Post by: Eric M on September 24, 2015, 02:48:51 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 24, 2015, 03:47:51 AM
Your ingenuity is commendable.
I am a big time cheap skate but have managed to justify investing about $8K into cameras and lenses over the past three years. Mainly because I'm now getting paid to assist and occasionally shoot weddings myself. So I've learned a thing or two about when its time to open up the wallet and throw down good money. In photography, its often said that smart money follows the lens and not the camera and with a few important caveats I tend to subscribe to this theory and apply it to hunting as well. I have old, beat up, cheap crappy guns/bows and a quality spotter, binos, LRF, and riflescope and I am definitely glad I built my system this way.
I also own a camcorder of similar specs to the one you mention. Your idea is intriguing and I encourage you to borrow a friends camcorder and try it out on a non-committal scouting trip or better yet, on a hunt when one of your buddys already has a dedicated spotting scope and you can test your theory and report back to us. I would suggest avoiding rain.
My guess is that it wont turn out as well as you hope for several reasons.
- You'll run out of batteries and need extra--lots. These specialty Li batteries ain't cheap. for my DSLRs they are $60 each but at least they use the same :rolleyes:
- You're going to need and want a nice tripod anyway for smooth, precise, fluid panning when picking apart a hillside a mile away. Handholding this proposition would be a disaster. The magnification plus the distance would frustrate even the most steady of hands even if the camcorder boasts an image stabilization system.
- This camcorder is unlikely to be weather resistant like a quality made spotting scope would be and would fry in a little bit of rain. Even a non waterproof spotting scope that occasionally fogs up would be better.
- You aren't looking a though-the-lens image but rather a digitally processed image based on the resolution of the view screen, which probably isn't as good of resolution as you would want for distinguishing antlers from branches at 2,000 yards. Plenty of photography forums have these online urinating matches between the Sony fanboys and the DSLR old guard who maintain that an electronic viewfinder is just silly and has a long ways to come before sports and wedding/event photographers will consider adopting them.
- Lens coatings: consumer grade camcorders are likely to have few if any lens coatings. On higher end spotting scopes and DSLR lenses they will have multiple coats for things like smudge protection, flare resistance (for when you're glassing east at sunrise, etc), and phase correction. Simplifying the physics as correction for lateral color fringing (chromatic aberration) is usually done inside the lenses but without it this is what gets really Ugly McNasty at longer distances under high contrast. Just point it at the moon some night, zoom in, and look at that blue ring around the edge of the moon. Or purple fringing on antlers or tree branches on a digiscoped deer when someone used a low end spotter.
- Finally, size matters. Most spotting scopes run 60-80mm objective lens diameters. These camcorders run what, 20mm? Even if it were world class, expensive-as-hell glass on that camcorder, which I bet a swift kick in the nuts for that price range it is NOT, you would have a hard time beating the low light gathering ability of even a midrange spotting scope. Quality glass goes a long way, but sometimes there's no trumping simple physics. bigger objective lenses gather more light for your pupillary exit.
HTH,
BC
Post by: JDHasty on September 24, 2015, 05:39:06 AM
It may work, to a degree, at high noon on a clear day, but not under hunting conditions.
I have a couple spotters, Vortex Razor 85 that I wouldn't want to pack far at all and a 12-40X60 Leupold that is just OK in that regard. I had a compact 50 mm scope that was stolen and I will replace it because I will not be in the field without good optics.
The little scope was OK, but it beat the heck out of the big scopes I was not willing to pack and by OK I mean I was able to use it where you would not be able to resolve anything what so ever with the lenses on a video camera. It had narrow FOV and light transmission was not what a big scope would deliver, but the big scopes were not an option for me at those times.
Post by: Born2late on September 24, 2015, 07:48:37 AM
We went to kodiak on a remote deer hunt where my friend flew us in for 4 days for blacktail hunting. My son and I shoot long range guns and the we were wanting to utilize that on this hunt as the terrain is really hilly. I bought a sony video cam with a 60x
zoom with image stabilizer to record the hunt. Didn't get it specifically for a spotter but ended up trying to use it to see horns.
