Nivalis Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 I am looking around for a good scope to buy for birding but I am unsure what is best and don’t want to spent more than 250 dollars any thoughts are welcome. thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 (edited) https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?setNs=p_PRICE_2|0&Ns=p_PRICE_2|0&sortType=default&ci=1032&srtclk=sort&N=4083534116 But I don't know about the performance when birding with a scope in the '$250 or less' price range. Sure, you can find some, but they may not be any better than your binos. Edited April 9, 2020 by Charlie Spencer 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nivalis Posted April 9, 2020 Author Share Posted April 9, 2020 Ok I will probably just save up some more money then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nivalis Posted April 9, 2020 Author Share Posted April 9, 2020 Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted April 10, 2020 Share Posted April 10, 2020 Don't forget a tripod will probably be a separate purchase. Without being too nosy, what's your goal for this scope? Obviously birding, but any particular types? Knowing that may help with recommendations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nivalis Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 I am particularly interested in looking out onto the ocean, I currently have a tripod that will fit most things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 (edited) I need to get a tripod... Edited April 11, 2020 by Kevin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 (edited) On 4/9/2020 at 1:53 PM, Nivalis said: I am looking around for a good scope to buy for birding but I am unsure what is best and don’t want to spent more than 250 dollars any thoughts are welcome. thanks in advance! Hi, Nivalis. I am just starting out and Hubby got me this scope. https://www.amazon.com/Visionking-30-90x100-Spottingscope-Waterproof-Monoculars/dp/B00GH2Q3TM It's not much over $250 and works great for my current purposes. If I find I have need, I can always upgrade later. I use my own tripod with it. Edited April 11, 2020 by floraphile 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nivalis Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 This looks great, thanks!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted April 11, 2020 Share Posted April 11, 2020 1 minute ago, Nivalis said: This looks great, thanks!!! You're welcome ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexHenry Posted April 17, 2020 Share Posted April 17, 2020 https://www.bushnell.com/products/spotting-scopes/prime/prime-spotting-scope-16-48x50/ These are pretty good and other Bushnell scopes. Pretty durable too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilpa Posted September 22, 2021 Share Posted September 22, 2021 I've been looking into scopes and figured there would be a thread here. Did a bit of research and the Audubon scope guide recommends the Celestron Trailseeker 65 for around the $250 range. It seems that the next tier gets into the $750 range with stuff like the Celestron Regal M2. Does anyone here have experience with scopes at some of the different price points? I'm wondering where the sweet spot of price-to-value is for scopes and how much of a quality difference you see in practice. @floraphile How's your scope working out for you after a year+ use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted September 22, 2021 Share Posted September 22, 2021 15 minutes ago, neilpa said: I've been looking into scopes and figured there would be a thread here. Did a bit of research and the Audubon scope guide recommends the Celestron Trailseeker 65 for around the $250 range. It seems that the next tier gets into the $750 range with stuff like the Celestron Regal M2. Does anyone here have experience with scopes at some of the different price points? I'm wondering where the sweet spot of price-to-value is for scopes and how much of a quality difference you see in practice. @floraphile How's your scope working out for you after a year+ use? It works well, but I am in the market for another, the main reasons being its weight & the near-impossibility of taking pictures through it with phone or camera. I plan to just leave it set up at home to view backyard birds and get another for the field. I will look into the recs you posted. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipperatl Posted September 23, 2021 Share Posted September 23, 2021 I have used a very cheap scope (Konus 20-60x80mm) for almost 8 years. It is no where near as clear a glass as my Bushnell binoculars, but it works great to still bring in those far out birds close enough in to get a chance to ID. No chance with just my 10x42 binocs to get those ID’s. Eventually I’ll upgrade the scope, but it has worked well enough for me to keep using it. If I was having to look through it for hours every day I’d definitely upgrade, but for the occasional needs a cheap scope can still improve your birding experience. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipperatl Posted September 24, 2021 Share Posted September 24, 2021 I believe this is the newer version of the cheap one I bought. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1583571-REG/konus_7126_konuspot_80_20_60x80_spotting_scope.html 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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