Digiscoping with Swarovski STX vs. ATX eyepiece

I have been wanting to upgrade the quality of my digiscoping photos for some time now.  Back in the fall of 2013, I began eyeballing the Swarovski 95mm Spotting Scope.  Just prior to Brian Rimsza's Arizona Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep hunt last year in Unit 6A, I purchased the Swarovski ATX and 95mm Modular Spotting scope.  I also picked up a Canon SL1 to use as the camera for my digiscoping system.  Cody at the Outdoorsmans and I went back and forth as to the ATX (angled) and the STX (Straight).   I chose the ATX for the sole reason that I thought the downward pressure of the TLS APO adapter would be better for digiscoping.  I took the brand new setup up on the hunt and was able to capture some great images of some Rocky Mountain sheep.  My optimism was high for the setup and I was able to capture some high quality images compared to my old setup.  Let me say that the optical image from the Swarovksi 95 mm is by far the best I have ever experienced.  I have owned the two prior models of Swarovski spotting scopes and they continue to lead the industry in optical quality.

After using the digiscoping setup for several months, I have come to the conclusion that I need the STX (Staight eyepiece).  Here is the main reason why.....When I sit down to glass and find an image to photograph, while on the tripod I can't see the image on the LCD screen.  I have to glass from a stool or kneel on my knees.  Both can be cumbersome and uncomfortable at times.  I should have known and Cody tried to talk me out of the ATX for my application.  I can be stubborn at times.  I can see the screen perfectly when the post is completely bottomed out but when I switch back and forth to view through the scope with my eye then I need to twist and move the setup.  Also, when switching from my binoculars to the spotting scope on the tripod, it is necessary to move the post up and down.  This takes time to recapture the image and makes for inefficiencies.

I have been out scouting for Desert Bighorns lately and really enjoying my new STX eyepiece.  In my mind, I have the best digiscoping system that is currently available.  Let me be clear by saying that there is no optical difference when looking through or from my photographs between the ATX or STX.  Just a difference in the setup and execution of taking and viewing the images.  The light gathering of the 95mm is unparalleled in my opinion.  It also amazes me how good the photo is when I crank the zoom up to 70X.  I think another hidden gem in the whole setup is the Swarovski TLS APO adapter.  I can't wait to use the new digiscoping setup this summer and fall to capture some incredible images.

Jay Scott with Swarovski STX and the 95MM topped with the Canon SL1.

Here I am using the ATX on Brian's hunt

The next three images are through the new Swarovski STX

This image was captured through the ATX in December.

Outdoorsmans Bino Adapter and Glassing Pad

Darr and I have been using the Outdoorsmans Binocular Adapter system now for many years.  It amazes me though how many people have never heard of the handy little system.  I will go as far as saying any hunter who is serious about glassing and doesn't use the system is missing the boat.  It is by far the best system I have run across to attach your binoculars to your tripod.  It can be used with the Outdoorsmans tripod or without.

 This Outdoorsmans Binocular Stud (pictured above) is one of the key ingredients that make this system work so slick.

 The Outdoorsmans Bino Adpater (pictured above) slips right onto the stud and can be twisted snug for a tight fit.  There is actually a double locking system to insure your binoculars will not come loose.

Here is a picture of the adapter attached to the stud which is apart of the binoculars.  I have this system on all of my Swarovski Binoculars including the 10X42 EL Range.  This system will work with almost every single major binocular on the market.  If you don't use this system yet it deserves a close look. 

Another product that is new to my program this year is the Outdoorsmans Glassing Pad.  I have been using this since elk season and love it.  Not only is it great for the sitting on but the rubber type coating has some grab and is great for using it as a rifle rest.  The key is it wont slide.  If you have any gear questions feel free to email us or call the guys at the Outdoorsmans for more info 1-800-291-8065

We have a lot of new gear to tell you about in some future posts.  We are right in the middle of our fall season and are excited about the upcoming hunts over the next couple of months.  Thanks for all of the positive encouraging emails and phone calls over the last couple of months in regards to hunting and gear stuff.  Good Huntin' to you guys!

