want to buy a digital spotting scope - PLEASE advise

Chris08 · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Switzerland

Hi

I am new with spotting scopes, so your advice would be very much appreciated.
I want to buy a digital spotting scope. Researching a bit the Internet I found 3-4 models which would fit into my budget (about 500 USD)…
These are:
1. ACUTER 'DIGITAL-70' 3.1MP DIGITAL SPOTTING SCOPE;
2. Bushnell 15 - 45 x 50mm Digital Imageview Spotting Scope with 2.1MP Image Capture;
3. Barska 15 - 45 x 60 Blackhawk DSS60, Angled Spotting Scope with Built-in 3.1 Mega Pixel Digital Camera;
4. Celestron VistaPix IS70 Imaging Spotting Scope with 3 Megapixel Digital Camera;

I need one that give very clear images, with sharp contrast, work very well in poor light conditions, and has quick focus capabilities.
Distance is not very long, so what I need from its optical performances are the clarity and good contrast of images. Occasionally, I will use it as camera, to make picture or very short movies of the best moments.

Thank you very much for your assistance!

Chris

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5512

Hi

Very clear and low light performance is not going to happen at this price or with this kind of equipment. As magnification goes up, image brightness goes down and that translates to slower and slower shutter speeds, unless you increase the size of the front lens. Even the best spotting scope/camera combination, and we are talking $2000 plus, will not have the low light performance potential of a very large and very expensive SLR dedicated lens. You need to match expectations with the potential of the equipment. You want to get clear pics in low light, a spotting scope is not the answer, either with or without a built in camera. Save your money and get a large aperture telephoto SLR lens.

Of these the Vistapix is probably the best - price is always the best indicator of quality in a spotting scope - but you can get better pics and much more versatility by adding a small digital point and shoot camera to a good quality spotting scope (digiscoping). You'll get a better camera and a better spotting scope with digiscoping.

For the latest update on digiscoping, including recommendations on spotting scopes, cameras and adapters, see my article Digiscoping 2008 Update
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