help and advice for a spotting scope (1 Viewer)

Hello, my name is alan and I am a newby to these threads!
I like taking pictures of birds and have joined a bird club inDerbyshire wher I live.
I currently use a minolta 7D digital camera and a 70 to 500 zoom lens.
I jus tcannot get close enough to the birds with this set up from the hides.
Using a 2x converter is rubbish in terms of quality.
I have seen some brilliant images of bird close ups using aspotting scope and digi scoping!
Can someone please advise me what kit to get (even used kit) within a budget of £500.00 and the best place to get it from.
Many thanks in advance and I hope I shall be able to find your replies on this site!!

Hi Alan,

A warm welcome to BirdForum from all the Moderators and Admin. Glad to have you on board :t:

I suggest you start by looking at some of the threads in our digiscoping sub-forum. If you can't see what you are looking for post a question there.

Welcome aboard :t:

Hi Alan, welcome.It is nice to see a new face on BirdForum.Enjoy yourself here.

Hi, a warm welcome and good to have you with us :t:!

Tim, I have just answered a similar query to yours here...

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=118811

with the caveat that you would be looking at a used scope for your £500, unless you went for a non-ed model. A camera for around £100-£150 should certailnly be possible, and for the scope how about this one?

http://www.cleyspy.co.uk/kowa-ts-613-i1831.html

My friend traded in one of these recently at this very store, so I think this was probably his scope! and can vouch for it being in good condition & well looked after. Of course a larger scope might be better, but for your budget...

Steve