 

THE IMAGE:

Once you’re on site, and your kit is all set up, it’s time to compose your shot and take the photo. This varies by device and brand, but there are some common steps.

Using a camera on a spotting scope: 

Take the spotting scope down to minimum zoom as this makes it easier to locate your subject, and focus the spotting scope.  In general, wide to short tele kit type zooms work most effectively such as: 14-42mm on M43: 18-55mm on APS-C; 28-70mm on Full Frame.

Camera adapters may require a specific filter-thread diameter. Check the diameter marked on your lens and the adaptor specification; if the two differ, an appropriate stepping ring may be required.

Focus the camera, and this may be easier with manual focus rather than automatic focus as the automatic focus may add movement and affect your composition.  Then slowly increase the zoom to keep the correct composition, (fully zoomed back you will see a circular image), focussing both the spotting scope and camera as you go until you’re ready to take the shot. 

To get the best result, you may need to experiment with settings, and you may be able to add a little extra zoom from the camera, but this is likely to be limited due to the size of lens you would normally use for digiscoping.

Using a smartphone on a spotting scope (or binoculars or a monocular):

This is a similar process, but the smartphone will do most of the work in focus and settings though you can get more involved if you wish using the smartphone controls or an app. As there is no noticeable movement as a smartphone focuses, you can let it do all the work while you concentrate on the composition and magnification.

Once at maximum zoom on the spotting scope, you can zoom in even closer with the smartphone zoom. Please note that while going to the maximum magnification possible on your smartphone will get you closer to the action, it will also impact picture the camera switches from optical zoom to digital zoom.

The photo or video:

When looking through the optics, you will normally get a dark circle around your image as illustrated below. This is a form of vignetting, sometimes described as a tunnel effect, caused when the phone or camera does not see the full image projected by the eyepiece. As these optics are not specifically designed to be used with your camera or smartphone, it is a limitation of the technology. 

To minimise it, you can zoom in your camera or smartphone, and then you can crop the final image to make a more traditional photograph as illustrated below.  Just remember to leave enough space for the crop when framing your shot.  

It doesn’t just need to be a photograph.  While you won’t capture clear (if any) of the sounds of your selected subject at the distance, you can also shoot video to capture the behaviour of a bird or animal and the ambient sounds.  In this short video you can see an example using an iPhone 11 paired with a VEO HD2 1042M on a herd of cows around 750m away (and it also shows how you can use zoom to minimise the dark circle).

10 TIPS FOR SHARPER DISGISCOPING IMAGES

1. Take the time to align the smartphone/camera carefully
2. Use a support like a tripod or a monopod to minimise movement 
   
3. Add weight below a tripod to make it more solid (for example with Alta SBM)
   
4. Use a remote shutter or timer to avoid adding movement to the shot
   
5. Start at lower magnification and zoom in, on both optics and smartphone/camera
   
6. Avoid digital zoom whenever possible
   
7. Lock focus/exposure when useful
   
8. Take several frames, and use different settings/magnification where possible 
   
9. Shoot in better light whenever possible
   
10. Practice, practice, practice to get familiar with your setup
    

IN SUMMARY

While digiscoping will never replace the quality of image that you can get using a camera with a dedicated lens, it is a fraction of the price and allows you to use the optic for observation.  It’s also a great way to capture an unexpected sighting or behaviour, and harness the power of internet to get information or upload the image/video in seconds.

While you can use a camera, the advances in smartphone cameras and the advantages they bring would make them our go to system:

• Able to use with spotting scopes, binoculars and monoculars
• Wide range of universal digiscope adaptors available
• Smaller and lighter so easier to carry
• Generally more familiar and easier to use
• Immediate internet access and multiple apps (subject to signal)
• Lower investment 

So why not have some fun and give it a go.  If you love getting that close to the action and want to improve the quality of your images, then you can still upgrade to a suitable camera and longer lens later.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I need for digiscoping with a smartphone?

This depends on what you are digiscoping with. The basics are just your smartphone and the optic device (monocular, binocular or spotting scope). 

Monocular:  you will need a digiscope adaptor, though you can get away with handheld for simpler images, but we would recommend a simple monopod for that little bit more stability.  Please check that your monocular has a 1/4" thread in the base first though as not all do. 

Binocular:  you will need a digiscope adaptor and we would recommend a support as binoculars are more bulky. A monopod will work for everyday use, though a tripod may be the better for extended use, with a centre column so that it can be used with a hide clamp for a more serious birdwatcher. With either option you will also need an adaptor like the VEO BA-185 Arca to fit the tripod onto the monopod/tripod. While you can use the smartphone timer, a remote control like the VEO BT-11 would give you more flexibility on the shot without introducing shake.

Spotting Scope:  you will need a digiscope adaptor and you will definitely need a tripod, due to the higher magnifications and weight of the spotting scope. As any movement is magnified, we would expect a remote control is the best option, with the ability to add weight to maximise the stability to the tripod.

Do I need a tripod for digiscoping?

If you're using a spotting scope then you will definitely need a tripod, but if you are using a monocular or binocular then it becomes optional and a monopod may become a simpler and more portable option.

Does digital zoom improve digiscoping?

It will get you closer to the subject, but it is likely to impact the final picture quality. If you're trying to identify a subject it can help, but if you want to be able to share or print the image we would recommend trying to stick to optical zoom.

Can I record video through a spotting scope?

Absolutely. The only thing you will miss out on is the sound from the subject due to the distance as the ambient sound will hide this.

OTHER BLOGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:

• Which series of VEO Binoculars is right for you?
• Why choose a monocular over binoculars?

Article History:

• Article Updated: July 2026
• Article Created: November 2022