The first day of the hunt we climb up near the top of the mountain and had two nice bucks bedded at 330 yds. Easy shot for us except
that where we were at it blows none stop, and i mean a lot 30 to 50mph for 4 days straight. We had bushnell and zeiss binos and a vortex scope which went to 24 power but even that wasn't enough to see the tines coming up off the main beams. The wind made your eyes water none stop and the grassy background all blended in.
I made the decision to hike to the backside of the mountain and hike all the way around which would have us come out right on top
of them ,but they were gone by the time we got around to them.
We tryied to view them through the video camera and it was so grainy that it was worse then looking through the 24 power with watery eyes. Needless to say next year i will have a good spotter to ride in the pack with me.
Post by: Eric M on September 24, 2015, 09:32:52 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 24, 2015, 01:30:58 PM
If you have a creative way at looking at your budget you can find all kinds of ways to cut expenses and needless junk out of your gear list. There's no end to industries in hunting that want to sell you 'must have' gear.
Post by: Eric M on September 24, 2015, 01:42:50 PM
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.I hear you. I am changing a lot about the way I hunt, and it's adding up. Also thought the idea that, even if I came home from a long hike empty handed, I might have some cool video. If I find something promising, I'll let you know.
If you have a creative way at looking at your budget you can find all kinds of ways to cut expenses and needless junk out of your gear list. There's no end to industries in hunting that want to sell you 'must have' gear.
Post by: stryker on September 24, 2015, 01:46:34 PM
It was a cell phone case with a plastic tube glued on the back over the lens hole, then you just slide it onto the eye piece of the scope.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTQyMlgxNjAw/z/9OQAAOSwPhdU~6oU/$_35.JPG
Post by: Eric M on September 24, 2015, 01:49:17 PM
Last year or so I saw a cheap adapter made for a scope so that you could attach your cell phone to it and capture the long distance images.
It was a cell phone case with a plastic tube glued on the back over the lens hole, then you just slide it onto the eye piece of the scope.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTQyMlgxNjAw/z/9OQAAOSwPhdU~6oU/$_35.JPG
Nice-Thanks
Post by: Eric M on January 28, 2016, 10:11:14 PM
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.It's been awhile and I got away from the shopping because Christmas came up and well you get it. So now I see a newer thread discussing similiar issues and it gets me searching again. So my question for you Beancounter- I see a lot of guys (Boneaddict for example) who put up some nice pictures. Some people make their living doing it. Instead of the video route I was initially addressing, I've been looking at youtube video of regular cameras with incredible optical zooms mounted on tripods. There is a Nikon Coolpix with an 83X optical zoom that brings the moon craters right into your backyard. My questions (finally) Are any of these types of systems waterproof? Would a camera like this that does stills and video give me superior images to an android phone mounted on a spotting scope? Assuming it's possible to get antler clarity with a camera, do these kind of cameras come with the lens out of the box ready to see mule deer a mile away, or are you having to gradually build a system? I appreciate any time you give me on this. When I spend $1000 plus on something I really want to be satified. I'm worried about going one way or the other and being PO'd or unsatisfied, which I dread when spending that kind of money. Anyway sorry for the long wind.
If you have a creative way at looking at your budget you can find all kinds of ways to cut expenses and needless junk out of your gear list. There's no end to industries in hunting that want to sell you 'must have' gear.
Post by: JDHasty on January 29, 2016, 08:27:13 AM
If, and that is a BIG IF (that is probably the limiting factor), there is sufficient light to be able to capture an image - when you are dealing with digital cameras you are dealing with pixel count (the # of the receptors that are available).
https://photographylife.com/camera-resolution-explained
Post by: popeshawnpaul on January 29, 2016, 09:31:49 AM
Here is a shot of a rams I was scoping at about 1000 yards away. I can zoom all the way into the head on these to evaluate in the field. Plus I have the image to bring home. Weight of the setup is relatively similar although I bet my camera is a tad heaver.
