Low cost camera with sharp long distance zoom (Page 5): To MJG: Buy it! The SX50 camera is a bargain for $200.00 and will probably get as close to doing what you are looking for as any...

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Ward wrote:

Have a Canon SX50 I will sell for the $200

To MJG: Buy it! The SX50 camera is a bargain for $200.00 and will probably get as close to doing what you are looking for as any super zoom available. I have an SX50 and love it. I took it on a Safari in Kenya and got some great long distance shots with the 50X zoom.

PhotoshooterNJ Loc: NJ

MJG wrote:

Thanks, Gene. I’m afraid you may be right. Just not possible. This seemed my best possibility but it still probably won’t catch the eagles and pelicans sitting out there:
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black)

You can get a used canoe for $200 and then you can go to the Island with your iPhone! 🤪

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

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?

I generally use a Sony A6500 which is way outside of your budget, but I recently picked up a used Lomix (Panasonic) ZS40 for a mere $65; I wanted a camera that would fit easily in my pocket. For the price it is amazing - not as good as my Sony but it really takes pretty good pictures. Here is a slide show made up from pictures I took with it: https://www.facebook.com/100017673032001/videos/689529544979474.

Eric Bornstein Loc: Toronto Canada

I don’t typically add a critical comment to a post. However, I believe that MJG has got to be pulling out ‘proverbial’ leg. $200 set aside for a camera and a long telephoto lens; in your dreams!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

MJG wrote:

Maybe $200.

Used bridge cameras are plentiful on ebay. They fit your budget and will give you the long zoom you want.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

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?

I think Gene51 is correct. A true telescope may help better than a lens, but neither will be cheap or possibly as successful as you want. Maybe rent a lens and see what results you get.

radiojohn

Any lens that powerful will need a very study support. There are also atmospherics to consider.

maciej

How about an adapter to attach your camera to the telescope? Then get an inexpensive SLR. A variety of good ones are available at quite reasonable prices used.

tropics68 Loc: Georgia

Gene51 wrote:

A long zoom won't get you what you want. Most of the image degradation is due to atmospheric conditions - haze, mist, fog, heat shimmer, etc. You could spend $20,000 on a lens and full frame camera and not be at all satisfied. Good luck with your quest . . .

Oh So True

jimmol

MJG wrote:

Thanks, Gene. I’m afraid you may be right. Just not possible. This seemed my best possibility but it still probably won’t catch the eagles and pelicans sitting out there:
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black)

Don't worry about atmospheric degradation-- if you can see it clearly with a telescope, a camera with the right lens can see it too. The FZ80 would be a good choice if you can get one second hand (try Ebay). I have the FZ300 and it works very well for distant birds. Both of these cameras can double the effective focal length in computing the JPEG version. I use this feature all the time; degradation of the image is negligible.

Mu Dan

How about a kayak? It could really be fun.

deputydawg265101 Loc: Montana

Is your telescope on a tripo? My husband used one with his iPhone on a telescope adapter that holds it more steady and a beanbag weight on the tripod to help stability.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

wdross wrote:

I think Gene51 is correct. A true telescope may help better than a lens, but neither will be cheap or possibly as successful as you want. Maybe rent a lens and see what results you get.

Yeah, you can attach the telescope to the camera body with duct tape. Works like a charm.

fstoprookie Loc: Central Valley of California

I have a nice D7100 for sale with 2 lens (28-55 &70-300 mm), 3 batterys , a charger, a bag, and the Nikon Owners manual if your interested

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

aellman wrote:

Yeah, you can attach the telescope to the camera body with duct tape. Works like a charm.

You just buy an adapter, silly. Did that back in the film days. I just haven't had it as a high enough priority on my digital list. I want to buy a much better telescope first to replace the one I gave to my son and granddaughter.