Similar to the Spot Shot Wi-Fi Camera, the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera by Shooting Made Easy offers the same unique device for hunters and long-distance shooters—but includes the added feature of an integrated hi-resolution screen. This further alleviates eye fatigue and muscle tension, meaning you can spend more time doing what you want—putting those rounds downrange.
With an enclosed Wi-Fi camera, the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera comprises of an adjustable chuck-mounting system (adjustable between 1.0” to 2.5” in diameter) that attaches to most common spotting scope eye pieces.
When paired with the free Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera app on Google Play or Apple Store, the Wi-Fi camera is capable of streaming high definition video to most common smart devices, up to 150’ from the camera. In addition, the video is displayed on an adjustable 2.4” high-definition monitor that can tilt approximately 15-degrees and has an adjustable brightness. A rubberized sun shield helps mitigate excessive reflection and light value.
The camera app itself allows the user to observe, record, and take still images while storing them on either an SD card (not included) or smart device.
The Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that gives the camera a runtime of approximately eight to ten continuous hours. A micro USB port enables for charging, while the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera itself has a single power button with low-power indicator.
The Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera is only available in in a blended Crème/Black color combination, and comes with a custom soft carrying bag and Micro USB power cable.
Editor’s Note: For the purpose of this review, a Vortex RAZOR HD 48×65 spotting scope was paired with the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera, however it did not influence nor was part of the review process for the camera system itself.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Excellent (5/5): With an MSRP of $199.99, the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera has an enclosed micro HD camera and Wi-Fi transmitter that is capable of projecting the spotting scope field of view 150’ to your app-enabled smart device. In addition, an adjustable screen on the exterior augmented the camera system when the smart device was unavailable. The adjustable chucks ensure the widest adaptability to most common spotting scope eye pieces on the current market. In contrast, other similar spotting scope cameras include the Hawk ($329) by TargetVision, the Spotter LR ($299) by Tactacam, and the Hawk ($329) by Longshot. Thus, in comparison the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera is excellently priced for the consumer given similar designs.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera was easy to install to the eyepiece of the spotting scope even at a max diameter, and the chuck-adjustment ring moved easily to provide a snug fit. Navigation within the app was likewise easy with the few options using common icons for easy recognition, and to make sure it was not complex nor overwhelming.
- Durability – Average (3/5): The Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera was enclosed within an ABS/polymer shell that gave it some modest level of protection from the occasional bump during transport, or hard contact with other items. Likewise, the 2.4” screen had a rubberized sun shield, although it frequently either fell off or was easily removed while making adjustments. One recommendation to SME would be to find a way to anchor the sun shield or integrate it into the overall housing. The exterior ABS shell felt much like most commercial-grade electronic housings, and it is unlikely this camera system would survive a fall on concrete (an experiment not tried given lack of any rubberization). Again, the recommendation to SME would be to consider rubberizing the outer edges to provide some level of drop protection. SME does offer a 2-year “Bulletproof” warrantee (sold separately) that users would need to consider based on their expected level of usage and protection for the camera.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera was somewhat simplistic in use, with merely mounting to the eyepiece and opening the app being the extent of complexity. But some difficulty was experienced with syncing to the smart device, something easily resolved by resetting the Wi-Fi settings to the camera (instructions found in the manual). Once reset the issue never arose again. All focal adjustments had to be made from the scope and eyepiece, as the camera was strictly a passive system when ON. This left a lot of bouncing around in the field of view until all adjustments were completed. It would be strongly recommended for users to ensure that a strong tripod be used (not provided) to further stabilize the overall scope and camera. When used with the app, much like the Spot Shot, the camera resolution showed clear and crisp video and images at the 50 yard line, but at 300 yards the color and resolution started to show some pixilation and color bleed. This suggests the same optical camera system is in both units. In addition; as the scope zoom was used for further distances and the focal plane of the eye piece narrowed, rounded shadows started to appear in the corners of the field of view reflecting the dimensions of the round eye piece projected on to a square screen. This was not inhibiting in any way, but something users should be aware of. Otherwise, the image and video capture functions worked as expected, and the library function easily brought up all files taken with the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera. It should be noted that unlike the “Sight In” target camera system by SME, there is no function in the app for the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera to do target development or shot tracking.
- Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 12.7 ounces, the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera is lightweight enough not to be heavy in a range bag or backpack, but given that the weight is then added to the extreme end of a spotting scope made it difficult for smaller tripods to manage. The solution was to move the spotting scope to the larger tripod with a much wider base and sturdier material, and a larger locking mechanism. This gave the overall spotting scope improved stability with the camera added in moderate wind and amid other shooters. Shooters will need to consider their tripod accessories before venturing out with this camera. In contrast, the Hawk (16 ounces) by TargetVision, the Spotter LR (9 ounces) by Tactacam, and the Hawk (16 ounces) by Longshot all illustrate that the Wi-Fi Optical Scope Camera is at the lower end of the weight spectrum and thus earns itself a good score for its relative lightweight to functional use.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.shootingmadeeasy.com/wifi-spotting-scope-camera-w-screen/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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