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Family-1/Hunts/2015-Alaska-Wrangel-Dall-Sheep/i-GZ2VJmq/A)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Family-1/Hunts/2015-Alaska-Wrangel-Dall-Sheep/i-Z2BRLRR/A)
(https://shawnmccully.smugmug.com/Family-1/Hunts/2015-Alaska-Wrangel-Dall-Sheep/i-8wfxkrr/A)
Post by: Eric M on January 29, 2016, 11:40:58 AM
Post by: JDHasty on January 29, 2016, 11:54:51 AM
I appreciate the responses. Considering light gathering is something I continue to forget about. (Usually until 5 minutes before legal light ends). I think I am leaning towards some 15X56 Vortex binos this year and early next year (or for Christmas) picking up a spotting scope. When I look at how much there is behind cameras and taking quality pictures, I'm thinking it might be something to work towards when I get closer to retirement. The hunting season with a camera never ends. Thanks again guys.
I was shopping for quite a while for a 15 power binocular. The Ziess 15x60 BGA is discontinued, the Docter 15x60 Nobilem is bulky and heavy & a lot less money, but nearly as fantastic optically as the aforementioned Ziess. The Swaro was a close third optically, IMHO all three were really, really close, and the Vortex Kaibab was just ever so slightly behind the Swaro SLC. After using our SLC a chuck shooting buddy wanted a pair and I told him that the Kaibab was pretty close and it is worth a look see. I left him with our SLC and he took it with him when he went shopping to compare and contrast and decided the Kaibab provided everything he was looking for and at a substantial savings over the SLC.
When we are set up we are looking through whatever is in front of us and frequently I am looking through his binocular and he is looking through ours and I can say that I think you will be very well served with them if you end up going that way.
Post by: Eric M on January 29, 2016, 12:09:26 PM
Thanks. For a pretty big difference in price, I think the Vortex Kaiibab's are all the glass I need in a 15X binocular. I have a cheaper pair of their 10X42's and no complaints. This year is find the shapes on the mountain side that look like deer year. Between your comment, and what I've seen elsewhere, plus a side by side comparison, I feel pretty good about it. That's key for me when I make a big purchase like that.I appreciate the responses. Considering light gathering is something I continue to forget about. (Usually until 5 minutes before legal light ends). I think I am leaning towards some 15X56 Vortex binos this year and early next year (or for Christmas) picking up a spotting scope. When I look at how much there is behind cameras and taking quality pictures, I'm thinking it might be something to work towards when I get closer to retirement. The hunting season with a camera never ends. Thanks again guys.
I was shopping for quite a while for a 15 power binocular. The Ziess 15x60 BGA is discontinued, the Docter 15x60 Nobilem is bulky and heavy & a lot less money, but nearly as fantastic optically as the aforementioned Ziess. The Swaro was a close third optically, IMHO all three were really, really close, and the Vortex Kaibab was just ever so slightly behind the Swaro SLC. After using our SLC a chuck shooting buddy wanted a pair and I told him that the Kaibab was pretty close and it is worth a look see. I left him with our SLC and he took it with him when he went shopping to compare and contrast and decided the Kaibab provided everything he was looking for and at a substantial savings over the SLC.
When we are set up we are looking through whatever is in front of us and frequently I am looking through his binocular and he is looking through ours and I can say that I think you will be very well served with them if you end up going that way.
Post by: Eric M on January 29, 2016, 12:16:21 PM
Post by: JDHasty on January 29, 2016, 12:42:26 PM
A friend of mine has a beautiful pair of the Zeiss range finding binoculars. He has had some issues with the customer service. His big gripe is how long everything takes to get done if there is a problem. He's also a little more serious about what he does than I am, and I can see how he justifies paying that kind of money. I just can't. Hard to look at my wife and say, "honey I know those binoculars cost more than my truck's blue book value but (insert reasoning). haha
Swaro, Leupold and Vortex are the Gold Standard when it comes to service turnaround, most others are great too - but there are exceptions. I don't know that we have ever dealt w/Ziess in regard to service.
Post by: Bean Counter on January 29, 2016, 10:34:06 PM
you can say that again--I'm supposed to be on (self imposed) vacation (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,187508.0.html) and you're dragging me out of it :nono: Its all good :chuckle:
It's been awhile
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and I got away from the shopping because Christmas came up and well you get it. So now I see a newer thread discussing similiar issues and it gets me searching again. So my question for you Beancounter- I see a lot of guys (Boneaddict for example) who put up some nice pictures. Some people make their living doing it.
