Digiscoping was “invented” to photograph birds and animals through spotting scopes. At its very core, digiscoping’s ability to accurately record species seen has had a profound impact on bird watching worldwide. British birders that were noted for their skills at note-taking and field sketching have embraced digiscoping, and American birders are following suit.

Digiscoping also proved that when using the right equipment in the right setting, a skilled photographer can take images that are remarkably good. Neil Fifer of Australia entered a digiscoped photo and won the Gold Medal for Nature in the Sydney International Exhibition of Photography, competing with images taken through conventional SLRs and telephoto lenses! It can be done, but it takes skill, patience, and often a little bit of luck.