Low-cost alternative for long-range photography - Bushnell 80mm Elite Spotting Scope 35mm Camera Adapter 780050

If you are unable to spend hundreds of dollars on a super-telephoto lens, try using this adapter in combination with your SLR or Digital SLR and your Bushnell or Bausch & Lomb spotting scope. You'll also need a T-ring adapter specific to your camera's mount type. The camera adapter adds about 3" to the overall length of the spotting scope, so taking into account the weight of your camera mounted on the end, you'll want to make sure you have a tripod that can handle the additional weight and vibration. Given that spotting scopes are generally not intended for photography and the fact that you end up with an f/ratio of 13 or higher, you certainly have to be willing to accept some compromises in terms of photographic quality and versatility. But, I've enjoyed using my setup to capture long-range photos that would otherwise have been outside my photographic range, not to mention my budget.
Pros: Excellent construction quality
Cons: Not up to par with dedicated telephoto lenses

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.