Less and less. Many artists have day jobs to supplement their income. Problem is getting worse with availability of decent quality DSLRs out there turning untold scores of soccer moms and retirees into instant fauxtographers. They're pushing wages down quite a bit. I was asked to shoot a coworkers wedding and quoted him $1,900 ($600+ off) and he went with some G.W.C.(guy wif camera) for $500. I'm not even going to try to compete with that. I'm going to try to keep my mouth shut and be a nice guy when I hear him whining about how his photos look... You get what you pay for!!! :bdid:
I'm a weekend warrior and unfortunately I just can't give up my overpaid and underworked day job to go full time shooting weddings. I think if I tried I might wind up hating the art in the end as its now work and not fun.
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Instead of the video route I was initially addressing, I've been looking at youtube video of regular cameras with incredible optical zooms mounted on tripods. There is a Nikon Coolpix with an 83X optical zoom that brings the moon craters right into your backyard. My questions (finally) Are any of these types of systems waterproof?
I could be wrong (usually am) but I think Coolpix uses "AW" as a designation for 'all weather,' so check the particular model number. Note that few cameras are actually waterPROOF but weather resistant. Nikon's flagship D5 and Canon's 1D line specifically stipulate this. They'll take a rainstorm, but don't go swimming with it.
The most cost effective way into a weather sealed DSLR is Pentax. I believe High Country has one or two. Not sure if they use pentamirrors or pentaprisms for the viewfinder. The mirror box is much dimmer than the prism, so this will affect you ability to use it as a spotting scope, as Shawn mentioned above with his 7dII (7d2 has pentaprism). Note that when you're doing that method you don't have to have the camera on to do that--its purely an optical operation.. so less batteries used.
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Would a camera like this that does stills and video give me superior images to an android phone mounted on a spotting scope?
Not likely. Better off putting more money into a quality spotter and having a form fitted adapter for the camera phone. The sensor size and a good quality mount will be the driving factors. Larger sensors mean larger photosites means more photons collected means more dynamic range, saturation, contrast, etc. I don't know much about the sensor specs of the Coolpix so i can't compare it to your 'Bamaphone.
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Assuming it's possible to get antler clarity with a camera, do these kind of cameras come with the lens out of the box ready to see mule deer a mile away, or are you having to gradually build a system?
You'll be able to see them, but Bone gets the kind of photos he does not by toting around an 800mm lens in a shopping cart, but by being sneaky and crawling up on them the good old fashioned way. Your photos wont look anything like his, particularly if you want the nice creamy blurred background bokehliciousness, which is a function of aperture, focal length, and the Circle of Confusion (yeah--its really called that). Clear? :chuckle:
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I appreciate any time you give me on this. When I spend $1000 plus on something I really want to be satified. I'm worried about going one way or the other and being PO'd or unsatisfied, which I dread when spending that kind of money. Anyway sorry for the long wind.
Be honest with yourself as to what's most important: the ability to glass all day or just quick looks here and there plus the ability to snap a photo while you're at it. I'm all about glassing. My 82mm spotter is a beast to drag up to my honey hole but I can glass all day long with it. I can tell you that for the $800 I spent on my spotter it has been a good investment as it has helped me end hunts much quicker because I wouldn't have known the deer were there without it.
Post by: Eric M on January 29, 2016, 10:36:40 PM
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Post by: RadSav on January 29, 2016, 10:49:36 PM
I'm just posting here to:
1 - Tag the thread.
2 - Give a shout out to JDHasty for using the word "crepuscular" :tup: :tup:
:chuckle:
Post by: Jonathan_S on January 30, 2016, 11:27:10 AM
I have zero experience with digital zoom video so can't really give a well balance opinion on the subject.
I'm just posting here to:
1 - Tag the thread.
2 - Give a shout out to JDHasty for using the word "crepuscular" :tup: :tup:
:chuckle:
:chuckle: not surprisingly, there are only 4 search returns on Hunt-Wa for "crepuscular" (guess I'll make it 5 with this one)
3/5 will be from this thread.