tbob

I have been using the TLS800 recently with a Canon 400D, I set the camera to Aperture priority mode. The TLS800 needs a "T mount" adaptor (around HK$150 ) in able to mount it on the camera.

The TLS800 is a f10 lens but just set the camera in A mode and it selects the fastest shutter speed, you will find that you may need to increase the ISO in cloudy conditions

These are a couple of shots I took yesterday on Lamma Island with the TLS800

[left]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2079202007_9177cc0c03.jpg[/left]

[left]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2362/2080049978_35f582c697.jpg[/left]
[left]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2079959318_e3a8b92eaa.jpg[/left]

tbob

Peter,

These figures are the f stop when the TLS800 is used with different models of Swarovski telescopes. The CTS is a collapsable telescope, the 65 is a 65mm telescope and the 80 is the 80mm telescope.

The T2 mentioned is the adaptor I mentioned above, Swarovski do not sell it but it should be available from an large photo shop. You would need a "Nikon mount to T2 adaptor".

Regarding the exposure metering I can see no reason why the various metering functions would not work, but I don't have a D200 to check.

Regarding the focal length on my Canon the focal length is 800mm x 1.6 (the crop factor), so it is equivalent to 1280mm.

I have experimented using a Canon 1.4x extender on but it is necessary to put tape over the pins on the extender otherwise the camera will not recognise the lens. But it works

tbob

Peter,

This is a shot taken at Kowloon Park using the Swarovski 80HD scope, Swarovski TLS800 and Canon 400D


[left]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2041290483_358fa54982_o.jpg[/left]

tbob

Peter,

Remember just because you have a very long lens it doesn't mean that you can pick out the details on distant birds. Hong Kong's polluted air and heat haze are against you getting good results. Try where ever possible to get closer to the bird (of course without disturbing it ) and watch and learn their habits so that you can anticipate what they are going to do next.

Happy digiscoping

Bob

PS: I hope you don't mind but I tried getting a little more detail out of your shot

tbob

[quote:b5a8c0a1b9="hsteen"]
I think Bob is on the payment list at Swarovski with those photos he can make..[/quote]

Steen, I wish I was, actually I have only been digiscoping since April 2006 and I just bought my 1st DSLR, a Canon 400D, a couple of months ago. Its a new hobby for me

Bob