I like taking pics through magnified optics, but I hate trying to hold the camera steady behind the lens. Taking still shots is tough enough, but grabbing video can be impossible, especially with optics like riflescopes with a tight eye-box. Enter Tactacam’s Long Range Shooter Package with their FTS or “Film Through Scope” module:

The Film Through Scope module allows the user to view through an optic to aim and shoot. It simultaneously records to a micro SD card or broadcasts to a device via Wi-Fi.   Thus equipped, this enables the shooter to film a hunt, a match, or a training through the optic. As an instructor, I appreciate the ability to use this to see what a student sees while making a shot. I also like being able to use it to demonstrate what I am seeing by broadcasting to an iPad.

The Tactacam needs to have a micro SD card installed to work properly.  I recommend using dedicated SD cards.  The camera can be used with or without being connected via Wi-Fi to a device, the power and mode buttons indicate whether the camera is recording and the various record modes.  Users can select the camera resolution and “frames per second.”

In the Field

I took the opportunity to try the Tactacam with FTS module on several optics including Vortex, Nightforce, Kahles, Trijicon, and Minox.  The Tactacam worked best with Vortex optics, although some optics with shorter eye-relief, Kahles in particular, don’t give a full edge-to-edge image. It was still usable, just didn’t give the scope’s full field of view.  Regardless of the optic, the focus ring may also need to be adjusted from its normal position to give a clear image of the reticle.

Ratings:

Customer Service: 5 out of 5  The folks at Tactacam were extremely helpful and responsive to my questions.

User Friendliness: 4 out of 5 It took a little bit of experimentation to really get the hang of the unit.   It’s pretty simple but there’s no ability to make adjustments.   I really would have liked to have the ability to adjust the prism angle on the FTS unit.   Eye relief adjustment is also somewhat limited.  Optics with short eye-relief are less than optimal on this unit.  The app is nice, fairly intuitive, and can work with multiple Tactacams.  Broadcasting does eat up camera battery life somewhat quickly.

Clarity and Resolution: 5 out of 5 The Tactacam allows for adjusting the frames per second as well as the resolution (up to Ultra 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 120 fps).  The image stabilization helps smooth out some of the shakiness in action shots, but it’s best to turn that feature off when using the FTS.

Versatility: 5 out of 5 The Tactacam has a number of applications and the FTS module is something that I find particularly useful as a precision rifle instructor and optics reviewer.

Value: 4 out of 5 The website price for the Tactacam’s long range shooter package is just over $500.  You get what you pay for… this isn’t just another cheap microcamera, the Tactacam is a high-quality unit but that quality has a cost.

OVERALL RATING: 23/25 = 92% Excellent Product

Tactacam’s Long Range Shooter Package is a great tool for the PRS competitor, long-range hunter, and rifle instructor or student.  If you aren’t great at calling your shots or if you are a little lazy with your data book, the Tactacam can be a significant aid.  The ability to remote control multiple Tactacams with the remote control module (sold separately) or via the app is a useful feature.   The Tactacam FTS module is a must for shooters who like to have through-the-scope images or videos.

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.