Spotting scope

[Steve In Kentucky]

Do any of you have a recomendation for a good spotting scope?
Budget of 300 to 400 dollars.

[scrumpy]

There's an interesting thread here somewhere about using a Sky-Watcher telescope for birding but I can't find it.

I expect someone will come along soon and know where it is. Keep watching.

[badams]

I got a Tasco for Christmas. Since I'm at work I can't give you model numbers. It was originally $200 but we got it on sale during Black Friday for $100. It does good up to around 50x, but at 60x it vignettes and I can't get a sharp focus. At 20-40x it is great for the price. I'm thinking by this time next year I'll be looking at getting a better one though.

[quackaddict]

For 3-400 dollars you can get into one of Nikons midrange spotting scopes, I have used a 20-60X version a friend has and it is very sharp for the money.

[vkalia]

What size scope are you looking at - 65mm or 80mm? Try heading over to Eagle Optics or Cameralandny.com to see if they have any specials.

Generally, while $300-400 gets you a decent scope, upping your budget to $600 will get you a superb scope (eg, a Pentax PF65ED with a Baader-Hyperion 13mm or 30X eyepiece). Or consider buying used.

I dont have any specific recommendations at that price, but do check the Scope forum at Birdforum.com for a lot of recommendations in this range.

Vandit

[Dave 1942]

I have a Leupold Sequoia 15-45X Green Ring spotting scope. The optics are very clear and it is fairly compact. I paid right at $200 plus shipping.. Try it, I think you will be impressed..

Dave