How to Use a Monocular for Digiscoping

Quick answer

To use a monocular for digiscoping, attach a smartphone adapter to the eyepiece, align your phone camera with the monocular's exit pupil, and adjust focus on both devices for a sharp image.

Step-by-step digiscoping setup

1. Attach the adapter to the monocular eyepiece: Slide the PA-60 digiscope adapter over the eyepiece of the monocular. Tighten the thumbscrew just enough to hold it firmly without overtightening. The adapter should not rotate freely. Common mistake: Overtightening can scratch the eyepiece or deform the adapter. Stop when you feel resistance.
2. Mount your smartphone in the adapter: Open the adapter clamp and place your phone with the rear camera lens centered over the eyepiece. Close the clamp and adjust the phone position until the camera lens aligns with the monocular's optical axis. Checkpoint: If you see a dark crescent or vignette in the phone screen, the camera is off-center. Reposition the phone until the full circle of light is visible.
3. Set the monocular focus first: Look through the monocular eyepiece (without the phone) and focus on your subject using the central focus wheel. Once the image is sharp through the eyepiece, do not touch the focus wheel again. Common mistake: Adjusting the monocular focus after the phone is attached often shifts the adapter alignment. Lock focus before mounting the phone.
4. Adjust the smartphone camera focus: Open your phone's camera app and tap the screen to focus on the subject. If your camera app supports manual focus, use it to fine-tune sharpness. Avoid digital zoom—it degrades image quality. Checkpoint: If the image stays blurry after tapping, check that the monocular eyepiece is clean and the adapter is snug. A loose adapter can cause soft focus.
5. Capture and review the image: Use a remote shutter or a timer delay to avoid camera shake when pressing the button. Review the image on your phone screen and zoom in to check sharpness before moving to the next subject. Common mistake: Touching the phone screen to take the photo can nudge the alignment. A Bluetooth shutter button or voice command is more reliable.

Product fact

• Vanguard VEO HD2 10x42M Monocular with PA-60 Digiscope Kit: The Vanguard VEO HD2 10x42M monocular comes with the PA-60 digiscope adapter that connects with most smartphones. You get a complete digiscoping kit in one box, so you don't need to buy a separate adapter or worry about compatibility.