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How to Digiscope with a Webcam

High-magnification telephotography, or digiscoping, produces closeup images of faraway subjects, such as birds on a coastline. A digiscoping adapter connects and aligns a digital camera with a spotting scope. These adapters often sell in birding and telescope supply shops. For a lightweight and inexpensive webcam, an alternative to a pricey adapter is a homemade piece you can assemble in minutes.

Things You'll Need

Webcam
Spotting scope
2 rubber bands
Scissors or small knife
Tripod

Instructions

Attaching the Webcam
- 1
  Place the webcam, spotting scope, rubber bands and scissors on a clean, flat, level surface.
- 2
  Wrap one rubber band around the circumference of the scope̵7;s eyepiece. The band should not interfere with the focusing ring.
- 3
  Cut the second rubber band with scissors or a small knife to form one straight piece. This second band connects the first rubber band with the webcam.
- 4
  Tie one end of the cut rubber band to the first rubber band that encircles the eyepiece.
- 5
  Extend the eyepiece̵7;s eye cup, if applicable.
- 6
  Set the webcam against the eyepiece to line up a view through the spotting scope.
- 7
  Loop the cut rubber band around the back of the webcam.
- 8
  Tie the remaining end of the cut rubber band to the first rubber band. Adjust the band for a secure fit.
Viewing
- 9
  Set the scope on a tripod.
- 10
  Focus the spotting scope and webcam.
- 11
  Zoom the camera to reduce the risk of vignetting or blackened edges.

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