Cheap spotting scope (1 Viewer)

Sir William

I'd rather be birding

• Jul 11, 2009

• #1

Hey everyone,

Short story: I am spending a bunch on new binoculars and there's no way I can afford a nice scope for a long, long time. I'd still like SOMETHING to have with me, though. How is this deal?

http://www.scopeaday.com/

Magnacraft 20-80x70

This water resistant scope features an adjustable tripod, lens cloth and carrying case with strap. Scope measures 17-1/2'. Limited ten year warranty.

Features
Water Resistant
Adjustable Tripod
Lens Cloth
Carrying Case with Strap
Measure 17-1/2"
Limited Ten Year Warranty

Shipping Details
» Piece UPC : 024409055034
» Estimated Piece Dimensions : 19.00" Length, 4.00" Width, 5.50" Height
» Estimated Piece Weight : 4.12 Lbs.

Flat Rate Shipping = $5.00 (per order) $95.00

 

H

henry link

Well-known member

• Jul 11, 2009

• #2

Since I haven't seen it I can't say anything about the quality of the scope, but the tripod will be useless and the bizarre business model of the seller inspires just about zero confidence.

The Russian Yukon scopes discussed on the thread below are probably pretty good choices in the rock bottom category, but you will still need a real tripod.

http://birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142626

 

H

henry link

Well-known member

• Jul 11, 2009

• #3

Just for fun I googled the Magnacraft scope. Not one real optics dealer sells it, which should tell you something. It seems to be a product that was designed to be a bargain basement close-out. I found it for $59.95 at the link below along with a page full of sucker bait ruby coated toy binoculars. I particularly liked the 125x80, "LARGEST WE SELL".

http://www.binoculars.cc/over51.htm

 

Last edited: Jul 11, 2009

J

Jim M.

Member since 2007

Supporter

• Jul 11, 2009

• #4

Here's a link to the review of mid-priced scopes (including the Yukon) discussed in the thread Henry linked to (the actual article was not available over the Internet when that thread was created): http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2009scopes_mid/mid-priced_scopes2009.html (click on the "Main Chart" link for the rankings)

Sir William said:

Hey everyone,

Short story: I am spending a bunch on new binoculars and there's no way I can afford a nice scope for a long, long time. I'd still like SOMETHING to have with me, though.

Click to expand...

Not sure how much "a bunch" is, but if you're talking about spending $2000 on Alpha bins, I would consider spending less for binoculars and more for a better scope. Many midpriced $500 (or less) bins are quite close to Alpha bins in terms of optical quality, but things are different with scopes. You can get substantial increases in optical quality by spending more for a quality scope. If you cannot spend more, I would start looking at what is available used.

Hope this helps,
Jim

 

Last edited: Jul 11, 2009

J

Jim M.

Member since 2007

Supporter

• Jul 11, 2009

• #5

Sir William,

If you decide you really want to go for a new and cheap scope, I just noticed that Eagle Optics has the Eagle Optics Denali scope on sale for $99--they claim they're on sale because of some sort of coloring irregularity. Seems to get some decent reviews on this forum and on the Eagle Optics website. But I've never tried it myself.

Best,
Jim

 

Last edited: Jul 11, 2009

Sir William

I'd rather be birding

• Jul 11, 2009

• #6

Thanks for the info guys.

I really would rather get a nicer pair of bins (probably between 1500-2000) than a spotting scope as I also usually have my camera with me (Nikon D80 with a 200-500mm lens). I'd still like a scope to have for certain things but I think the camera/bins combo will usually be what I'll have on me.

 

B

baofeng

Well-known member

• Jul 12, 2009

• #7

henry link said:

Just for fun I googled the Magnacraft scope. Not one real optics dealer sells it, which should tell you something. It seems to be a product that was designed to be a bargain basement close-out. I found it for $59.95 at the link below along with a page full of sucker bait ruby coated toy binoculars. I particularly liked the 125x80, "LARGEST WE SELL".

http://www.binoculars.cc/over51.htm

Click to expand...

Limited to 50 years warranty LOL

 

J

JCLynn

Well-known member

• Jul 12, 2009

• #8

baofeng. Not sure if they are available over in the states, but I feel that 'camlink' spotting scopes are a good choice with regard to 'cheap scopes'. Ok, you get what you pay for but camlink scopes are very useable and good value for money ( if you go for the 80mm models and not the 60mm)