Using Manual with 750D/Rebel T6

[mike21]

Mostly I photograph birds and use the manual setting with auto ISO, because both shutter speed and aperture are important. Often the exposure, as shown on the resultant screen image and histogram, needs adjustment, so I then manually set the ISO up or down, because "exposure compensation" will not work in Manual with Auto ISO. This way is crude because varying the ISO means one stop rather than theone third of a stop with exposure compensation. Is there a better/faster way?

[John_]

Ok that all makes sense. I am wondering why you suggest a 45 degree viewfinder? Would that be to help with balance on a tripod or is there an optical advantage? I would use Live View or prefer to use it.

[Waddizzle]

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@John_ wrote:

Ok that all makes sense. I am wondering why you suggest a 45 degree viewfinder? Would that be to help with balance on a tripod or is there an optical advantage? I would use Live View or prefer to use it.

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With spotting scopes, the body is usually made at an angle, not the viewfinder.

If you have ever tried to photograph the Moon using Live View, then you would appreciate an angled body.  Having a twist and tilt rear display screen takes some of the incovenience out of the equation.  In most cases, looking through an angled body is easier than a straight body.

Search for them a BH Photo Video dot Com in the Optics department.

[John_]

Ok thank you I am looking into that now, I saw on Amazon one scope that comes with a Canon mount, angled viewing at a very reasonable price. 20X-60X with an 80mm objective lens.

[ebiggs1]

"... have you considered using a spotting scope as a lens?

Not sure if he is but I am, I'd like to hear more on this option."

I will bet the results will be poor at best. Unless you get a reasonably high quality spotting scope, merely looking through one isn't that great.  I have tried some of the less expensive ones, $200 to $300 dollar range and they were pretty sorry for just bird watching. No camera at all.

[Waddizzle]

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@John_ wrote:

Ok thank you I am looking into that now, I saw on Amazon one scope that comes with a Canon mount, angled viewing at a very reasonable price. 20X-60X with an 80mm objective lens.

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If you buy one, make sure that you can mount a camera on it.  Take a look at the eyepiece.  If it has an interchangeable eyepiece like a telescope, then it is likely that a camera can be attached, usually with a T-Mount adapter.

As for image quality, I am in the dark.  No doubt, common sense should rule the day.  Price and performance will likely go hand in hand.  A spotter is not my first lens choice.  It was just a suggestion for shooting subjects so far away.  

I would not expect the image quality to be comparable to a DSLR, but more like most telescopes.  A low power telescope could be something to consider, too.  I think spotting scopes would be far more portable than a telescope.

At those magnifications, you are going to need rather robust tripod, if you want to take photos.  The slightest touch will look like a 9.0 earthquake through the lens with a weak tripod.  A slight breeze can shake the rig, too.

[John_]

Thanks again! The one I was looking at comes with a Canon camera mount at a price of $149. Low end but I am still looking and wherever I buy one from I will make sure they have a liberal return policy. If the images are poor, back goes the scope! I already have a good, sturdy tripod. Most of those spotting scopes come with a small tripod for laying down or tabletop use.

[ebiggs1]

"... spotting scopes come with a small tripod for laying down or tabletop use."

Totally inadequate for photography. I think you are on a fool's errand but I am curious on how you do. So, please get back and report.

[John_]

Yes, I tend to agree and I am not looking to spend thousands on a scope so I will try a less expensive one and see what results I get. I will let you know!