Spotting scopes

[Mark43]

Just looking to get into bird spotting a bit more.

Always had an interest but sitting at RSPB Pulborough Brooks the other day i realised my Barska bins were just not good enough.

I am looking for a spotting scope but have no idea on which one to buy.

I would like to spend about £300ish.I realise this would cut out the top end optics like Swarosvki etc which is fine.

I quite like the look of some of the Bushnell types but can find no online reviews of these.Have any of you used these or have any suggestions as to which make to go for.

Thanks

[nightshade]

If it is any help I have always had a liking for Bushnell,nice clean optics
very good performance(gunsights and binoculars but do not tell)
Buy the best you can afford, make sure they have a good resale value so you can upgrade at a later date whatever you decide on look at good s/hand(the used look gives street cred.)

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Mark43

I quite like the look of some of the Bushnell types but can find no online reviews of these.Have any of you used these or have any suggestions as to which make to go for.Thanks

I have been using a Bushnell Spacemaster spotting scope for 20 years, it's never once let me down, it's well made & the optics are superbly clear.
I use both the 15 -45x zoom eyepiece & a x15 fixed magnification as well.

For around the price mention I can also recomend the Nikon RA80 spotting scope, it has a much larger objective lens than the Spacemaster, 80mm as compared to 60mm, plus it comes complete with a stay-on case.
In bright or normal light the difference between 60 & 80mm is barely noticeable but in low light conditions the extra 20mm gives a bright image, whereas the 60mm objective scopes will suffer slightly, that is unless you buy high resolution optics, but then the price will increase significantly.

hope this helps.
fourwings

[John]

The best piece of advice I can give you is go to a reputable Optics company that allows you to field test their products. I don't mean in a city environment but out in the Country.

Buying Optics is a personal thing. What suits one person may not suit you so it is essential that you try them under conditions you are likely to use the product in.

A lot of people field test a few different models then once they have selected the one they want they then search that model out on the Internet for the best price.

Here is a link to a company that does do many spotting scopes at competitive prices. http://www.warehouseexpress.com/

[Pete]

I'd agree with virtually all of the above. Especially the try before you buy.

While undoubtedly true that an 80mm scope will outperform a similarly priced and qulaity 60mm in low light conditions you also have to factor in the weight. However good the optics of a scope are if you find it too heavy then you won't carry it. I'm not saying don't buy one just that you should consider that as a factor.

As to brands? the Nikon RA60 and 80mm scopes have some good feedback. Opticron's IS scopes are pretty good and if you want something really light the Mighty Midget 2 from the same company weighs 454g. It only has a 52mm objective but is very portable (will fit in a coat pocket). Kowa is another respected brand.

Don't forget to budget for a tripod and remember a bigger scope will require a more robust and therefore heavier tripod

But try before you buy

[Mark43]

Thanks guys i appreciate your input to this thread.

I have just noticed that the RSPB at Pulborough Brooks do optics demo days so i will probably go down and have a look see.

Will let you know what i buy when i finally get one.

[John]

Originally Posted by Mark43

Thanks guys i appreciate your input to this thread.

I have just noticed that the RSPB at Pulborough Brooks do optics demo days so i will probably go down and have a look see.

Will let you know what i buy when i finally get one.

Good luck Mark.

Remember one thing though. If you test them all and still have lingering doubts about the one you like the most then don't buy it. Come away and give it some thought, or even pose a question on here regarding that particular scope.

You also need to check out if most of the leading scopes are being tested. Some demo's only take a few scopes and it becomes an uneven test due to the fact that there are possibly better scopes on the market that are are not brought along.

Good luck in whatever you do but keep one thought in your mind. Buying any optics for the hobby of birdwatching becomes a major purchase. Buy the wrong one and it can spoil your enjoyment due to not doing what you want it to do. Buy it right and it can give you many years of pleaure and get you birds you could only have dreamed of.

John

[Pete]

Originally Posted by John

You also need to check out if most of the leading scopes are being tested. Some demo's only take a few scopes and it becomes an uneven test due to the fact that there are possibly better scopes on the market that are are not brought along.

think you'll find that they will only have the models that the RSPB stocks.

So I think given your budget you'll have a lmited choice probably.....
Nikon RA60II - the 80 + tripod would push your budget
Opticron Mighty Midget 2
Viking AV50

The later two are very lightweight travel scopes. The Viking is a lot cheaper and comes with a shoulder/desk pod but you can't swap lenses. It comes as either a 25x or 10-35 zoom. The Midget is a nice little scope and takes the full range of Opticron lenses from the basic MM2 lenses to the expensive and good HDF lenses (handy if you decide later to buy a more expensive Opticron scope as you already have the lens)

Never used the Nikon but it is well regarded by folk who've used it.

You may want to contact Kay Optical for details of the field days they do at Pagham

[nightshade]

I found some Opticron scopes at www.binocularsonline.co.uk a
company called Foresight Optical several are in your price range.
I assume a digital camera can be attached to these scopes

[Pete]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I found some Opticron scopes at www.binocularsonline.co.uk a
company called Foresight Optical several are in your price range.
I assume a digital camera can be attached to these scopes

that's why I suggested Kay as they do field tests in the area and would prob have a wider choice. Including some Kowa stuff.

Think John is right. Go to a few field days say the RSPB one, a kay one and an in-focus one and then ask for opionions here on the stuff you like.

At that price it's a compromise. You need to consider the weight of a tripod and scope combo. However good the scope is if its too heavy (for you) you may find you don't carry it. Another question you have to consider is do you see yourself buying something pricier at any time.

Consider that a small scope like a Mighty Midget 2 is much better when you add a top quality lens on it. Try 'em and see