1st Spotting scope Comparison and Questions

trexhunter · Guest

Hi,
We're looking for our first spotting scope to use for both wildlife and bird viewing. (Places like yellowstone, the Texas coast, etc.)We have a 5 and 8 year old who are both wildlife enthusiasts and will also be using the scope with their parents. Last, but not least the first 6 months of the scope's life will be spent travelling through the Western US and up to Canada on a family "adventure".

The models that we're considering (at the present) are as follows:
- Alpen 788
- Bushnell Elite 80mm ED
- Vortex Skyline 80mm ED
- Nikon Fieldscope 82mm ED.

Several questions:
(1) Are the optics on the Nikon that much better than the Vortex and Bushnell to justify the almost 2x price? Will a novice be able to tell the difference?
(2) Are all of these ok for digiscoping?
(3) How do the features compare? I have only been able to test the filedscope?
(4) My understanding is that the Vortex and Nikon both have no fault warranties but the others don't. Is this correct.
(5) Are there other scopes I should consider in the sub $1K price range?
(6) We know nothing about tripods. What are possible choices for these scopes?

I know; too many questions. Smile

Thanks for your help!
bruce

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5383

Hi Bruce

If you can affors the Fieldscope, go for it. It is a true premium grade optic and, yes, you will notice the difference. The other are certainly excellent scopes for the money, but they are not Fieldscopes. If nothing else, I would buy the Fieldscope for its excellent optional eyepieces, especially if you want to digiscope. You don't get this option with the others.

Any spotting scope can be used for digiscoping with the right camera and adapter. Put your money into the spotting scope, first, though. Optical quality on a spotting scope is number one for pic quality. Again, the Fieldscope, here.

All have good warranties. The folks at Vortex are the super, but you'll be fine with Bushnell and Nikon, as a rule. The Elite has a lifetime warranty against defects.

Other good scopes in the $1000 price range include the Pentax PF80ED. My first choice, though, is still the Fieldscope, but, of course, it is easy to spend someone else's money.

Bogen (Manfrotto) is the standard in good tripods for spotting scopes and cameras. Be sure to select a "kit" when shopping for Bogen. "Kit" in Bogen means you get a leg set and a head. "Tripod" in Bogen means you only get a leg set. Even a basic Bogen kit, such as the Bogen Manfrotto 055XDB, 128RC is a good choice.
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Trexhunter · Guest

Thanks Joanie.

Which of the non Nikons would you recommend if I want to keep it under $1K and why? Also, Where would the Nikon be noticeably better? ease of use, sharpness, low light, etc.

thanks, bruce

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5383

Hi

Not going to be able to squeeze a 60mm ED or 82ED under $1000 with an eyepiece and you definitely want ED for digiscoping.

The Nikon 82ED, in my tests, was the brightest of any 80mm premium spotting scope I tested and the equal of nay in terms of resolution. Truly excellent and well worth the asking price.
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Trexhunter · Guest

Hi,
Thanks for the feedback. A couple of more questions.
- What kind of an adapter would I need for the Fieldscope for digiscoping. I use Cannon point and shoots and Olympus SLR.
- How is the eye relief for the zoom lens?

thanks,
bruce

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5383

Hi

Glad to help.

You can use any universal adapter, such as the Alpen 706 with any small to medium digital camera and that is what I recommend for digiscoping. SLRs produce more vigentting, are unecessarily heavy and cumbersome and don't produce any better pics than a good, small digital.

Eye relief on the zoom is adequate at 14mm, but all the current fixed power eyepieces (ideal for digiscoping) are much better in this regard. On the fixed powers, no need to go with the digiscoping eyepieces when using a universal adapter. The standard WAs work great.
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