[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Gary E. on 15:28:31 11/06/12
In Reply to: Spotting Scope Recommendations posted by Warren Parker
In 2012, I got an unused Swarovski scope (without eyepiece) for $1,130 and separate 30x eyepiece for $430. They were discontinued models on sale at Eagle Optics. I got the last ones that Eagle Optics had in stock. If your desired scope is on sale, grab it before it is gone. One of my favorite aspects of this Swar scope is that the built-in tripod base (foot) can fit directly into the quick-release tripod heads made by Manfrotto, without needing a separate quick-release plate.
I am not familiar with Alpen.
Celestron has a good reputation, primarily in astronomical telescopes using mirror lenses. Nikon has an even better reputation, primarily in cameras using refractive lenses. If I could only choose between Nikon and Celestron, I would lean towards Nikon.
Russ has mentioned Kowa as a high-quality economical option. (Eyepiece sold separately.)
If you want to digiscope at some time in the future, then see what adapters are available to connect cameras to your desired scope.
Other things being equal, get a scope that has a wide field of view (@ about 30x), weighs the least, and has the most user-friendly focusing. (Try to get your hands on several before you buy.)
(In 1986, I got two Celestron telescopes {8" mirror and 5" mirror}. I use both for watching stars: not perfect at bringing stars to a pinpoint focus. I also used the 5" to view and photograph birds: frustrating: (a) took many turns of the one focusing knob to change focus and (b) flaky focus due to excessive play in the focusing mechanism.)
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]