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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Nikon Spotter XL II OR Nikon Spotting Scope RA60 (1 Viewer)

bunny

Active member
Similar in price, similar in specification - which is best for birding?

I am also interested in hearing your views on the Bushnell Natureview 60mm Spotting Scope with 15-45x Zoom and the Bushnell Trophy 50mm Waterproof & Rubber Armored Spotting Scope.

I need something cheap but with a decent image quality.
 
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I've only tried the Nikon Spotting Scope RA60 out of the ones you mention, and it's a good scope for the price. Only Bushnell I've tried is the MM2 and wasn't overly impressed.
 
I have owned the 60 mm Earth and Sky (RA II) and have looked through the Spotter XL. If I am not mistaken you are comparing a roof prism style spotting scope (Spotter) with a porro prism style (RA II). The Spotter XL is phase coated so it should make up for it to some extent. Image quality is a toss up in my opinion with a slight edge going to the XL. However, in terms of size I thought the RA II was much more compact and a friendlier overall package in terms of focusing and design.
 
Anyway the Spotter XL II sounds too much like a Gerry Anderson title (for those of you who remember ´Fireball XL5´) ;)
 
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