Advice on buying Spotting Scope for Birding

[StuMack]

Hi all,

I've decided to take the plunge and go for a spotting scope, but i havent a clue about them!! I want something thats relatively high quality with good magnification, although my understanding is that the lenses are interchangeable?

Im happy to spend up to the £500 mark, but if you guys feel theres something lower down the range that matches upper end models then thats great.

Ideally i'd like it to be waterproof, and if possible should be adaptable to provide digiscoping possibilities.

Id be very grateful for some advice.

Thanks all, Stuart

[Tringa]

Hi Stuart.

Try to get to somewhere where you can try out a few scopes. Often reserves have scopes set up or have a day devoted to optics.

The Newport Wetlands reserve The RSPB: Newport Wetlands have an optics day on the 30th Jan.

I have not to been to one but I guess it could get busy.

Google for retailers of scopes in your area. There is a good chance you can try quite a few.

Most people, I think, get a scope with a zoom eyepiece which gives a decent selection of magnification.

The smallest scopes start from 50mm - very light, but the image is likely to darken as the light drops. 80mm seem quite popular - good as the light drops, but they are heavier, though I was surprised that the 80mm I bought is reasonably easy to carry.

You mentioned digiscoping. Bigger scopes will be better for this and the high quality version better too.

Also factor a tripod into the budget. It needs to be sturdy as any small movement in the tripod will be magnified many times.

The only scope I know much about is the one I have an Opticron 815, it is not the ED version as my eyes are not good enough to really see the difference, but it is good.

However, you have to try yourself, as the bloke at the shop used said "It has to be right for you". Which is where a specialist dealer is worth their weight in gold. I spent well over an hour trying out lots before I decided.

Dave

[Boddie]

My advice would be to buy second hand. Scopes are notoriously well loved, and hence well looked after.

You could pick up a real bargain.

[rossy]

Originally Posted by Boddie

My advice would be to buy second hand. Scopes are notoriously well loved, and hence well looked after.

You could pick up a real bargain.

ok boddie any idea where to find any second hand ones, rossy.