{"id":11620,"date":"2009-01-15T11:56:35","date_gmt":"2009-01-15T16:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/?p=11620"},"modified":"2021-02-04T15:52:01","modified_gmt":"2021-02-04T20:52:01","slug":"borg-77ed-ii-telescope-for-bird-photography-our-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/borg-77ed-ii-telescope-for-bird-photography-our-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Borg 77ED II Telescope for Bird Photography: Our Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-group sidebar-alignright sidebar-space order-bottom\"><div class=\"article-list list-style alignright\"><h2 class=\"article-list-header\">More From Living Bird<\/h2><ul><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-living-bird-toc\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/01\/lb_homepage_okavangoFImage.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/01\/lb_homepage_okavangoFImage-720x329.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/01\/lb_homepage_okavangoFImage-768x351.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/01\/lb_homepage_okavangoFImage-480x219.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/01\/lb_homepage_okavangoFImage.jpg 918w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Living Bird Winter 2009\u2014Table of Contents<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-living-bird-toc\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest-240x180.png 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-latest-480x360.png 480w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"Living Bird-latest issue\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Living Bird Magazine\u2014Latest Issue<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"article-item\"><div class=\"article-item-container\"><div class=\"article-item-media  content-article\"><figure class=\"article-item-media-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive.png 720w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive-240x180.png 240w, https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/living-bird-acrhive-480x360.png 480w\" sizes=\"\" alt=\"Living Bird archives\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"article-item-body\"><span class=\"article-item-header\">Living Bird Magazine Archives<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sidebar-alignright sidebar-space order-bottom\"><!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\r\n<span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da\">\r\n    <span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da\" id=\"hs-cta-096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da\">\r\n        <!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]-->\r\n        <a href=\"http:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/95627\/096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da\" ><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/95627\/096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da.png\"  alt=\"subscribe to Living Bird magazine\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/a>\r\n    <\/span>\r\n    <script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script>\r\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n        hbspt.cta.load(95627, '096b8ce3-0e2d-46c5-bbf7-12de3323c8da', {});\r\n    <\/script>\r\n<\/span>\r\n<!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\r\n\r\n<\/div>\n<p>Getting into bird photography can be expensive, which is especially tough these days with such a shaky economy. Until now, the alternative to pricey photographic equipment has been digiscoping\u2014using a digital camera to take pictures through a spotting scope. But this technique has drawbacks, including sometimes poor image quality, lack of autofocus and autoexposure, and a scarcity of well-designed camera adapters. Digiscoping buffs continue to prefer point-and-shoot cameras, even though digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) cameras have improved exponentially in resolution, image size, and image quality. Yet few spotting scope manufacturers produce scope adapters for DSLRs.<\/p>\n<p>Hutech Corporation now offers a new concept\u2014DSLR-scoping\u2014matching DSLRs with advanced astronomical telescopes, with precision optics designed for high resolution of distant objects. The result is excellent bird photographs without an astronomical price.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, I had a chance to test the Borg 77ED II, a 510mm apochromatic telescope, using a Canon EOS 40D camera body. Adding an optional 1.4x teleconverter gave me a final focal length of 714mm. Adapters are available for several major camera brands.<\/p>\n<p>I was struck immediately by how compact and lightweight the 77ED II is. Compared with the heavy, bulky super-telephoto lenses I usually use in my work, it was a positive delight to carry around. And the cost of this scope is far lower than that of a photographic lens of comparable length. On the other hand, the telescope\u2019s shiny white barrel leaves much to be desired in the field, but the manufacturer plans to offer a fitted camouflage-patterned cover as an optional accessory.