REVIEW: VIKING OPTICAL Swallow Smartphone Adapter
17 January 2024
By Alex James
By Alex James
As an avid birdwatcher and amateur photographer, the seemingly endless quest for capturing those fleeting moments has now led me to explore the Viking Optical Swallow Smartphone Adapter this January.
Promising to bridge the gap between my spotting scope and smartphone for a very reasonable £29.95, the universal adapter from Viking Optical offers everyone an opportunity to delve into the world of digiscoping on a budget. Here's a detailed review based on my experiences with this adapter.
Design and Build Quality:
The Viking Optical Swallow exudes a well-thought-out design, catering specifically to the needs of digiscopers. The build quality is commendable for the money, featuring durable materials that ensure stability during prolonged use. The adapter's construction allows for a secure attachment to my spotting scope, providing confidence that my smartphone is in safe hands.
Compatibility and Adjustability:
One of the standout features of the Swallow is its universal compatibility with a range of spotting scopes. This adaptability ensures that I can seamlessly switch between different scopes without any compromise in stability or functionality. The universal design means it will fit phones with widths from 66-95mm wide and eyepieces from 33-60mm meaning it will fit most eyepieces on the market unlike many others.
Ease of Use:
Setting up the Viking Optical Swallow for digiscoping is a straightforward process. The clear instructions, guide users through the attachment process, and the intuitive design allows for quick and hassle-free adjustments - just a pinch allows you to fit and remove the adapter in seconds.. The adapter's user-friendly interface ensures that even those new to digiscoping can start capturing moments with ease.
Performance in the Field:
The true test of any digiscoping accessory lies in its performance in the field, and the Viking Optical Swallow did not disappoint. The adapter maintained a solid and robust connection between my smartphone and spotting scope, allowing me to capture stunning images and videos of distant birds with remarkable clarity. The adjustable knobs facilitated precise positioning, ensuring that I could focus on the intricate details of my subjects.
Image Quality:
The Swallow's impact on image quality was minimal, preserving the sharpness and clarity of my spotting scope optics. The adapter did not introduce significant aberrations or distortions, and the images captured through my smartphone retained the fine details of feathers, beaks, and plumage. This aspect is crucial for digiscopers who prioritise image quality.
Portability:
Considering the additional functionalities it brings to the table, the Swallow maintains a compact and lightweight profile. It easily fits into my field kit without adding unnecessary bulk, allowing me to transition seamlessly between traditional observation and digiscoping.
Verdict:
The Viking Optical Swallow Smartphone Adapter has proven to be an indispensable tool for my recent digiscoping endeavours. Its robust design, broad compatibility, excellent value, ease of use, and exceptional performance in the field make it a standout choice for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture and share their experiences.
★★★★★★★★ 8/10
Testing scores
📦 Buy now: www.vikingoptical.com/viking-swallow-smartphone-adapter
🏷 Price: £29.95
Promising to bridge the gap between my spotting scope and smartphone for a very reasonable £29.95, the universal adapter from Viking Optical offers everyone an opportunity to delve into the world of digiscoping on a budget. Here's a detailed review based on my experiences with this adapter.
Design and Build Quality:
The Viking Optical Swallow exudes a well-thought-out design, catering specifically to the needs of digiscopers. The build quality is commendable for the money, featuring durable materials that ensure stability during prolonged use. The adapter's construction allows for a secure attachment to my spotting scope, providing confidence that my smartphone is in safe hands.
Compatibility and Adjustability:
One of the standout features of the Swallow is its universal compatibility with a range of spotting scopes. This adaptability ensures that I can seamlessly switch between different scopes without any compromise in stability or functionality. The universal design means it will fit phones with widths from 66-95mm wide and eyepieces from 33-60mm meaning it will fit most eyepieces on the market unlike many others.
Ease of Use:
Setting up the Viking Optical Swallow for digiscoping is a straightforward process. The clear instructions, guide users through the attachment process, and the intuitive design allows for quick and hassle-free adjustments - just a pinch allows you to fit and remove the adapter in seconds.. The adapter's user-friendly interface ensures that even those new to digiscoping can start capturing moments with ease.
Performance in the Field:
The true test of any digiscoping accessory lies in its performance in the field, and the Viking Optical Swallow did not disappoint. The adapter maintained a solid and robust connection between my smartphone and spotting scope, allowing me to capture stunning images and videos of distant birds with remarkable clarity. The adjustable knobs facilitated precise positioning, ensuring that I could focus on the intricate details of my subjects.
Image Quality:
The Swallow's impact on image quality was minimal, preserving the sharpness and clarity of my spotting scope optics. The adapter did not introduce significant aberrations or distortions, and the images captured through my smartphone retained the fine details of feathers, beaks, and plumage. This aspect is crucial for digiscopers who prioritise image quality.
Portability:
Considering the additional functionalities it brings to the table, the Swallow maintains a compact and lightweight profile. It easily fits into my field kit without adding unnecessary bulk, allowing me to transition seamlessly between traditional observation and digiscoping.
Verdict:
The Viking Optical Swallow Smartphone Adapter has proven to be an indispensable tool for my recent digiscoping endeavours. Its robust design, broad compatibility, excellent value, ease of use, and exceptional performance in the field make it a standout choice for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture and share their experiences.
★★★★★★★★ 8/10
Testing scores
- Design: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Performance: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Durability: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Weight: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Value: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
📦 Buy now: www.vikingoptical.com/viking-swallow-smartphone-adapter
🏷 Price: £29.95
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