which is the best spotting scope?

rene · Guest

i am contemplating to buy a spotting scope with a capability for higher magnification, sharpness, and clarity. My choices are:
1. Celestron C5 spotter
2. Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
3. Celestron C130 Mak
4. Yukon 100x100
5. Nikon Sky & Earth 20x60x80
I cant afford a Swarovsky though i really find it perfect for viewing and photography. (My friend from Ihio lends me his swarovsky whenever we go birding.)
I birdwatch for a hobby; shoot (take photo) birds for my paintings. Would anyone care to honestly support the claim of each manufacturer?
The scope shld be capable of adapting a camera for photography.
Thanks a lot.
-birdpainter

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 6:22 pm Post subject:

Hi

The first three you list - one SCT and two Maks - will be very close to each other optically and mechanically. All are easy to adapt for camera use, but all are rather large if you plan to throw them plus a tripod over your shoulder.

The Nikon will be much more portable and convenient to use. It also has the advantage of digital adapters if you are thinking of digiscoping. Optics are quite good. Overall, this would be a better and more practical birding scope.

The Yukon is a cut below all of these optically and mechanically.
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