1st budget scope (1 Viewer)

Hi there smallb...

I suppose it's like anything else - you don't know it's actually going to work at all if you don't try it. At least with buying from a shop you can take it back .... but on The Net ???

Having said that, there are several perfectly good online optic retailers.

As for Fixed v Zoom, I've read somewhere before that a Fixed mag. works better for any given magnification, but obviously isn't as versatile - something to do with the way the lens is made ( ??? ). I'm sure someone can give a full technical reason for it.

But exactly how much difference in performance there is I don't know ..... maybe another reason to test it out before you buy it !

Ok had a small rethink (its always like this start with the cheapest and work your way up!)....

Living in Essex (nr Chelmsford), does anyone know any good places to go to check-out some scopes? preferably with some birdies too cos with credit card in hand I'm likely to buy!

You see what I was frightened of was by comparing scopes I'd end up paying lots more than I intended :eek!: (but as I said, thats what always happens when I go shopping for "toys"!!!)

Sorry but others will have to help with the local knowledge.

But if you're on a budget, get a list of makes you won't be able to afford. Don't even look through them.

Hello Billy,

A couple of years ago I got an Optolyth TBS80 HD with a 20x60 zoom secondhand through LCE. I paid about £350 for the lot and it has been absolutely excellent. Everything I had hoped, and more. I would highly recommend looking at the secondhand market. It is not like optics (good ones anyway) go off. If you were worried about warranties most retailers offer a guarentee.

Good hunting.

I agree that second hand can be good, but it does seem that retailers sell second hand goods at absurd prices eg. 10% less than new price. Buying from a dealer does not even guarantee that the binoculars/scope will be properly collimated. Excellent used gear from private sellers can be found with a bit of searching at much much less than shop price. Of course you need to know the basics of how to check out equipment to spot for defects. I guess it is that uncertainty that dealers trade on: a good one (such as SW Optics) WILL thoroughly check out gear before buying it to sell on.