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Posted by Gary E. on 04:53:41 05/08/13
In Reply to: Maksutov scopes? posted by brian Monk
I have used a 5" Celestron mirror scope in the field. It was very 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.
Stay away from ALL mirror scopes. They are more likely to have manufacturing defects, and they are not rugged enough for field use.
I am very happy with my Swarovski scope, purchased from Eagle Optics (click link on this TAS site). 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.
Try to get your hands on several scopes BEFORE you buy. Other things being equal, get a scope that has the most user-friendly focusing, user-friendly eye-relief, weighs the least, and has a wide field of view (@ about 30x).
If you want to digiscope at some time in the future, then see what adapters are available to connect cameras to your desired scope.
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