I don’t own a telephoto lens because:

1. They’re expensive
2. I’m a klutz
3. My backpack is heavy enough without a whole bunch of camera equipment in it

Luckily for me there’s an easy way to get clear, close up pictures!  I learned this trick on my first trip to Alaska, when we visited Potter Marsh; we could see a young bull moose waaaaaay in the distance but I couldn’t get a clear picture of him.  Another woman on the boardwalk showed me how to position my phone camera lens against the binoculars in a way that gave me a much clearer shot of the moose, and I’ve been using this strategy ever since.

Here’s the difference, an example from our Harding Icefield Trail hike.

No Binoculars

With Binoculars

Results will vary depending on the power of your binoculars, but hopefully you’ll be able to get some amazing shots!