The Way To Choose A Bird Watching Spotting Scope |
Posted: June 28, 2017 |
Here is our continuing discussion of bird watching how to choose a scope and spotting scope features. This page discusses focus mechanism, eye relief, body design, close focus, weather proofing, and glass composition to help you choose a spotting scope. Spotting Scope Body Design: Straight or Angled? Straight scopes have eyepiece and the barrel aligned with each other, angled scopes have the eyepiece offset 45 or 90 degrees from the barrel. There are pros and cons for both. We like the design that is straight. It is easier to follow birds that are moving and because we often use our spotting scope from in the car with a window mount, a straight scope isn't a problem. Many people fine the straight line of sight is easier for accurate aiming. A design that is straight is easier to use from an elevated position. For instance, viewing your backyard birds from a second-story deck. It all depends how you want to use your spotting scope. An angled scope could be shared easier than a straight scope without adjusting the height, because more people of different heights can comfortable explore the scope. Think about how you'll be using your spotting scope. This can help you decide which design best suits your needs. Spotting Scope Focus Mechanism Most components are external and subject to potential deterioration from moisture and dust over time, although there are also rack & pinion designs which are commonly found on astronomical telescopes and offer fast, smooth focusing. Spotting Scope Glass Composition/Coatings Also light transmission could be increased by reducing reflections. This could be eliminated with the proper kind of glass and coatings. Look for scopes with ED (extra-low dispersion) FL (Fluorite) HD (High Density) and/or APO (apochromatic) glass. These elements will provide you with an image of detail, higher clarity, and sharpness which then will reduce eyestrain. Of coarse scopes with these extras add extra cost. Another factor to weigh, but you'll be paying the cost in frustration when you can not see those details on that special bird on an overcast (low-light) day. Spend the extra money on your spotting scope, save by making coffee at home, renting movies, forget the fast-food, make your own x-mas or birthday presents. Not eating french-fries for a month may buy you the feathered look of a lifetime! Weather Proofing/Protection Look for scopes with waterproof and fogproof (nitrogen/dry gas filled) designations. Rubber armoring is also a nice addition. It provides protection against abrasive materials, corrosion and helps cushion the scope against unexpected impacts (oops!). It makes it more easier and comfortable to handle in cold, wet weather. Spotting Scope Eye Relief It is the distance in millimeters between the eyepiece of the spotting scope as well as your eye that still allows you to see a complete field of view image in focus. For eyeglass wearers, an eye relief between 12-15mm will be adequate. Without adequate eye relief, you find in order to see the image properly, you'll need to remove your glasses and won't get a complete field of view. So long eye relief promises full field viewing with eyeglasses. There are eyepieces specifically made with long eye relief, as mentioned previously in the eyepiece section. So you can get your eyes closer you may also want to select. Summary: If it's not lightweight, it will be uncomfortable to carry around. You get exactly what you pay for - so don't go cheap. Cheeps are for the birds. So weigh the cost against the benefits, and get the best spotting cope you are able to afford. And do not forget to leave money in your budget for a sturdy tripod to support your scope it's like putting a Mercedes on golf cart tires.
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