Spotting scope advice etc...

[shadowx]

Evening all, I have been mulling over the idea of getting an entry level scope for a while now, I was going to put it on my birthday list for the end of july but I get paid at the end of this week and just sold a few bits and I am very tempted to go shopping at the weekend

I had spotted a "Nature-Trek ED 20-60x80 Spotting Scope" However, googling it just now showed a result for a scope double the price, further inspection shows it is the ED version with the coated glass. I do a bit of photography and ED glass makes a HUGE difference... So i am a bit disappointed now

The visitor centre at hanningfield sells the non ED scope for £200 and from what I hear Naturetrek are a big market holder in Europe so should be fairly trustworthy. I am looking to spend about £200, £250 max for a decent scope, i have spent enough on cameras

Anyone have any general advice? I have read up on magnification values, objective lens size and eye relief, but any good names to look out for?

[Hobjob]

I would advise looking around a bit more first.

With glass you usually get what you pay for. You need to compare what you are thinking of with something in the medium price bracket. My guess is that you will save up and pay a bit more in a few months.

The differences can be quite staggering. Non-zoom may be a better option; a zoom eyepiece in lower end of the range doesn't sound good to me.

Take your time when comparing - reading notices, number plates etc. often shows up deficiencies.

[shadowx]

I could save up and spend more, that is indeed one option....

The RSPB reserve at Purfleet/Rainham marshes does scope days on fridays where they have loads out for people to try and buy so I might have to take a day off work perhaps.

[david156]

I've had and used various scopes over the last 20+ years and am currently using a swarovski AT80. To buy the current equivalent model would cost nearly £2000. I managed to pick this second hand one up, c/w zoom eyepiece, priced at £800 (although I do know someone in the shop so only paid £465)

As Hobjob says look about and take your time. There's an awful lot of rubbish out there

David

[shadowx]

Really I need to use a scope so I know what i am looking for methinks. I would like something that goes up to 60x...I think...

I would also be interested in digiscoping, but as my only camera is a huge DSLR I have a feeling that wont be possible... So I may need to spend another £100 in the future on a point and shoot camera to digiscope with.

Are there any reputable and good value names I should be googling? As it stands the only names I would recognise are camera manufacturers and Swarovski but I dont know if they are good value for money or bloated prices etc...

[John D]

Originally Posted by shadowx

Really I need to use a scope so I know what i am looking for methinks. I would like something that goes up to 60x...I think...

I would also be interested in digiscoping, but as my only camera is a huge DSLR I have a feeling that wont be possible... So I may need to spend another £100 in the future on a point and shoot camera to digiscope with.

Are there any reputable and good value names I should be googling? As it stands the only names I would recognise are camera manufacturers and Swarovski but I dont know if they are good value for money or bloated prices etc...

Have a look at the Opticron web site( www.opticron.co.uk) They do a wide range of scopes and kits for digiscoping.

John D

http://johnswildworld.zenfolio.com/

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by david156

I've had and used various scopes over the last 20+ years and am currently using a swarovski AT80. To buy the current equivalent model would cost nearly £2000. I managed to pick this second hand one up, c/w zoom eyepiece, priced at £800 (although I do know someone in the shop so only paid £465)

David

Wow! That's the jammiest thing I've heard this year. I doff my cap in appreciation.

Regards, Chris

[shadowx]

Thanks for the link I'll check it out!

[Foz]

You get what you pay for is very true with scopes.
And if you want to digiscope the same applies.
Top manufacturers have all the kit needed available, Zeiss even have a scope with a camera built in!
I use Swarovski, its great kit.
I use the ATS80HD, with either the 30x or 45x fixed eyepieces for general viewing, and the 25-50x for digiscoping with an SLR.
I use the UCA adaptor which allows an SLR to shoot through the eyepiece with a 50mm lens attatched.
The Swarovski 800mm adaptor is a brilliant bit of kit, allowing an SLR to be connected via a T2 mount.
But as I said, its not cheap
Nikon do "cheaper" scopes with digiscoping attatchments, it may be worth looking at them?

[shadowx]

I will have to take a look at those two as well, I wasnt too worried about having ED glass but remembering the difference between my old lumix non ED lenses and my current ED canon ones I think i may have to go down the ED glass route, so that's my budget doubled