Spotting Scope on a Budget

[Wildwood]

I'm very much a novice birder and have been getting out and about as much as possible recently with my binoculars but I feel now that I need a spotting scope as I keep missing out on those far way birds, but I only have a couple of hundred pounds to spare at most and that will include a tripod, case and anything else needed. Does anyone have any particular recommendations? It needs to be as lightweight as possible, I'm not very big or very fit!

I've been looking in magazines and online but it's all a bit daunting as there are so many to choose from. I nearly passed out when I saw how much the top of the range scopes are. I know you get what you pay for but I'd like to get the best possible for the price I can afford and thought you'd be the best people to ask.

Thanks in advance.

[eeyore]

the two most comon budget scopes are the opticron mighty midget and the kowa 501/502
both of these are decent so long as you dont expect too much in low light.

I'd stay away from the chinese, korean, etc scopes that sometimes turn up on the tinterweb from manufactuers no one has hear of as these tend to be of poor build quality and have the optical clarity of looking through a milk bottle.

[RobinP]

You can pick up the Kowa TS 502 with zoom for about £150. I haven't tried it personally but would recommend ED versions of the MM2 and also Nikon ED50 if you can afford the bit extra. Some firms also throw in a tripod for free.

[Tormentil]

The TS SP 80Z is only £144 from Teleskop Services, a German company.

Get the "straight" version of whatever you buy. Angled ones can be a pain in a hide.

[Wildwood]

Thank you all for the advice I'll check your recommendations out.

[Perry Grin]

Take a look at the IS60 by opticron, I have one of these with the 25x lens, it's a great bit of kit for the money, though bear in mind that it is not waterproof (not many are in this price range) so you will need a stay on case - most people use these anyway as they protect the scope.

You can get scope, lens, case and tripod for under £200.

Alternatively look out for a second hand bargain.

Perry

[Wildwood]

Thanks Perry

[Perry Grin]

Originally Posted by Perry Grin

Take a look at the IS60 by opticron, I have one of these with the 25x lens, it's a great bit of kit for the money, though bear in mind that it is not waterproof (not many are in this price range) so you will need a stay on case - most people use these anyway as they protect the scope.

You can get scope, lens, case and tripod for under £200.

Alternatively look out for a second hand bargain.

Perry

Update: A waterproof version of the IS range is coming out this month according to opticrons web site (here)

Prices start at £99 for the 50mm objective lens model.

Perry

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Tormentil

Get the "straight" version of whatever you buy. Angled ones can be a pain in a hide.

I'd say exactly the opposite

And an angled one can be used really well with a bean bag on the hide edge.

[coasty]

Originally Posted by Tormentil

Get the "straight" version of whatever you buy. Angled ones can be a pain in a hide.

I dont agree at all,,,, You get what you feel comfortable with personally I would prefer angled in a hide and in the field....