trying to decide on what scope to buy

dujo · Joined: 22 May 2005 Posts: 1

We live above a lake surrounded by mountains. We can see this lake and mountains with the naked eye for at least 30 miles We would like to have the ability to view wildlife and boats from our home. We also have several bird houses within 12 ft from our house that we like to watch. Can you advise us on a scope that would be versitile enough for both uses. We are looking in the $500.00 price range.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Tue May 24, 2005 1:35 pm Post subject:

Hi

No spotting scope made will allow you to view wildlife at a distance of thirty miles, of course, but you will be able to see the mountains in more detail. Always remember, though, that atmospheric conditions - heat waves, wind currents, dust, humidity - put a cap on how much magnification you will be able to use on any given day. Thirty miles is a lot of atmosphere. Even the largest, best quality telescope or spotting scope may not be able to give you satisfactory views at that distance.

As for close work, very few spotting scopes are capable of focusing at 12 feet, but there are a few. At such a distance though, you may find a binocular more convenient and comfortable to use, anyway.

The Meade ETX-90 spotting scope, http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-etx90ss.html, is now packaged with tree eyepieces. This quality scope will give you all the magnification you can ever use during the day and will also be a nice scope for casual astronomy at night. The ETX-90 is also unusual in that it can focus to less than 10ft. The fact that it is an attractive scope doesn't hurt either.
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dujo here again · Guest

We bought the Meade ETX-90 spotting scope and love it. We use it everyday from our living room for far away viewing of the mountains and boats on the lake and close range viewing of birds nesting as close as 12 ft. from our house. We love to share the fun with our guests who are amazed at what they see. We have also viewed the moon and are thrilled with the clarity and brightness. Thank you so much for your reccommendation. We really are enjoying our scope.