I Phone Digi Scope Adapter

By Darrr Colburn

I was down at the Outdoorsmans yesterday and picked up a great new gadget if you have an I Phone 4/4S.  Kowa is making an I Phone adapter that comes with rings that fit my Swarowski Spotting Scope and Swarovski 15X binoculars.  They are also coming out with a ring that will fit on the Kowa Big Eye 32X binoculars.  The Outdoorsmans has these adapters in stock and they are $82.99.  I will post some pics and video over the next few weeks as I get the setup out in the field.  Thank you to the Outdoorsmans for staying on top of the latest and greatest gear and providing amazing customer service.

Long Range Glassing with Kowa Highlanders Binoculars

Darr and I have been using big optics for years.  We first started using Doctor Optik 40X binoculars for long range glassing.  When the Outdoorsmans in Phoenix,  announced the arrival of the 32X Kowa Highlanders, we bought a pair and have been trading time between the two on our hunts.  Over the years of using both the Kowa and the Doctor binoculars, we have come to the conclusion that the Kowas are a step above the Doctors.  The edge to edge clarity is the factor that pushed us over the top.  The Kowas definitely make us better at finding game.  We have found many trophy animals over the last couple seasons with the Kowas.  With some great trophy hunts on the horizon in 2012 for Colburn and Scott Outfitters, Darr and I felt adding an additional pair to our arsenal would be advantageous.  Now we will both have "Kowa Vision". 

I have to admit that my main concern when I first saw the Kowa Highlanders was the angled eye piece.  Once I used them consistently for about a week I got used to the angle and now it seems second nature.  The Outdoorsmans also sells a small lightweight stool that is essential when using the Kowas due to the angled eyepiece.  The stool is very comfortable and makes glassing for extended periods of time enjoyable.  There are three eyepieces for the Kowa binoculars, 21X, 32X (which comes standard) and 50X.  I think each eyepiece could have its benefits in certain applications but we think the 32X is perfect for everyday glassing no matter what kind of trophy you are after.  I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 21X and 50X eyepeices to test out.  We appreciate the guys at the Outdoorsmans for constantly raising the bar and continuing to carry the most cutting edge hunting gear on the market!

Long Range Shooting & Load Development

I joined up with our good friend Dan Bright today for some long range shooting.  Dan has been working on some loads for my .257 Weatherby.  We were joined by Dan's brother, dad and my brother Kirk.  Kirk just purchased a .257 Weatherby from the Outdoorsmans so it was a perfect excuse to join us.  We shot for a couple of hours before the winds came up.  Dan brought a gong made out of 1/2 inch steel that measures 12 inches tall by 18 inches wide (about the size of a deer body).  We put the gong out at 695 yards.  It did not take long before we were hitting the gong almost every shot.  This is great practive to see what your gun will do at long range.  I look forward to tweeking the loads and seeing which one I like the best.  I am shooting the Nosler 110 Grain Accubond bullets.  Most of the loads were going 3450-3500fps.  I love shooting the .257 Weatherby because it shoots flat and hits hard.

The Outdoorsmans Ballistic Turret was amazing for shooting long range.

2012 SCI & RMEF Shows

Janis, Jay and I just got back from the Safari Club International and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation shows in Las Vegas, NV. We had a great time at both shows meeting some new people and chatting with old friends. It was nice to see a large group of outdoors people at both shows. Here are a few pictures from the shows. More to come on both of these shows.

It was good to see friend and Elk legend Wayne Carlton at the Hunter's Specialties Booth

Jay Scott, Chris and Mark Denham at the Elk Hunter and Western Hunter Magazine Booth

The Outdoorsmans booth was busy selling optics and tripods.

There was lots of buzz about the KUIU Gear and the booth was packed.