If you’re like me, when you’re hunting your optics can make or break a hunt. You can’t kill what you don’t see. Sometimes, though, it can wear you out to be staring through a set of binoculars or spotting scope for hours on end. That’s where digiscoping adapters come in. Since we all carry camera-equipped phones in our pocket now, digiscope adapters allow you to connect your phone’s camera lens to the eyecup of your favorite optic. This serves two important functions. First, it allows you to lean back and keep an eye on your phone screen instead of keeping your eye pressed to the optic. Second, it allows you to take high-quality video and photos using the zoom from a set of binoculars or a spotting scope. In other words, digiscope adapters are amazing and simple pieces of kit that can greatly enhance your experience while glassing. Dozens of companies make digiscope adapters, but Phone Skope has risen to the top of the pack recently.

A quick trip to the company’s website makes selecting an adapter very simple. You basically have two different options: you can get a universal adapter or one specifically fitted to your phone and or optic. There are two parts to the system. The first part is a phone case. If you elect to go with the fitted case, it will function just like a normal smartphone case with the addition of a track on the back that your optic adapter can attach to. The universal phone holder, or lollipop universal phone case, allows you to attach it to just about any modern smartphone (without removing your phone case). Part two of the system is the optic adapter. If you go the universal route, you will find that there are two different universal optic adapters, the U1 and U2. While they both fit a range of optic eyecup sizes, I found that for my Vortex Viper binos and spotting scope, one universal adapter would not fit both. I instead opted to go with two of the fitted eyecup adapters which are custom made to perfectly fit onto the rubber eyecups.

Each component of the two-part system will cost around $40. I opted to purchase the universal lollipop phone holder since I tend to upgrade phones every 12 months. When it comes to my actual optics I plan to use them until they stop working so the fitted adapters made the most sense. It’s hard to describe how such a simple product can make the glassing process so much more enjoyable. From taking breathtaking long-distance photos to leaning back in a chair and keeping an eye on your scope from your large phone screen I promise it will enhance your viewing experience.