Spotting scope and birding

Julia C. · Guest

I do not know very much about spotting scopes, but I would like more information on what type to get. I have a pair of Bausch and Lomb binoculars that are 10x50 that I use all the time for birding. I would like to get a spotting scope that would pick up about the distance where my binoculars leave off. I'd probably be using the scope mostly for shore-birds, so a scope that shows color well would be preferable. In terms of pricing, I'm looking for something in the mid-price range. I'd appreciate any advice! Thank you!

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:33 pm Post subject:

Hi Julia

Shorebirds are my favorite, so let me know if you ever have any questions about them or the optics to use.

Of all the groups you could have picked, though, shorebirds are probably the most challenging optically. Distances are extreme and the birds themselves are tiny. What's worse, markings are subtle and as you mentioned, so are the colors.

Any scope, of course, will take you beyond the capability of your 10x50, but only a handful of spotting scopes will take you all the way to 60x and deliver excellent images when you get there. If you want both 60x and premium images, there are no inexpensive options.

On the other hand, there are some excellent choices that will take you much of the way and not be handicap.

60mm scopes help keep the price down and a good one will do a nice job for all but the most extreme distances. My favorites here are

Kowa 600 series (eyepieces sold separately), http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-60mm-high-performance-spotting-scopes.html

Kowa 660 series (eyepieces sold separately), http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-66-high-performace-spotting-scopes.html

Nikon Fieldscope III 60mm (eyepieces sold separately or as a kit), http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-spottingscope-fieldscope-iii-body-60mm.html

Pentax 65ED with zoom, http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-pf-65ed-a-spotting-scope.html

All of the above are quality scopes and well worth the price. An 80mm scope will handle higher magnifcations a little better. Here are some good ones in the mid-price range.

Bushnell 20-60x80 Elite, http://www.opticsplanet.net/628045.html

Nikon Sky&Earth, http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-20-60x80-outfit.html

are the Kowa 600, and 660 series, situations.
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Julia C. · Guest

Thank you very much for the advice! I appreciate your help. I hope to be ordering a scope soon!

Julia