Hello everyone, I'm in the market for my first spotting scope and wanted to solicit the advice of fellow forum members. For budget purposes I would like to stay in the $500-600 range. Use would be primarily for waterfowl sightings on ponds / lakes as well as some deck use watching the feeders. Since I don't plan on being that mobile with the scope, I've primarily searched for 80mm and up. From the scopes that I came across, on paper all are within very close proximity for stats and features. I haven't found any retailers near me to try these hands on, so wanted to know if anyone had first hand experience, and their thoughts. Here's the list that I came up with so far:
1.) Vanguard Endeavor HD82A 20-60X-82mm $589
Pictures seem to show a very nice fit and finish, reviews have been mostly positive. Noticed that Vanguard often runs rebates for up to a $100 off, this scope is so far the frontrunner on my list if I could get it for slightly less.
2.) Celestron Regal M2 20-60X80ED $579
Stats show it neck and neck with the Vanguard. The plain jane green finish seems a bit military grade. The ability to switch to astro-eyepieces isn't really a major priority, as for the time being I would like to rely on the zoom eyepiece.
3.) Zen Ray ED2 20-60X82 $799.99
Slight FOV advantage. Average list price is significantly more than the Vanguard and Celestron. Does this scope really punch above the others in quality of view? From reviews it sounds like this scope has run into Q/C issues.
4.) Pentax PF-80ED 20-60X80 $1,149
Quite a bit more than I'm willing to spend. Reviews are really positive about this scope, but are there any quantifiable gains in terms of the view versus the Celestron / Vanguard.
Each scope mentioned above seems to garner followers, just wondering if one stands out clearly above the rest. Not sure if the more expensive options really deliver a better view for the significant price bump.
Thanks!
1.) Vanguard Endeavor HD82A 20-60X-82mm $589
Pictures seem to show a very nice fit and finish, reviews have been mostly positive. Noticed that Vanguard often runs rebates for up to a $100 off, this scope is so far the frontrunner on my list if I could get it for slightly less.
2.) Celestron Regal M2 20-60X80ED $579
Stats show it neck and neck with the Vanguard. The plain jane green finish seems a bit military grade. The ability to switch to astro-eyepieces isn't really a major priority, as for the time being I would like to rely on the zoom eyepiece.
3.) Zen Ray ED2 20-60X82 $799.99
Slight FOV advantage. Average list price is significantly more than the Vanguard and Celestron. Does this scope really punch above the others in quality of view? From reviews it sounds like this scope has run into Q/C issues.
4.) Pentax PF-80ED 20-60X80 $1,149
Quite a bit more than I'm willing to spend. Reviews are really positive about this scope, but are there any quantifiable gains in terms of the view versus the Celestron / Vanguard.
Each scope mentioned above seems to garner followers, just wondering if one stands out clearly above the rest. Not sure if the more expensive options really deliver a better view for the significant price bump.
Thanks!