First Scope

 
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 7
PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 1:19 pm    Post subject: First Scope Reply with quote
First timer - looking for spotting scope for general, scenery, and wildlife viewing.

Was looking at the following scopes:

Celestron Ultima 80 20-60x80
Tasco 20-60x80 Zoom Waterproof/Fogproof
Alpen 15-45x60 Waterproof Spotting Scope
Vortex 25-75x70 Impact Scope

Leaning towards Vortex because of smaller size for traveling, i.e., airports, etc. Also not trying to get expensive model for first time use - till I get used to using and viewing.

Any comments and/or recommendations greatly appreciated
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Jne_K
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Joined: 24 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 1:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

The Alpen is defintiely the smallest and the most travel worthy and overall quality will be as good or better than any on that list. Be my first choice in a portable spotting scope at a good price.
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Will 60mm be suitable for my purposes or should I go 70/80mm?

Any other suggestions on other portable scopes?
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Jne_K
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

For general wodlife viewing and scenery, a 60mm will be fine.
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Should I consider ED?

Also what about Vortex Sandpiper?

Are there any other others scopes I should considered in the $200-500 range that would be better suitable for my purposes?
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Jne_K
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

Nearly any scope in this price range will work for your application - you will need to decide what features are most important to you - but the Sandpiper is a an excellent choice.

ED will improve image quality at all magnifications, but it will be mostly noticed at higher magnifications.
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Any comments and/or suggestions regarding Celestron Ultima 80ED, relative to the previous scopes we have discussed?

What about tripods?
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Jne_K
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

As much as I like the Ultima, I would recommend a better grade of ED scope. The Ultima ED suffers from the same inexpensive eyepiece used on the standard versions. Better off going with a high grade, standard glass scope than an inexpensive ED scope. Takes more than an ED objective to make a good scope.
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Any suggestion on higher grade, stand glass scope?

Being first timer, really confused reading all the different reviews trying to figure out which scope to purchase or should I just stay with one of the scopes previoiusly mentioned for the first time.

Don't want to be just throwing $$$ down the drain!
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Jne_K
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

Under $500, try one of these:

Alpen 788, 20-60x80,

Vortex Skyline, 20-60x80

Bushnell Legend 20-60x80
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 6:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Can you connect a digital camera to these last 3 scopes?
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Jne_K
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 6:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

You can attach nearly any small to medium digital camera to any of these scopes and take pictures through the eyepiece with a universal style adapter such as the Alpen 706
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ET
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Nice adapter product.

Some cheaper scopes have a rubber eye cup. Just take it off first.
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cctraveler



Joined: 23 Oct 2007
Posts: 7
PostPosted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:42 pm    Post subject: Vortex MK 1 QR Digital Camera Adapter Reply with quote
Ended up purchasing the Vortex Skyline 20-60x80mm, now thinking about using the subject adapter.

Any particular comments and/or concerns with using this adapter? or would the Alpen adapter by better?

Do you need to remove the scope lense to install the vortex adapater?
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Jne_K
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi

The Alpen is ideal for small digital point and shoot camera. This adapter places the camera over the eypiece for taking pics (digiscoping), giving you access to all the magnification provided by the scope.
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