Using a Nikon Spotting Scope of Fieldscope with a Digital Camera

The following images were taken with a Coolpix 4500 and a combination of accessory lenses and Nikon Spotting Scopes as indicated.

		The Coolpix 4500 alone at it's widest lens position: 38mm in 35mm equivalent.
		The Coolpix 4500 alone at it's maximum zoom position: 155mm in 35mm equivalent.
		The Coolpix 4500 with the accessory TC-E3 teleconverter lens: 465mm in 35mm equivalent.
		The Coolpix 4500 attached to a Nikon Fieldscope 60mm with a 30x WF Eyepiece for an effective 35mmm focal length of 4650mm.
		Shown is the Coolpix 4500 camera and Fieldscope mounted on a tripod.

1. Always use a tripod for steady photos.
2. Use "Self Timer" mode or a remote shutter release such as the Nikon MC-EU1 Remote Cord. Because of the high magnification small vibrations from manually pressing the shutter release button can ruin a photograph.
3. Set the camera's focus to "Landscape" mode and focus with the Scope's controls
4. The image may appear round in the final photo at the maximum wide angle setting of the camera, this is normal and can be avoided by zooming with the camera's controls.
5. Do not move or carry the scope/camera unit by the camera body. Use the tripod's controls to change the view and disassemble before moving. The camera's lens thread is not designed to carry a heavy load.

Calculating Focal Length

The approximate focal length can be determined as follows:

Coolpix 35mm equivalent x Scope Eyepiece Magnification = New 35mm equivalent

For example, when using a Coolpix 885 (35mm focal length 38-114mm) with a a Spotting Scope RAII 20x eyepiece the focal length equivalent would be:

(38mm to 114mm) x 20 = 760mm to 2280mm

After attaching the Eyepiece to the scope, screw the Adapter Kit (SSA-1) around the eyepiece and then connect the correct attachment rings to the kit, and finally attach the Coolpix camera to the attachment ring.

Coolpix to Nikon Fieldscopes

To use a Coolpix camera on a Nikon Fieldscope you will need to purchase the Nikon Digital Camera Attachment Kitas well as an adapter for your particular Coolpix camera:

• 6918 - Coolpix 885
• 6917 - Coolpix 900-series, Coolpix 4500
• 6919 - Coolpix 880
• 6920 - Coolpix 5000

Before attaching the eyepiece to the scope, slide the FSA-1 onto the back of the eyepiece and then screw the Adapter Kit (FSA-2) around the eyepiece. Then connect the correct attachment rings to the kit, and finally attach the Coolpix camera to the attachment ring.

A Nikon D100 attached to a Nikon Fieldscope 60mm
using the Fieldscope Photo Attachment.