Hello all,
From information gained through my previous thread about budget scopes, I've narrowed my options to three scopes:
Vortex Viper (non-HD) 15-45x65 (approx. $350)
Alpen 788 20-60x80 (approx. $315)
Theron Saker ED 15-45x60 (approx. $260)
I've read great things about the Alpen, though primarily from hunters and target shooters, so I'm am not particularly sure how it works with regards to birding (I use 7x & 10x as my main binos, and this scope would primarily be used for surveying waterfowl and shorebirds, identifying color bands, and eagle nest-monitoring from stationary locations). The 80mm objective is the main thing I like about this scope, and since weight isn't really an issue for my uses, portability doesn't matter much.
The Saker ED has been well-received by forum members, but aside from here, I've read little about this scope. Although the accolades and glowing reviews have left me greatly interested, I am concerned by two particular things: the smaller objective lens as compared to the other two mentioned, and durability/warranty issues. I like my equipment to be sturdy and robust, as I do a lot of field work in harsh conditions and really don't make enough money as a technician to continually replace my tools.
The Viper is the one I've read the least about, and though I've used Viper, Viper HD, and Razor binoculars in the past, I have no experience with their scopes. Vortex seems to make fairly reliable products, but I really can't say much else about this scope.
So there is my spiel, and I really would appreciate any help in making my decision. The only scopes I've spent much time with are my currently owned Bushnell Spacemaster which is alright but is dim and doesn't fit well with my glasses, and a few lower and higher end Kowas I've used for work.
All the best,
Justin
From information gained through my previous thread about budget scopes, I've narrowed my options to three scopes:
Vortex Viper (non-HD) 15-45x65 (approx. $350)
Alpen 788 20-60x80 (approx. $315)
Theron Saker ED 15-45x60 (approx. $260)
I've read great things about the Alpen, though primarily from hunters and target shooters, so I'm am not particularly sure how it works with regards to birding (I use 7x & 10x as my main binos, and this scope would primarily be used for surveying waterfowl and shorebirds, identifying color bands, and eagle nest-monitoring from stationary locations). The 80mm objective is the main thing I like about this scope, and since weight isn't really an issue for my uses, portability doesn't matter much.
The Saker ED has been well-received by forum members, but aside from here, I've read little about this scope. Although the accolades and glowing reviews have left me greatly interested, I am concerned by two particular things: the smaller objective lens as compared to the other two mentioned, and durability/warranty issues. I like my equipment to be sturdy and robust, as I do a lot of field work in harsh conditions and really don't make enough money as a technician to continually replace my tools.
The Viper is the one I've read the least about, and though I've used Viper, Viper HD, and Razor binoculars in the past, I have no experience with their scopes. Vortex seems to make fairly reliable products, but I really can't say much else about this scope.
So there is my spiel, and I really would appreciate any help in making my decision. The only scopes I've spent much time with are my currently owned Bushnell Spacemaster which is alright but is dim and doesn't fit well with my glasses, and a few lower and higher end Kowas I've used for work.
All the best,
Justin