<\/p>\n<p>The 77ED II must be focused manually, and in two stages: first rough-focusing by sliding a \u201cdraw tube\u201d in and out of the main barrel of the telescope, then using the knurled helical focusing ring around the barrel to fine-focus. Even with my autofocus lenses I have to switch to manual focus sometimes, but this two-step focusing process took some getting used to.<\/p>\n<p>The fine-focusing ring was rather stiff to turn, in comparison with the easy rotation of modern photographic lenses. Furthermore, when I slid out the draw tube to rough focus, I often inadvertently twisted the camera, changing its horizontal or vertical orientation slightly. Once rough focus was obtained, I found I needed to lock the draw tube in place, using the thumbscrews on the scope\u2019s tripod collar, otherwise the camera would twist while fine focusing, too.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group legacy-sidebar sidebar-alignright has-lightgray-background-color has-background\">\n<h4 class=\"box\">MORE INFO<\/h4>\n<div class=\"box\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div class=\"sanserif\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencecenter.net\/hutech\/birding\/index.htm\">Telescope photography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Looking through the viewfinder, I was impressed with the bright image, which enabled me to determine correct focus visually. Even better, the camera\u2019s focus alert (beep and blinking light) and through-the-lens metering work with this setup, allowing autoexposure but unfortunately not autofocus.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, examining the results on my computer screen, I was very happy with the image quality\u2014bright, sharp, with good contrast. My shot of a Red-bellied Woodpecker (at left) will definitely end up in my keeper files.<\/p>\n<p>Although I still recommend that professional photographers stick to using conventional telephoto lenses, the 77ED II\/DSLR combination remains an option for hobbyists who want a lightweight, relatively low-cost setup for high-quality bird portraits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Price:<\/strong> 77ED II telescope (includes camera adapter and carrying bag) $1,095.00<br \/>\nOptional 1.4X teleconverter $295<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting into bird photography can be expensive, which is especially tough these days with such a shaky economy. Until now, the alternative to pricey photographic equipment has been digiscoping\u2014using a<a class=\"excerpt-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/news\/borg-77ed-ii-telescope-for-bird-photography-our-review\/\" title=\"ReadBorg 77ED II Telescope for Bird Photography: Our Review\">&#8230; Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_birdpress_living_bird_toc":0,"_birdpress_living_bird_toc_title":"","_birdpress_featured_image":false,"_birdpress_hero_toggle":false,"_birdpress_hero_type":"image","_birdpress_hero_image_type":"image","_birdpress_hero_style":"default","_birdpress_hero_ratio":"","_birdpress_hero_h1":"","_birdpress_hero_media_id":0,"_birdpress_hero_media_array_id":[],"_birdpress_hero_media_array":[],"_birdpress_hero_media":0,"_birdpress_hero_video_id":0,"_birdpress_hero_video":0,"_birdpress_hero_youtube":"","_birdpress_hero_content":true,"_birdpress_hero_byline":"","_birdpress_hero_byline_bottom":"","_birdpress_hero_button_link":"","_birdpress_hero_button_text":"","_birdpress_hero_button_color":"","_birdpress_hero_date":false,"original_guid":"","_birdpress_hide_search":false,"_birdpress_page_width":"","_birdpress_global_cta":false,"_birdpress_widget_sidebar":"","_birdpress_next_article":0,"_birdpress_next_article_title":"","_birdpress_prev_article":0,"_birdpress_prev_article_title":"","_birdpress_sub_navigation_id":0,"_birdpress_sub_navigation":"","_birdpress_sub_navigation_title":false,"_birdpress_anchor_navigation_id":0,"_birdpress_anchor_navigation":"","_birdpress_postType":"both","_birdpress_categoryID":0,"_birdpress_tagID":0,"_birdpress_parentPostID":0,"_birdpress_parentPostTitle":"","_birdpress_menuID":0,"_birdpress_menuName":"","_birdpress_listHeader":"","_birdpress_listLayout":"card-display","_birdpress_listColumns":"","_birdpress_maxItems":12,"_birdpress_listPaginate":true,"_birdpress_displaySort":true,"_birdpress_sortOrder":"DESC","_birdpress_sortBy":"date","_birdpress_listID":"","_birdpress_listClass":"","_birdpress_displayImages":true,"_birdpress_displayCaptions":false,"_birdpress_displayExcerpts":false,"_birdpress_attTop":"","_birdpress_attBottom":"","_birdpress_showLogos":false,"_birdpress_post_logo":0,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","wds_primary_category":0,"wds_primary_topic":0,"wds_primary_content-format":0,"wds_primary_cornell-lab-project":0,"wds_primary_host-project":0,"wds_primary_read-more-tag":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"topic":[998,1163,1044],"content-format":[1055],"cornell-lab-project":[1069],"host-project":[],"read-more-tag":[],"class_list":["post-11620","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","topic-news-and-features","topic-photography","topic-reviews-news-and-features","content-format-article","cornell-lab-project-living-bird-magazine"],"metadata":{"associated-posts":[""],"wpa_off":[""],"_edit_lock":["1612471922:4"],"_edit_last":["4"],"_thumbnail_id":["11621"],"wdsi_message_id":[""],"wdsi_do_not_show":[""],"custom-byline":["<em>By 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