Low cost camera with sharp long distance zoom (Page 3): I don't know your geographical circumstances but maybe you could walk to a closer position. Just a thought. For many years I've...

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

I don't know your geographical circumstances but maybe you could walk to a closer position. Just a thought. For many years I've mostly hiked or sometimes ridden my bike as a great substitute for a long lens.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

MJG wrote:

From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?

Just thinking outside the box here, but is it possible for you get closer to the island via kayak or canoe? Just a thought because I sometimes kayak out in the marshes near me to get up close to areas otherwise inaccessible.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

MJG wrote:

From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?

Your best solution may be to buy a boat and get closer ......

Kiriakos

imagemeister wrote:

Your best solution may be to buy a boat and get closer ......

Or even better, buy the island and move there. But then again you have to search for the current window to photograph.

Therefore you need either way a long zoom camera. But in this case money will be not matter for you. You will own a whole island after all. Dont be so cheap.!

Quixdraw Loc: x

The oldest rule is get as close as you can then get closer. Rent a motorboat, use what you have for photos. S/B within budget.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

MJG wrote:

From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?

Look into a used Bridge camera such as the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 18.1MP Digital Camera w/60x Zoom. Around $200 on eBay used. Or the Panasonic FZ1000 for $450ish.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

SteveG wrote:

Look into a used Bridge camera such as the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 18.1MP Digital Camera w/60x Zoom. Around $200 on eBay used. Or the Panasonic FZ1000 for $450ish.

I have both the DC-FZ and the FZ-1000, the 1000 can be had for around $350 but it only goes to 400mm equivalent. The FZ 70 and 80 should be in your price range and both take excellent pictures at the 1200 mm equivalent optical zoom. In body stabilization is very good and both can do a pretty good job at 2400mm digital zoom.

Ward

Have a Canon SX50 I will sell for the $200

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Another good choice!

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

Without knowing the distance to the island, but assuming that it is at least a few hundred yards offshore, I am not sure that you will find a solution that gives you the quality image you are seeking. I would even be concerned that a Canon or Nikon 800mm lens would successfully give you results, particularly if you are shooting birds.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

MJG wrote:

Yes. Too expensive unfortunately but it looked pretty good.

NOTE: If you click "quote reply" as I did here, we will know who you are addressing.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

MJG wrote:

From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?

When you say unsteady, this will happen with any strong telescope type lens/camera combo. You need to steady the "camera". We use a tripod, and I'm sure there are such things for your phone.

d3200prime

I agree with some others. Rent or charter a boat, on a calm, clear day to get closer. However, you will still only have the lesser performance of a phone camera. Good luck.

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

MJG wrote:

From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?

Low cost ? Good luck on that one

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

MJG wrote:

From my window I can see a small island in the bay. I bought the Phone Scope which is supposed to attach my iPhone Pro Max to my telescope - too unsteady. So I’m looking for a camera that will zoom in on the island and take sharp photos of the wildlife which is not visible without a strong telescope.
Any suggestions for a low cost camera for taking sharp distant images?

As the great Robert Capa said, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough." How far away is the island, by the way?