Hello everyone. I am new to spotting scopes but have been enjoying shore birding this winter and it is apparent that I need a spotting scope. I ended up buying a Vanguard Endevor HD 82mm at a Cabela's on the way back from visiting family in the south. Its seemed fairly nice in the store but after using it outside I discovered that it is terrible at anything over 35-40mm in brighter light. It is very soft and has tons of CA at higher magnifications and is actually easier to make out details at 20x than at 60x. I am sending it back to see if the tech people at Vanguard think it is substandard for that model or not. I think it must be because it gets very good reviews on amazon.
After doing more research I have decided that I might have been a little naive to think that I could get a decent view for $600 so I have decided to step up my budget to $1500. I know that $1500 is low for a good scope but that it the top of my budget right now.
I am leaning towards the Vortex Razor HD 85mm, which seems to get great reviews and have an amazing warranty, even for accidental damage!! But I am worried because the Vanguard got great reviews too.
What I am wondering, is that my best choice or should I go with a used model of a more premium scope? Like a Zeiss Diascope, Nikon EIII, Kowa?
My wife and I both wear glasses so good eye relief is very important.
I am also interested in digiscoping with a M4/3 camera.
Any help would be appreciated!!
After doing more research I have decided that I might have been a little naive to think that I could get a decent view for $600 so I have decided to step up my budget to $1500. I know that $1500 is low for a good scope but that it the top of my budget right now.
I am leaning towards the Vortex Razor HD 85mm, which seems to get great reviews and have an amazing warranty, even for accidental damage!! But I am worried because the Vanguard got great reviews too.
What I am wondering, is that my best choice or should I go with a used model of a more premium scope? Like a Zeiss Diascope, Nikon EIII, Kowa?
My wife and I both wear glasses so good eye relief is very important.
I am also interested in digiscoping with a M4/3 camera.
Any help would be appreciated!!