The right sighting scope can bring new depth to your birding practice
Making the move from binoculars to a spotting scope is one way to take your birding to the next level. A spotting scope offers greater stability for viewing birds in the field, and the tripod base can make sharing the scope as easy as forming a line. While the array of options available in sighting and spotting scopes can be confusing, answering a few key questions about how you plan to use the equipment can narrow the field of possibilities.
Instructions
1. Decide how far you need to see. For the most part, scopes are used for more leisurely viewing than binoculars. The most common range for birders is 20x to 30x magnification. Within this range you still have a wide view (useful since birds rarely sit still) while still maintaining a clear image. Generally, anything above a 50x magnification is best used for astronomy.
2. Consider where you will want to take your scope. The weight and portability of your scope and its tripod should be major factors in your decision. If you plan to travel rough and difficult terrain, you will want a light scope with a sturdy carrying case, while slow strolls through a neighborhood park could accommodate a larger scope with more extras. Even a six-pound scope can seem heavy after walking for an hour, so choose carefully.
3. Establish a budget. A good scope can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. Decide on an amount of money you are comfortable spending before you get attached to a model outside your comfort zone. In general, you should be able to get a good beginner's scope for between $200 to $500.
4. Decide which extras are important. Most experienced birders will recommend spending a little more on high quality glass, rather than a zoom lens, as mid-range zooms often result in distorted or blue-edged images. If you plan to use your scope for digital photography, make sure it has mounting hardware. A birder who enjoys hearty hikes might want to pay extra for a backpack-sized scope, while someone leading birding tours might be more interested in a scope with an angled viewfinder, since it will accommodate shorter and taller viewers more easily.
5. Listen to other birdwatchers. Ask practicing birders, either in person or via online forums, which scopes are their favorites and which aren't. There are several websites that cater to birdwatching that include regular equipment reviews. Whenever possible, borrow another birder's scope in the field. Offer to carry one around for an hour on your next group trip, so you can get a feel for the weight and what adjustments are needed to set it up and take it down.
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