Hi, this may a little off topic but I figured this was a good place to ask the bird experts about a spotting scope. The Park where I work is looking to buy a couple of spotting scopes for bird surveys. We are budgeting b/w $500 - $1000 each. Could anyone recommend a good brand, type, or model that would fit our needs and price range?
80 mm Nikon Fieldscope. Comes with 25- 75x eyepiece with others available.
More than you want to spend but still not their best. B&H Photo--about $1,400.
Very, very adequate.
Heavy.
Good low light performance. I would think necessary in dark foliage???
Don't ever under-buy on optics; save until you can get this one. You'll always want something better.
I've never used mine for attaching my d700 but it can be done. Seems like movement would be a problem but some do even for birds...
We have a Kowa 82mm we like a lot; it's sturdy and has taken a lot of abuse. Our best birding buddy has a Zeiss (named "Carl," of course) that's exceptional.
I agree with Larry: don't go cheap on a spotting scope. It's one of those items where price really matters. And the weak US dollar makes the good ones a bit spendy.
Posted by Mark Seaver on June 12, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Wade, if you have the opportunity, make sure that you look through any that you're interested in. Scopes are a lot like binoculars in that the main difference between cheap and expensive is how clear the entire field-of-view is. With cheap ones, you only get clarity in the center. The earlier advice was on target in that you want to get the largest diameter that you can afford. If you're not looking across vast distances, you may be able to save some $ by limiting the maximum magnification to 60x rather than 75x. Keep in mind that you'll also need a GOOD tripod for the scope(s).
Posted by Brian Gatlin on June 13, 2011 at 11:47 PM
hey Wade, scopes are like lenses, you get what you pay for when it comes to good glass. don't know if you're working for state or federal, but you may be eligible for pro deals. For example, Zeiss offers pro deals to Dept of Interior employees through promotive.com (which handles pro deals for lots of companies). these can create some really substantial savings (wish I'd known about them when I bought my Zeiss scope and binocs...).
Posted by Joseph Jupin on June 18, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Wade...I just finished researching this subject for myself. See the responses to my posting in the "Gear Reviews forum". The Yellowstone link was very helpful. Three of the best recommendations I received are the Zeiss Viper HD, the KOWA TSN, and the Vortex Razor HD (20-60 x 85mm)...all about $1600 to $2000 almost anywhere on the internet. Try "binoculars.com" for the best civilian price and "optics Planet" discounts for government purchases. Hope this is helpful. Joe
Discussion
6 repliesThank you very much
Wade
More than you want to spend but still not their best. B&H Photo--about $1,400.
Very, very adequate.
Heavy.
Good low light performance. I would think necessary in dark foliage???
Don't ever under-buy on optics; save until you can get this one. You'll always want something better.
I've never used mine for attaching my d700 but it can be done. Seems like movement would be a problem but some do even for birds...
I agree with Larry: don't go cheap on a spotting scope. It's one of those items where price really matters. And the weak US dollar makes the good ones a bit spendy.
Thanks alot for your help!!!