Help scopers & digiscopers please

[canny]

I cannot decide.....heads in a mess.

I want to buy a scope and am torn between a standard one and HD. I don't know if the extra cost warrants a HD or not.
My problem is I am not able to compare as no where close has both types. I want to use it primarily as a scope but will most likely want to try digiscoping at some time with both camera and camcoder.

The scope will mostly be used for trips to Scotland approx 6 weeks out of the year plus a bit around home hopefully.

Has any users amongs you got any advice for me please.

[Hobjob]

With optics you do get what you pay for !!

If you can pop round the wash to titchwell they will have
both types to compare, and there is an excellent shop at Cley
"Cley Spy" at the visitor centre there.

One problem with trying scopes is that getting a good
view with a scope takes more than 5 minutes to master.
Don't forget to look at things in shadows, as quality comes to
the fore in poor light.

Most birders in hides will happily let you look through their optics
when they know you are serious - in fact many of us are
terrible bores ..........

A good tripod is [b]essential[b] too.

[richardkm]

In general, with a HD/ED/APO etc scope, you will get better definition, a brighter and sharper image and less colour fringing. This last is especially important if you do any digiscoping.

The best thing is to set a budget and buy the best you can afford.

Don't be led into thinking some scopes are better than others just because of the name. Many people are surprised, for instance, how good the Kowa scopes are when compared against Swarovski and Leica and yet cost lots less (I'm talking pre 77/88 series here).

Only YOU can decide what's best. What suits one person, another doesn't like. For instance, I have customers who prefer the helical focussing on the Swarovski, while others hate it, preferring the focus knob such as on the Leica/Zeiss/Kowa.

Go and try lots. Go to more than one retailer, since some will push you towards certain manufacturers because they get better margins from that supplier. Choose the one that YOU prefer.

Good luck.

[canny]

Thanks guys,
My main problem is trying them, our local shop does not have the choice. Looks like I need to travel miles to test them.
I was concidering Swarovski (Standard or HD) and an offer for a free Swarovski top model tripod finishes end of June.
Isn't it stressful ...........on top of spending all that money