Best Spotting Scope Phone Adapter: A Comprehensive Guide

With the rise of digiscoping, I felt a pressing need for phone adapters. So, selecting the best-suited spotting scope phone adapter turned into an essential endeavor.

In this article, I’ll discuss the top phone adapters for spotting scopes, with a special focus on those tailored for iPhones. sBesides, I’m eager to impart the knowledge I’ve accumulated from my experiences with these tools.

Keep scrolling!

My Top Pick:

• Gosky Quick Cell Phone Adapter Mount
• The Magview S1 Spotting Scope Adapter

What is a Spotting Scope Phone Adapter?

A spotting scope phone adapter is a device that connects a smartphone to a spotting scope. This fusion of high-powered magnification with digital capabilities offers several benefits:

• Instead of investing in expensive camera equipment, you can leverage the camera you already have in your pocket.
• Quickly share and upload your captures to social media or cloud storage.
• Use various smartphone apps to enhance your photography experience.

Plus, you can also check out my previous article for an in-depth tutorial on how to use a spotting scope for photography.

Top Cell Phone Adapter for Spotting Scope

After rigorous testing and hands-on experience with various models, I’ve narrowed down my top picks.

1.       Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter

With its robust construction and versatile design, this adapter ranks among my top favorites. Designed with a unique 3-axis adjustment, it allows precise phone camera alignment with the optical axis of the spotting scope.

Its robust design ensures a secure grip on the smartphones including iPhone, minimizing the risk of accidental drops.

The adapter’s sturdy build and easy-to-use mechanism make it a reliable choice for capturing high-quality images through spotting scopes.  

The adapter’s versatility is commendable, fitting any eyepiece from 35mm to 60mm in diameter.

2.       SOLOMARK Universal Cell Phone Adapter

SOLOMARK Cell Phone Photography Adapter Mount offers a secure grip on smartphones with widths between 55-102mm and is compatible with various spotting scopes. Thanks to its easy alignment feature, I always get good images.

3.       Gosky Quick Cell Phone Adapter Mount

The Gosky Quick Cell Phone Adapter Mount stands out as my top choice for digiscoping. Its precision design allows for an effortless connection between my smartphone and spotting scopes, delivering crisp and clear images.

Plus, its durable construction, ensuring long-lasting stability during my outdoor adventures.

4.       The Magview S1 Spotting Scope Adapter

The Magview S1 Spotting Scope Adapter seamlessly connects smartphones to spotting scopes. Crafted meticulously, this adapter is tailored to bridge the gap between smartphones and spotting scopes, ensuring a seamless integration.

Its robust build and user-friendly features make capturing clear and precise images a breeze. It’s undoubtedly a top pick in my digiscoping toolkit.

Besides, I found an interesting review video on Magview S1. You can refer to it too.

5.       Novagrade Double Gripper Universal Phone Adapter

The Novagrade adapter has been a trusty companion on many of my adventures. Its double gripper design ensures the phone is held securely, and the anodized aluminum construction promises durability.

What I particularly love about this adapter is its compatibility. For almost any smartphone, the Novagrade has it covered.

6.       Vankey Cell Phone Adapter Mount

The Vankey Cell Phone Adapter Mount is designed for broad compatibility, fitting numerous smartphones, including iPhones.

Its design ensures a snug fit for clear, stable views, making it ideal for outdoor activities like birdwatching and stargazing. Its durability and user-friendliness make it a good choice for me.

Plus, the Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter and Novagrade Double Gripper Universal Phone Adapter are also excellent choices for iPhones!

iPhone Adapters for Spotting Scopes

While many adapters cater to a range of phones, some are specifically designed for iPhones, ensuring optimal image quality.

For the Apple aficionados, there are adapters crafted specifically for iPhones. Dive into the best adapters that promise to elevate my iPhone’s photography with spotting scopes.

