Binoculars / Cell phone filming

[Crews]

I have a pair of Steiner 15x56 HX binoculars for hunting and target shooting. They are mounted on a good tripod. I’d really like to be able to take some pictures and videos through them with my iPhone so they can be shared with other hunters on the lease. Bonus points for a vapor trail videos.

What is the best hardware choice to couple an iPhone to a pair of binoculars? Is it even possible? Also, the Steiners have the weird side shield eyecup. Presuming it will have to be replaced?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Carson HOOKUPZ™ 2.0

Universal 2.0 smartphone optics adapter fits nearly all smartphones & phablets like the iPhone XS/XSMax/X/8+/8/7+/7 with cases up to 3.75 inches wide

The HookUpz 2.0 is compatible with smartphones and phablets like the iiPhone XS/XS Max, iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6/6S Plus and Samsung Galaxy models with cases up to 3.75 inches wide.

Using the HookUpz Smartphone Adapters With Multiple Camera Phones:

• For Apple iPhone X users, if you encounter a black screen effect when digitally zooming - we recommend you use upgrade to at least iOS 12. If you don't wish to upgrade your iOS, only digitally zoom after you lock the focus and exposure (hold finger on screen on center of image viewed through optic until yellow box 'AE/AF LOCK' is displayed).

• For all Apple dual camera phones (iPhone XS/XSMax/X/8+/7+), align adapter to the 1x wide-angle camera, which is the one nearest the corner. For XS Max alignment will be about 2-3 mm lower than the center of corner camera.

 

[Crews]

Doug, how robust is this system? Do you have to fiddle with it often or does it stay in place fairly well after it’s set up?

 

[HotRod68Camaro]

I've been looking at the TinesUp universal for my iPhone/Swarovski el combo. just haven't committed yet.

 

[Ringo7978]

I’ve recently experimented with digiscoping on my new spotting scope with my iPhone. I went with a cheap adapter from Amazon

Amazon.com : Gosky Big Type Universal Smartphone Adapter Mount for Spotting Scope Telescope Binocular Monocular, Black : Camera & Photo

Amazon.com : Gosky Big Type Universal Smartphone Adapter Mount for Spotting Scope Telescope Binocular Monocular, Black : Camera & Photo

www.amazon.com

Once setup it is stable and clear with great results. I am constantly able to capture my bullet trace, especially when using slow motion.

A trick I learned on my iPhone was how to use the 2x lens. If you have an iPhone with a zoom lens you’ll notice that as soon as you put it up to the scope it’ll switch to the 1x lens and go to digital zoom which does you no good. I switched apps to a different photo app where I can choose which lens to use and it works perfectly. The quality with zoom is much better as it fills the screen versus have scope shadows.

I’m happy to answer any questions or post samples.

 

[gopherslayer]

I have what Doug is selling because I bought one from him with my spotter. It’s pretty stable and consistent. The only issue I have with it is it Doesn’t cover the whole eyepiece of my spotter so I need to hold my hand up over the phone and eyepiece to eliminate glare.

Here’s an example. You can see it just under the doe and it curves up through the fawn and other doe.

 

[Ringo7978]

Example screenshot from one of my vids that shows the full frame recording.

 

[HotRod68Camaro]

A trick I learned on my iPhone was how to use the 2x lens. If you have an iPhone with a zoom lens you’ll notice that as soon as you put it up to the scope it’ll switch to the 1x lens and go to digital zoom which does you no good. I switched apps to a different photo app where I can choose which lens to use and it works perfectly. The quality with zoom is much better as it fills the screen versus have scope shadows.

I’m happy to answer any questions or post samples.

What app are you using?

 

[Crews]

Guys this is helpful input, sounds like I can take pictures of deer to share with the group without spending an arm and a leg. I mean, it’s a grand worth of binoculars sitting on a RRS tripod; be kinda silly to take shortcuts on something little like this. But if it’s serviceable and will get the job done in the field, that’s good to know.

 

[Ringo7978]

What app are you using?

Pro Camera by Moment (iOS)

 

[bunsen27]

I have a phoneskope case for my iPhone and their adapter for my Swaro 10x42 binos. So far not too bad, but I still have room for improvement.

 

[BULLBLASTER]

Outdoorsmans digiscoping set up with correct size adaptor.

 

[JC0352]

I’ve had good results with the universal kit by PhoneSkope on my spotter and binos. Takes some fiddling to get used to setting it up. $50 on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DGP69R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_Gy5CFbPSG0JK2