👓
for an entire year I was too lazy/poor to buy a fancy zoom lens so I just used my camera and cheap binoculars carefully aligned to my camera lens to take photos of birds in my local park.
it’s called digiscoping and it’s actually kinda fun once you get the hang of it. not pro-level, but def better than just zooming in on your phone like a maniac.
💡 how to do it:
get steady
your hands will shake. rest your binoculars on something solid (or better yet, a tripod). no tripod? lean on a tree or something.
line it up
open your camera, then gently press your phone’s lens against the binocular eyepiece. it might take a sec to find the sweet spot — you’ll know when you get that nice circle shot.
zoom a lil
use just a bit of your phone’s zoom if needed, but too much = grainy mess. tap to focus if your bird is looking blurry.
spam that shutter
birds don’t pose. just take like 10 pics and pick the best one later. trust.
📸 what to expect:
magnified birdies 🐦✨
kinda artsy circle frame (crop if u want)
not DSLR level but solid for ig or your birding finsta
🔧 pro tips (but like, amateur-friendly):
bigger eyepiece bins = easier to align
adapter mounts exist if ur serious — they’re like $20 on amazon
shoot in good light (early morning is chef’s kiss 🌅)
burst mode = your new bestie
🧠 bonus bird nerd tip:
if you ever upgrade to a spotting scope, your bird pics will pop off. like, frame-on-the-wall level.
May 31, 2025
Related Recs
Apr 7, 2025
🕊
Binoculars are a great technology for not looking at yr phone and instead looking with sustained attention at cool s**t that you otherwise might just let fly by you unnoticed — birds, literally and most obviously, but also any other intriguing visual phenomenon, like for instance incredible lichen growing somewhere high up. If you are doing a picnic (see above), bring some binoculars and see what’s in the trees. If you don’t have any, get a pair at a local place or cop some secondhand online. I have a pair of simple Nikon Prostaff 7S 10x42s that I like; you could get those or something more compact… check out standard-issue Nikons or Bushnells, or drop more $$ on some Fujinons or Leicas. Just be careful not to get anything so cheap & s**ty that it’ll work badly and bum you out…
May 27, 2021
🐦
because this is the summer of hobbymaxxing i went birding for the first time today and it was so relaxing! a great way to get out and truly appreciate nature in all of its glory. i used to be afraid of birds but i found myself awestruck by the natural beauty and grace they exude.
if youre anything like me and have been consciously trying to reduce screen time/phone use, birding is a great activity because (1) youre outside and (2) youre actively searching for birds with your group!
check your local parks and rec for opportunities!!
Jun 2, 2024
Top Recs from @jjjaaammmiiieee
😃
rewatched this recently and it such a deeply inspiring film. one of the best montages ever!!
6d ago
coastal grandfather vol. iii (greek edition) 🇬🇷
a playlist for sipping ouzo in a linen shirt you “borrowed” from your dad, dramatically looking out at the sea like you’re in a film. expect greek indie, old-school rebetiko, dreamy retro pop, and a little beachside melancholy. curated for main character moments on balconies, ferries, or when you’re just feeling ✨ culturally seasoned ✨.
bouzouki solos • cracked vinyl • espresso in the heat • sandals that saw a life • synths, strings, & slow burns
May 31, 2025
whenever I travel, I pick up a huge supply of kit-Kat bars because usually there’s at least one special flavour. My friend recently brought me back a blueberry cheesecake kitkat from
Japan! There’s also a white one from Iceland that’s 🔥
May 31, 2025