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.

Digiscoping- Swarovski ATX Spotting Scope with TLS APO Adapter

I recently upgraded my digiscoping setup to the Swarovski ATX 95mm and the Swarovski TLS APO adapter.  I was able to use it for the first time on Brian's Unit 6A Rocky Mtn Sheep.  I am very excited about the quality of photos that I was able to take in my first few days of use.  Cody at the Outdoorsmans has been trying to get me to upgrade for awhile now and I have to say the spotting scope is amazing.  The image clarity at 70X is actually very good.  When discussing my options with Cody, my original concern was the extra weight and size difference.  There is always a tradeoff in quality of the image and the weight of the scope.  I would say after using the scope for a few days it is by far the best spotting scope I have ever looked through.  Another friend, Trent Swanson, who is a sales rep for Swarovski urged me to try the TLS APO adapter with the Swarovski ATX.  I really like the whole system.   Trent and another friend of mine, Russ Jacoby, do a lot of digiscoping and they both shoot the Canon SL1 camera so I picked one up and that topped of the incredible system.  I have to say I am very happy with the images that I captured and I look forward to sharing them on this blog.  I am going to be taking this digiscoping setup to Mexico for Coues deer and running it through the true test.  I will still be using my Tines Up Adapter and the Outdoorsmans Digiscoping Adapter as well.  Below are photos of Brian's big ram that I was able to capture with my new setup.

On a more important note December is the time of year we are celebrate the birth of our Christ and Savior Jesus.  It seems to me that our society has so easily forgotten what this time of year is about.  Its seems myths of Santa, reindeer and obnoxious gift giving has encapsulated our country.  Isn't it funny how our thoughts and minds get so distracted on things that have no real meaning.  Santa doesn't save lives but Jesus sure does.  Merry Christmas to you and your families!