Spotting Scope for Birding (under $500)

LarryU · Guest

Hi Joanie (and all)!

You helped me out last fall in selecting a pair of Nikon Monach 8x42 binoculars and now I'm wondering if you can share your wisdom on choosing a spotting scope for birding?

I'm very much a novice (but learning fast!) birder, and I'm running into many situations where the binos just aren't going to cut it. I need the extra reach of a spotting scope to scan those far off rafts of gulls and flocks of horned larks, looking for the rarities that might be mixed in with them. Of course, I could always sell my car, divorce my wife, and eat beans for a couple of years to afford a high-end Swarovski, Leica, or others in that range, but that prospect doesn't sound very appealing! Laughing

My MAX budget is $500, but something even cheaper would make me happy. Very Happy

A 60mm objective lens is minimum; bigger is better, of course. A zoom eyepiece is mandatory, with a max magnification of 45X or 60X. Waterproof would be nice, but water resistant is acceptable. I wear eyeglasses, so moderately long eye relief is desirable. I don't see using it in extremely poor conditions. An angled eyepiece is also a nice option, but I can use a straight eyepiece in exchange for better optical performance.

I like what I've read so far on the Eagle Optics Raven. Are there any others available that would compare favorably with the Raven?

Thanks again for the help and advice!

- Larry

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:53 pm Post subject:

Hi Larry

Welcome to birding! Glad to have you with us.

You've been doing your homework, that's for sure. What you've described are the popular features for a good birding scope - zoom eyepiece, good eye relief, angled design (no optical disadvantage with a few exceptions), waterproof and large objective. You've also outlined the tempation many of us have for high end optics. I won't say I have risked a divorce for a high end scope, but I have sold my car to get the optics I want. I like to think I have my priorities right.

In the under $500 range, the Raven is one of the most popular scopes for birding and deservedly so. It should handle all your birding needs short of extreme distance work on shorebirds. The Raven, though, will be all the scope you need to learn this group. By the time your an expert on shorebirds, you'll have had plenty of time to save for that Swarovski.

At just over $500, I also like the Swift Nighthawk, http://www.opticsplanet.net/swift-20-60x80mm-nighthawk-angle-view-scope-849u-sze.html and the Nikon 20-60x80 Sky&Earth, http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-spottingscope-sky-earth-20-60x80mm.html
_________________
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
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Fax: (847) 574-6820

robroy123 · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 27

Larry,

Please pardon my intrusion into this forum, but you mentioned the Nikon Monarch 8x42 binocular, which is one that I've considered. How do you like it?

Your comments and opinions are appreciated.

Thanks much,

Rob

Guest · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 5:54 am Post subject: Re: I hate to intrude but...

Rob, I'm very happy with the Nikon Monach binos...I spend several weeks researching and trying out different ones, and dollar-for-dollar, this it the one that came out on top. It just felt right...nice and light, good handling, and the optical quality is excellent. It's no Swarovski or Leica, but I think it's the top of the sub $500 binoculars that I've found. A birding friend with a Swarovski EL 8.5x42 was even impressed!

Larry

larryu · Guest

Minor "correction"...I meant to say that the Monarchs were the top sub $300 binoculars I've found. I did see a couple in the $500 range that were real nice, but outside of my budget.

larryu · Guest

Joanie, I've pretty much decided that the Celestron Ultima 80ED is my best choice at the sub-$500 price point, but I have one final question. The scope is listed as including a soft case. Is this a "view-thru" style case (where you can leave it on the scope and still use it) or is it just for storage and transportation? I really like the view-thru feature since it provides protection from bumps, bangs, and stray showers, but still gives quick access to the scope when a few seconds make a difference in identifying an unusual critter.

Thanks again for the advice and information.

Larry

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:03 am Post subject:

Hi Larry

Yes, the Celestron comes with a see-thru style case. Personally, I've never been a big fan of these - too much fumbling with flaps and zippers when the action is hot and heavy - but some people swear by them.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820