Thread: Spotting Scopes; A Little Help, If You Please!

I assume you will be looking at stationary eagles as a scope is not easy to track a moving animal with (IMHO)

Yep, they (and other birds) will be sitting still. Got a set of 10X50's. A bit old and heavy but they do the job pretty well. Just want something with "more power" (as the "Toolman" would say).

Got a chance to look at the ProStaff (Nikon) today at Cabela's (along with others). Not bad but we've pretty well decided on the "straight" Bushnell. Just have to find a good price. Maybe after Christmas.

Incidently, the eagles are on the nest out at Llano right now. The eggs have probably been layed. Was hoping to go to Inks on Sunday but the weather doesn't look to be real good for the first part of the week and we see little reason to go that far just to sit in the trailer. Might go out somewhere local on Tuesday or Wednesday, assuming the weather improves.

Happy Camping and Happy Thanksgiving!

Originally Posted by 4everfrio

Turn Key, I believe the 45 degree eye piece would be less strain on your neck and back. If you go back to Cabela's or Bass Pro, see if you can set one up on a large tripod and look through them. I believe that you would be standing most of the time while viewing the birds. Give yourself some time and try both types. A good quality glass will cost but your eyes and brain will thank you. Lesser glass will strain your eyes and give you one heck of a headache.

Thanks for the input. Tried a couple of "45's" at Cabela's (Bass Pro Shop had nothing in 80mm) and have decided against them. Optics appear to be equal but I just don't care for looking "down" into the eye piece. On top of that, we found that if a "45" is set so that I can view it, DW can't without a stool to stand on. Not good. Also, I found that there is a mount that we can use with both our cameras but it wouldn't work well with a "45".

There is no way I'm wasting time with a low grade scope. Have seen the difference and know that I'm not interested. We're pretty well sold on "biting the bullet" and purchasing the Bushnell. We like it and it has all the features we want. Just going to watch the "net" and see if we can find a good price. I'm thinking that there may be some sales after Christmas. Knowing what we want will allow me to jump when I see it.

Thanks again for the input!

Happy Camping and Thanksgiving!

Well, we made a decision and we'll see how it works out. I'd looked at the Bushnell "Trophy" but had dismissed it as it didn't have the 80mm objective I want (65mm) nor did it have the replacable eye-piece for higher powers. But I was able to get the "Trohy" at Wal-Mart for $214.00 including tax. Ordered it to be shipped to our Wal Mart so there are no shipping costs. Here's a link to what we ordered:

Bushnell - Trophy 20-60 x 65mm, Matte [782065]

The "Trophy" has some pretty good reviews and since it is from Wal Mart, we should be able to return it with no issues if it doesn't fit our needs. I'll have to find a better tripod but that was part of the plan no matter which scope we bought. Will post here after we get the scope and have had a chance to use it some.

Happy Camping!

I got it the other day but have only had it out on the patio for a couple of minutes. Been too dang cold and I've been "under the weather" the last couple of days. Looks good but it will need a more complete test.

One thing I've found is that the tripod is about useless. This was mentioned in a couple of the reviews that I read so I wasn't surprised. If you don't set it up just right, the scope wants to tip over. It is a nice little tabletop tripod and would be good for holding a camera but the legs are not set wide enough apart to hold a scope. This is not an issue for me as I'd intended to purchase a good tripod for the scope.

Scope does come with a very nice hard case with plenty of room for the scope. It would easily hold a camera as well, should you so wish.

As soon as I've had a chance to get it out for a good test, I'll post the results here. I do believe that it is going to fit our needs just fine.

Happy Camping!

Originally Posted by Troop198

Some scouters recommend the Gitzo Mountaineer for a Tripod . It's sturdy and with its carbon fibre construction it's still fairly light.

Thanks, "Troop"! Will keep it in mind.

Leads up to another question. Saw one guy that had a gadget mounted between his tripod and his scope. It was some kind of a quick lock mechanism with a single trigger grip. When he squeezed the grip, it allowed the scope to move on all three axis (on a ball joint, I assume). Releasing the trigger grip automatically locked the scope in what ever position it was in. Seemed to work real well and allowed him to lock on his target far quicker then I can do with a tripot not so equiped. My question is what is the proper name for gadget he was using? Haven't been able to find it on the web and assume it is because I don't know what its called. Any one know and could you give me a site reference?

Thanks in advance and happy camping!

Originally Posted by Troop198

I think they call that a Ballhead Acratech, Inc :: Ballheads & Tripod Accessories

I just did a seach and copied that page, I have not used one personnally

No, that's not quite it though the movement is correct. What I'm looking for has that movement along with a "D" handle that allows you to move the scope when you squeeze the "D" handle. It's out there. I just have to keep looking.

Happy Camping!