Swarovski TLS APO

I can't find the answer anywhere, hoping you guys can help.

I have a Swaro ATM 80 HD. I would like to get the TLS APO digiscoping adapter for it (they make one for the ATX and another for the ATS/ATM).

Since I also have a Nikon SLR, I would like to be able to combine them. My question is...

Will the TLS work as a stand-alone non-zoom lens when not attached to the scope?

Will the picture be clear and in focus?

----Can I leave the zoom lens at home and take the "Trophy Pictures" at the end of the hunt with the same TLS APO that I used for digiscoping, or will I have to carry a standard zoom lens in addition to the TLS APO and switch back and forth while hunting?

None of the local stores have the TLS APO that I need in-stock so I can't just go try it and they don't seem to know enough about them to answer the question.

Grizzly

The TLS APO will take pictures when it isn't attached, they are decent, not excellent from my camera. It is just a pancake lense.

LAST EDITED ON Nov-24-13 AT 12:34PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Nov-24-13 AT 10:30?AM (MST)

The TLS APO is designed to be digiscoped with.

One of the problems with digiscoping is that there are two focusing devices.

The spotting scope focus ring, and the cameras focus lens.

These two focus features tend to fight each other.
It makes getting good focus difficult.

The TLS APO is designed to eliminate the need to dual focus.

You just use the spotting scopes focus ring and the TLS APO gets it.

As was stated. Its a pancake lens.

Yes it works.
Is it the same quality you expect from your standard camera lens?

No, Not even close.

You will want to carry your regular lens for trophy pics.

One thing you may want to consider.

Borrow a TLS APO for a second.

If you are in Northern Utah, you can use mine.

Nikon cameras have had issues with being able to use the "live view" or LCD screen mode without an actual lens attached.

Some of them work, some dont.

You dont want to be into this thing $550.00 to find out that you have to look through your view finder to focus your scope.

You may find you want to switch cameras, or go with a DCBII swing adapter on a point and shoot.


This is a little video I shot with the TLS APO.
You will notice that there is a quality difference before attached and after.


You can see that it does work. But I would not want that to be the only field pics I had of a trophy buck.

I have been thinking about it.
Whats your comfort with shooting manual?
Adjusting ISO, shutter speed, and setting your white balance?

That is really where the TLS APO shines.

The TLS APO can take a crappy picture. Even if you get the focus on the scope sharp.

Thanks for the info guys, and for the video link. That is exactly what I was looking for.

I can find the ATX version at a local store. I may just have to buy the T2 adapter and go try the ATX version at the store. That way I could at least see how it works with my camera. I can't see that the ATM version would be much different, if it works with one, it should work with the other.

Grizzly

Yes, you are correct.
It does not matter which scope you use.
As far as I know, the TLS APO is the same for the _TX and the _TM scopes.
The only thing that changes is the adapter sleeve that attaches to your scope.

The thing that may cause a problem is the cameras software.

Some cameras will not allow the LCD to work (live view) if the camera does not sense that a lens is attached.

Since there are no camera lens connections on the TLS APO, your camera might sense tat there is no lens and thus not allow the LCD to work.

Sorry, I should have made that more clear in the above post.

You are correct, all you need is the T2 adapter for the Nikon camera, and you should be able to attach any TLS APO to the T2 ring. Then simply turn on the LCD.

If you can see the image that the camera is pointed at, your are good to go.
If the camera gives you a warning and says that there is no lens attached to your camera, you are gonna have a problem.

Its a camera sensor problem, not a TLS APO problem.

Ooops, forgot a couple things.

If your camera has a full size sensor, your TLS APO will not cover it.
You will get a dark ring.

But, your camera should have an option to switch from full frame, to APS-C.
In APS-C mode, you will have full coverage of the sensor.

Most likely, this will not be an issue. I assume your camera sensor is already APS-C size.

Just did not want you to freak out, in the even that you are running full frame.

At the store, take a couple snaps with the TLS APO on your camera, not attached to your scope.

That will give you an idea of the type of pic it takes not on the scope.

Griz, do your self a favor.
Just order your TLS APO. But, don't rely on it to take your close up pics.
Take a small lens with you.
You will want both.

Here are a few images I took in the last few weeks with my TLS APO and scope.
Its worth EVERY PENNY.

I took this one, friday. At 600 yards.
Thats a stock image. No fancy photoshop work done.



This one was friday as well, 450 yards.



You get the idea.







Sometimes, if you practice, you can even get to the point where you can get running shots like this.



I am not going to tell you I am some kind of expert. I am new to digiscoping myself.
I bought my scope and TLS APO in March.

I have been working the bugs out and playing with it ever since.

Check you pm's. I am sending you a link to a place where you can see a lot more of my stuff.
It will give you an idea of what the TLS APO can do with your scope.

You wont be disappointed.

But, I will warn you.
Good digiscoping IS NOT ABOUT THE ADAPTER!
Good digiscoping is ALL ABOUT CAMERA CONTROL.

I would be glad to help you with the learning curve and give you some tips.
I am sure several others here can as well.

SHEDYGAGA, pm sent.

Thanks for the help.

Grizzly

LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-13 AT 05:14PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-13 AT 05:13?PM (MST)

Grizzly, this may not answer your original question but it tells you a little about the DCB2 and the TLS APO.
This one might answer your question better. If you don't want to watch the whole video then go to about 7:80.
fatrooster.

fatrooster, thanks for the links. I had found one of those, but the other was new to me.

Thanks again.

Grizzly