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iphone + binoculars = great optical zoom (with example pics)

S

samcraig

macrumors P6
Original poster
Jun 22, 2009
16,786
41,983
USA
Will post some pictures soon - but I just tried out taking some pictures with the iphone using my binoculars in preparation for an upcoming cruise and the results are pretty cool. Hard to hold both steady - but it definitely works... (see post below)
 
Now all we need is a case which has a mono binocular attached to the back. Maybe something similar to that handle grip to use while recording movies.
 
See below. Both are taken of the same "area" outside my window. Binocs are bushnell 8x42mm
 

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Why would you carry an iPhone and binoculars with you instead of investing in a decent digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens? The picture quality isn't very good through the iPhone as it is... add more glass to that and the quality is going to degrade even more.

Get a digital SLR and learn how to use a real camera.
 
TheSpaz said:
Why would you carry an iPhone and binoculars with you instead of investing in a decent digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens? The picture quality isn't very good through the iPhone as it is... add more glass to that and the quality is going to degrade even more.

Get a digital SLR and learn how to use a real camera.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have a DSLR. In fact I have some of the top of the line video, audio and still gadgetry.

I never said it was something to replace a normal camera. But in a pinch when I don't want to lug MORE heavy equipment around than I already am (i.e. I'm hiking and already have my binocs and phone) - it's a quick "fix" if I want to snap a shot of something. It's called making use of tools already at your disposal.

Aren't you (TheSpaz) who removed all his apps that he didn't use so he could have a streamlined device? No extras?

Obviously it's NO replacement for a digital camera (or film camera) with a good optical zoom.
 
samcraig said:
Thanks. I have a DSLR. In fact I have some of the top of the line video, audio and still gadgetry.

I never said it was something to replace a normal camera. But in a pinch when I don't want to lug MORE heavy equipment around than I already am (i.e. I'm hiking and already have my binocs and phone) - it's a quick "fix" if I want to snap a shot of something. It's called making use of tools already at your disposal.

Aren't you (TheSpaz) who removed all his apps that he didn't use so he could have a streamlined device? No extras?

Obviously it's NO replacement for a digital camera (or film camera) with a good optical zoom.
Click to expand...

Good. I didn't want to think that you were actually shooting photos like this. I love my DSLR, but I haven't been using it much lately. I should start shooting again. I love photography.
 
I can't even believe that worked as well as it did. Looks like it works fantastic in a pinch. Cool!

I wonder for those with a telescope can use this trick to take some shots of stars and planets with their iPhone?
 
mrtune said:
I can't even believe that worked as well as it did. Looks like it works fantastic in a pinch. Cool!

I wonder for those with a telescope can use this trick to take some shots of stars and planets with their iPhone?
Click to expand...

As long as enough light hits the camera - it should work...
 
samcraig said:
As long as enough light hits the camera - it should work...
Click to expand...
Wasn't there a MR post a while back where someone took their iPhone 2G to a huge telescope and photographed some celestial body? I remember thinking that was pretty cool.

Now I've gotta try this with my binoculars. :D
 
My next picture will be my pellet rifle crosshairs on the stupid woodchuck that lives in my yard. First picture will show the woodchuck living, second shot will show the woodchuck a little lifeless.

I already shot the thing once but the thing is so fat it didn't die. Resilient creatures.
 
My buddy does this with his camera phone/binoculars at the port when a boat with hot chicks goes by LOL.
 
uberamd said:
My next picture will be my pellet rifle crosshairs on the stupid woodchuck that lives in my yard. First picture will show the woodchuck living, second shot will show the woodchuck a little lifeless.

I already shot the thing once but the thing is so fat it didn't die. Resilient creatures.
Click to expand...

But but but.. why would you need binoculars on your camera if it's dead. Just walk up to it and shoot ... I mean take a picture LOL
 
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