How to Use a Smartphone Holder with Your Spotting Scope

Quick answer

To use a smartphone holder with your spotting scope, attach the holder to the eyepiece, align your phone's camera with the lens, and secure it firmly. This lets you capture digiscoped photos and videos with nearly any smartphone.

Step-by-step digiscoping setup

1. Attach the holder to the eyepiece: Slide the holder's clamp over the spotting scope eyepiece. Tighten the screw just enough to hold it firmly without cracking the eyepiece housing. Common mistake: overtightening can damage the eyepiece. Stop when the holder no longer shifts.
2. Position your smartphone: Open the holder's phone cradle and place your smartphone inside, camera lens aligned with the eyepiece opening. Adjust the cradle arms so the phone sits flat and secure. Check that the phone's main camera is centered—not an ultrawide or telephoto lens unless you intend to use it.
3. Align and focus: Turn on your phone's camera app and set it to photo or video mode. Look through the spotting scope and adjust its focus until the image is sharp. Then fine-tune the holder's position so the phone screen shows the full, clear view without vignetting. If you see dark corners, the phone is too far from the eyepiece. Slide it slightly closer until the circle fills the frame.
4. Secure and shoot: Tighten all holder screws gently. Use a remote shutter or a timer to avoid shaking the phone when you tap the screen. Capture your image or start recording. For video, lock exposure and focus by tapping and holding on the subject before recording.

Product facts

• BRAUN Smartphone-Halter für Spektive: This BRAUN smartphone holder attaches to spotting scope eyepieces and works with nearly any smartphone for recording images and video. You don't need a special phone or expensive camera adapter—just the holder and your existing smartphone.