·         Phone Skope iPhone Digiscoping Adapter

The Phone Skope adapter is tailor-made for iPhone users. Its design ensures that the phone camera aligns perfectly with the spotting scope’s eyepiece.

With its PHONE SKOPE Builder option,  I was able to determine the right adapter for my needs. I tested it with my iPhone 14 Plus and Swarovski ATS/STS HD 80mm spotting scope, specifically using Phone Skope’s C3-033-A optic adapter.

I was impressed by the clarity of images I could capture using this adapter. The snug fit ensures that there’s no play or wiggle, resulting in sharp, clear images.

Moreover, I can quickly switch between observing and capturing without any hassle.

Plus, Celestron NexYZ 3-Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter, and Novagrade Double Gripper Universal Phone Adapter also a good choice for a spotting scope iPhone adapter.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone Adapter

From my trials and errors, I’ve realized the importance of compatibility, stability, and ease of use. But above all, the quality of images and videos has always been my top priority.

Besides, here are some factors I’ve considered:

• Compatibility with different phones.
• Stability and security of the mount.
• Ease of installation and removal.
• Quality of images and videos when using the adapter.

Moreover, selecting the right spotting scope is essential to take top-notch photos with your smartphone. Dive into my recent article on the best spotting scopes for photography to get a comprehensive buyer’s guide for 2023.

And if birding is your passion, just like mine, don’t miss out on the best spotting scopes for birding guide!

How Do I Connect My Phone to My Spotting Scope?

Here’s my tried-and-tested method to get you started with your smartphone:

STEP 1: Ensure you have the right adapter for your phone and spotting scope. As I’ve mentioned earlier, the fit is crucial for clear images.

STEP 2: Position your phone so that its camera lens aligns perfectly with the spotting scope’s eyepiece. This might require some adjustments, but patience is key.

STEP 3: Once aligned, secure your phone using the adapter’s clamps or screws. Ensure it’s tight enough to hold the phone in place but not so tight that it damages your phone.

STEP 4:  Before you start capturing, adjust the focus on your spotting scope. Remember, a slight tweak can make a world of difference in clarity.

STEP 5:  While your phone’s native camera app works fine, consider using specialized camera apps. They offer manual controls like ISO, shutter speed, and focus, giving you more creative freedom.

STEP 6: Before you dive into serious photography, take a few test shots. Check for any vignetting or blurriness and adjust accordingly.

STEP 7:  This might sound obvious, but ensure your setup is on a stable surface. Even a slight movement can result in blurry images. I often use a tripod for added stability.

Tips for Successful Digiscoping with Smartphones (Phonescope)

Having spent countless hours in the field, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have significantly improved my digiscoping experience. Here are some insights I’ve gathered:

·         Clean Lenses

Before I start, ensure both my smartphone lens and spotting scope eyepiece are clean. A simple wipe can make a significant difference in image clarity.

·         Use a Remote Shutter

To avoid any shake or vibration, I often use a remote shutter or the phone’s timer function. This ensures the phone remains steady during the shot.

·         Experiment with Zoom

While it’s tempting to zoom in fully, sometimes pulling back a bit can give clearer images. Experiment to find the sweet spot.

·         Manual Focus is My Friend

If my phone allows, I switch to manual focus. This gives me control over what part of the image is sharp, especially useful when observing birds or wildlife.

·         Mind the Weather

Phones and spotting scopes can be sensitive to extreme conditions. On particularly cold or hot days, I am mindful of my equipment’s limitations.

·         Backup Power

Digiscoping can drain my phone’s battery. I always carry a portable charger to ensure I don’t miss out on any spectacular moments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the right adapter is crucial, acting as the link between traditional observation and modern technology.

This comprehensive guide, drawn from my experiences, showcases the best spotting scope phone adapters available for all smartphones, including iPhones. The result? An unparalleled viewing and capturing experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, the right tools can help you capture and relive nature’s fleeting moments forever. Dive in and explore!

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