FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Re: Scopes

[RCuffe <RCuffe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

If you haven't already, try to find a roving pack of birders (at one of 
the popular sites you've read about in VA-BIRD) that is outfitted with 
several different brands/models of scopes.  Talk to them about their 
thoughts on the pros and cons, ask to look through their scopes and try 
to do an A/B comparison, and ask if they'd buy the same scope again. 
Some local bird stores have several different scopes for sale, but it is 
difficult to properly evaluate them when standing in their sales area or 
nearby parking lot.  Any field trial/comparison you can manage is likely 
to give you a better feel for what you want and what's acceptable 
(hopefully the same thing).

Since a scope is, for most birders, a major $$ purchase made with the 
expectation of a long and useful life (both scope and birder), I 
recommend buying the best you can afford -- this is not something to 
skimp on.  As mentioned by Kurt Gaskill, read "Better View Desired" and 
any other reviews that you can find.

Eagle Optics seems to always have a great selection and rather good 
prices; ABA likewise has a good selection (any additional price there is 
going for a good cause) but there are others, too.  Read all the 
relevant ads in as many birding magazines as you can get hold of, and 
call or check their web sites to get current prices.

Real advice.  I have a Swarovski ST-80 with 20-60mm zoom.  My wife and I 
love it, but if we had it to do over, we'd most definitely get the 
angled eyepiece.  When viewing straight on, or at a slight elevation, 
the straight scope is fine.  As soon as you want to point steeply up 
(greater than 45 degrees, say) or as soon as you have viewers who are 
significantly different heights, the straight scope is a pain in the back.

Ron Cuffe
McLean, VA

lori keeler wrote:
> Fellow Birders,
> 
> Words of wisdom, or, references to articles with words of wisdom, regarding 
> the purchase of a scope: how to make a decision about what to buy, best place 
> to buy, etc. would be appreciated.
> 
> I have started doing my homework, having just read an article on the new 
> class of 65 mm spotting scopes in the Dec. 2002 issue of ABA's Birding, and 
> want to read more on scopes in general.  I know next to nothing about scopes, 
> except that I want one, and after a trip to Leesylvania State Park yesterday 
> morning, I don't want to be without one much longer.
> 
> I rented a Bushnell Space Master 25X with zoom to 45X a few months ago.  That 
> experience taught me that I need to slow down and gather a lot more 
> information before making what could turn out to be an expensive mistake if I 
> am not careful.  I had not really wanted to go much beyond the $500 range for 
> the whole package of scope and tripod, but after renting the Bushnell I have 
> decided to go farther up the price scale although probably not to the top.  
> 
> Please send replies to my e-mail address:  keelerlori@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> 
> "Thanks" in advance to all who respond.
> 
> Lori Keeler
> Arlington, VAGet more from the Web.  FREE MSN Explorer download : 
> http://explorer.msn.com
> 
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