Scope advice please

Tringa · #1 (**permalink**) 28-01-2010, 08:14 PM

I have been thinking of buying a scope for a while.

I know that I must go and have a try before I buy but would be grateful for any comments about Opticron scopes. I'm asking about these scopes because they are at the top of my budget.

I have seen a number of reviews - especially this one Lintuvaruste Oy - Tuoteinfo - which is favourable, but I'd value any views from folks who have this or other Opticron scopes.

I'd also be grateful for any views on good tripods.

Thanks

Dave

wizzo · #2 (**permalink**) 29-01-2010, 05:50 AM

Hi Dave. You're right about trying out as many scopes as you can, in as many different situtions as you can. I have tried a couple of Opticron scopes in the field and they seem ok to me. I still don't think they really compare to the top end scopes, but they seem well made and will do the job (which at the end of the day is what matters). Have you thought about second hand at all Dave? Regarding tripods however, I would always recommend buying the best you can afford everytime. I like Manfrotto or Giotto. Also, weight is a very important consideration. They tend to feel very similar in the shop but even a small amount.of extra weight will notice when you're lugging around a scope, bino's and maybe a digital camera too! I have the Manfrotto Pro 190x and I love it. It's light, easy to use and is very well made. Let us know what you decide buddy! Wizzo

nigel_b · #3 (**permalink**) 29-01-2010, 07:23 AM

Great advice so far.

I've got a Slik Master Classic which at £100 has done the job admirably for me so far. Its in use about 5 times a week and shows no sign of wear.

I'd also recommend the second hand route for optics. I've purchased a Kowa scope, probably for a third of the price of equivalent optics today. I've also purchased a set of Nikon HGs 8x42 and recently a second pair which are 8x32 both for less than half their original price.

As for Opticron, my son has the MM scope and we have 3 other pairs of Opticron binoculars between us, two compacts and one older porro-prism pair(and no others apart from the Nikons). They are in my opinion always good value for money.

Hobjob · #4 (**permalink**) 29-01-2010, 01:16 PM

You get what you pay for with optics (excepting second-hand bargains), but there is a law of diminishing improvement

Opticrom is good value for money in its range. I have two friends who swear buy their's. I settled for Viking which are a bit more but far less that the "alpha" brands. Two good mates have Swaros, and they are fantastic both for optics and debt.