Kenko Lens2Scope Adapter for Nikon Mount Lenses - Straight Eyepiece

2014-06-22T21:00:00

When I ordered the Kenko Lens2Scope, my big worry was that the image would be too dark with my tele lenses (I have the Nikon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 and the Sigma 150-500 f/5-6.3.) My fears were groundless. I can use the Lens2Scope with either of these lenses well after the sun sets, right up until it's too dark for me to be looking for birds to photograph anyway. The quality of the image with my Sigma is just spectacular. At 500 mm, it is sharp as a tack with excellent contrast across the field of view. But the extreme magnification (50x) requires me to use it with my Induro AT314 tripod and Manfrotto 393 gimbal head to provide a stable platform. This limits its field use, as that rig weighs over ten pounds before I add the lens. But, for use in an accessible blind or as a telescope, it is wonderful. My Nikon is not quite as pleasing. It does not seem to be as crisp, even though the magnification is lower. And it seems to me to be a bit less bright, even though the lens has a wider f-stop. My version of the Sigma is a gem, and my Nikon is a bit less crisp at full reach – I always stop it down to f/8 or so when I shoot with it to get good IQ out of it. I can't stop the lens down when using it with the Lens2Scope, so I guess the magnification just magnifies the weakness of the glass. So you should be happy with the wide-open IQ of the lens you are considering using the Lens2Scope with if you want to be happy with the way the Lens2Scope performs for you. I have also used the Lens2Scope with my Tamron 90 f/2.8 macro lens. As the manual says, you can use the Lens2Scope as a 25x microscope with a true macro (1:1) lens. I also find that the Tamron makes a decent low-power (9x) hand-held spotting scope. Unlike my Nikon, the Tamron is superb optically, even wide open. So it is very usable for this purpose. The Lens2Scope construction is plasticy and less than confidence-inspiring. But it has good optics in it and will do the job if treated with care. It has a tripod mount that I've tried with the Nikon and Tamron lenses. It holds them, although I can't help but worry while it is doing so. The Sigma has its own tripod mount, and so the Lens2Scope is mounted on the lens instead of the other way around, which is much more reassuring. The manual warns about using the Lens2Scope tripod mount for any but light lenses, and I would certainly take that warning to heart. The Lens2Scope is about the size of a standard prime lens, and fits comfortably in my camera bag. It comes with a padded case and end caps. I find that it obviates the need for separate field glasses or spotting scope and saves weight and space to boot. If you tend to carry good binoculars or a spotting scope with you in the field, the Lens2Scope is a very handy alternative.

TOM C.