Osprey image, first ever successful image

Lacking suitable planetary imaging targets this year, I decided to take up birding using the digiscoping method. After some trial and error last week, working out both stability and optics issues, I have finally obtained the start of what I think will be some decent future shots. Attached is an Osprey, taken with an ETX-90, Scopetronix 14mm wide angle eyepiece, and Samsung S630 digicam. I tried some initial shots last week with a 10x50 monocular instead of the ETX, but the nest location was just too far away from the closest I could get, which is about 500-600 feet. That plus a Kmart tripod just proved unstable. The tripod used this time is a Majestic and heavy duty offering enough stability to get these shots at the distant range. This was taken in the evening at sunset and the camera was facing somewhat towards the sun, which was a big disadvantage because it reduced the image's initial contrast. I plan on returning some morning when the sun will be at my back and greatly illuminating this large bird.

ETX-90
Majestic heavy duty tripod
Scopetronix 14 mm wide angle
Samsung S630, 1/ 15 sec, custom white balance, 3x optical + 1.2x digital zooms
ISO400
postprocessing in Photoshop- cropping and reducing, color noise reduction, contrast enhancement

Enjoy,
Eric

Attached Image:

Not bad considering your lighting challenge. The morning sun to your back should make a huge difference.


Robert