Scope Minefield

[mason]

I've decided to augment the binos with a spotting scope. I'll be using it mainly for birds and other wildlife.

As much as I'm tempted by the Leica and Swaro offerings I don't want to spend that much money at this time.

My budget is about the £500 mark. I live in north Notts. well withing reach of both Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

I knew it was going to be a minefield before I started looking but I waded in and started reading reviews and looking at prices and as expected I'm about as confused as I ever wish to be! I'd be grateful for any pointers and recommendations. Also any info on places within easy or reasonable reach where I can go and test drive some scopes.

Thanks

Mason

[Boddie]

Buy cheap, pay twice.

If you know you're going to enjoy it invest now. Nothing worse than not being able to see the images your friends are enjoying because your optics aren't up to it.

[diggleken]

This one keeps cropping up.............but if you cant/wont pay mega bucks, go for a well known maker, been in the market for many many years (and for good reason) try the Opticron HR range. Test first, but they arent far short of top banana stuff.
Cheers
Ken

[wizzo]

Where are you located Mason? I agree with what Boddie says about buy cheap - pay twice, (at least where scopes are concerned). I still believe that with binoculars, you can pay a lot less than the top models cost and get equally good optics. If you can find a good second hand Leica or Swarvo'...then I'd be tempted to put the money towards one of those. Watch this space as I may be putting my Leica up for sale before long. Wizzo

[Tringa]

Have a look at In focus - binoculars, telescopes, tripods & digiscoping

Their nearest shop to you is probably at Rutland Water.

I don't know the Rutland Water shop but if it is anything like the one in London Colney the service will be excellent. We spent loads of time trying out binoculars and scopes without any pressure to buy or to decide quickly.

As Rutland Water is popular it may be useful, if you do want to go, to check with them when is the best time.

The only way is to try a few scopes. As the bloke at the London Colney shop said, "Its got to be right for you."

Secondhand is also an option. I think it was someone on WAB who mentioned that scopes tend to be well looked after so there are some good secondhand ones around.

Dave

[Hobjob]

1. Don't forget you MUST budget for a decent tripod and decent head.

2. I have a friend with an Opticrom - personally I don't rate them. I have a viking and it is I think good value for money, but I think Boddie is right - I should have shelled out more originally.
(I don't rate the RSPB scopes either, unlike their Bins).

3. Go to two or three shops and try lots - best to try on miserable dark day looking into shadows. Ask to peep through other scopes in hides - most people are happy to help.

[mason]

Originally Posted by Tringa

Have a look at In focus - binoculars, telescopes, tripods & digiscoping

Their nearest shop to you is probably at Rutland Water.

I don't know the Rutland Water shop but if it is anything like the one in London Colney the service will be excellent. We spent loads of time trying out binoculars and scopes without any pressure to buy or to decide quickly.

As Rutland Water is popular it may be useful, if you do want to go, to check with them when is the best time.

Dave

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm very familiar with Rutland water, I used to sail there. If the Mem Sahib has no other plans for this weekend we may well wander over and have a look.

Mason

[mason]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

1. Don't forget you MUST budget for a decent tripod and decent head.

2. I have a friend with an Opticrom - personally I don't rate them. I have a viking and it is I think good value for money, but I think Boddie is right - I should have shelled out more originally.
(I don't rate the RSPB scopes either, unlike their Bins).

3. Go to two or three shops and try lots - best to try on miserable dark day looking into shadows. Ask to peep through other scopes in hides - most people are happy to help.

A good point. I already have a couple of very decent Manfrotto tripods and heads for my camera that will do very nicely. I also have a very substantial Meade field tripod for my astronomical telescope, probably to substantial for moving around much once set up. Not something one tends to do once set up for looking at stars as they don't suddenly fly off.

I'll probably use the Meade tripod at home so I can leave the scope set up in the study window. I live in an apartment in a converted Manor house and the grounds are full of wildlife. I might even get a better view of some of the owls!

Someone has recommended that I visit Rother Valley Optics who, I'm told, carry good stock at reasonable prices and are very helpful. I'm hoping to go there today and test drive some scopes as they are only about 15 or 20 minutes drive from me.

I didn't know they existed despite having spent a week using Google to find reviews and compare prices. I must have a word with them about search engine optimisation, it will raise their profile on Google etc. no end!

Mason

[mason]

Well, I've bought a scope.

We went to In Focus at Rutland Water over the weekend and test drove all manner of kit and I went to Rother Valley Optics today and tried some more.

In the end I opted for a Hawke Endurance 80 ED

It was within budget and the images are both extremely bright and clear even in today's dull and overcast weather. I compared it to some very expensive glass and while there is now doubt a difference you get to a certain point where each small optical gain costs an awful lot of money!

I was also able to trade in some of my unused astronomical gear so that in the end I parted with £350.

Buying the Hawke also means that my astro eyepieces work with it which is a bonus.

I've spent a couple of hours this afternoon watching the wildlife from my study window and I'm very pleased with the ease of use, performance and clarity.

I can't praise Rother Valley Optics enough for their patience and advice. They are more interested in getting you the right scope than upselling you something you don't need, or worse, recommending something cheaper that you'll outgrow and regret.

Thanks also to all those on here who offered help and advice.

Mason

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by mason

Well, I've bought a scope.

.......

In the end I opted for a Hawke Endurance 80 ED

That's interesting - the fora and magazines have had a lot praise for the Hawke Bins in the last couple of years. A friend has been a Leica man for 40+ years, but won some cheaper Hawke Bins and won't got back to his Leicas.

I hadn't even realized they made scopes.

Well done for persevering and finding what is best for you.