Spotting scope from camera lens

[Dick Dastardly]

In my former life I was a professional photographer for over 40 years. I hung on to some of my camera equipment that I wanted for my retirement. A screw mount Pentax SLR with a complete set of prime lenses is one of them. In that bag there is a fine Pentax Takumar 300mm f4 screw mount lens. It's SHARP.

I just bought an eye piece from B&H photo that they call a GP PENTAX UNIV LENS TO TELESCOPE ADAPTER. The SKU# is "GBPULTA". It cost me $39.95 plus $4.95 S&H.

I put the lens on my Slick tripod and screwed the tele adapter on and WOW! Right side up correct image with 30X magnification. The lens focuses from 18' to infinity and is sharp across the entire distance. The field of view is huge for a 30mm magnification telescope.

I'll be using this rig for BPCR long range spotting this season.

How's that for recycling?

DD-DLoS

[Daniel Nighteyes]

Well done, Sir!  And doggone it, now you got me to thinking about that old Pentax SLR and a gagoodle of lenses that I've got upstairs.  There's this one zoom lens in particular...

[Goatlips]

Thanks for the idee DD.  I been using a garage sale telescope when I remember, but I do have an Asahi Pentax that I bought in the PX in Vietnam, the case is mouldy but the lenses are fine, I'll be glad to use it again.   

Goatlips

[Angel_Eyes]

Hi DD,
Don't wish to steal your thunder, but I have been using that exact set-up since the early eighties when I changed up to the new K-mount Pentax ME Super.
When I tried to off-load all my old stuff, I found it was worth practically nothing.
Being a died-in-the-wool tight-fisted Scotsman, I set up as described, and did the same with the 400mm lens, too.
I also carry a 2x adapter for the long range stuff.
You cant beat these old lenses for clarity.

AE

[Dick Dastardly]

You're right AE,

My 2x tele converter will give me 60 power with the 300 mm lens.  Thank god I've got a good tripod.

DD-DLoS

[Angel_Eyes]

Perzackerly!!!

Just think how much a spotting scope with that capability would cost!!

Does my old Scottish heart good , just to think about it!!

[Dick Dastardly]

Here are a couple of photos of the spotting scope rig.

DD-DLoS

[Angel_Eyes]

SNAP!!!
Great minds,,,,and all that!!

AE and DD's self appreciation society!!

[WyrTwister]

Here are a couple of photos of the spotting scope rig.

DD-DLoS

     So , the middle section is an adapter ?  The big lens fits in one side and the eyepiece lens fits in the other side ?

     You can tell I am not a camera person .   :-)

God bless
Wyr