I'm interested in getting a spotting scope but I have no personal experience with any of them. I've been looking on craigslist for deals, everything seems to fall into two categories. There are Zeiss and Swarovskis in the $1500+ category and the sub $100 Bushnells and Tascos. The low end stuff seems to be oriented for target shooting. Does that make a difference with birding? I can't figure out if that's just what they're used for or if there are any significant feature differences. The high end stuff isn't happening, is the low end stuff worth it as a trial and something that can bounce around in the car without worry, or should I just throw $100 in the garbage for the same effect and move on with my life?
I'd like to stay under $200, are there any brands that stand out at that range? Audubon seems to like the Celestron Trailseeker, https://www.audubon.org/news/good-value their review scored it better than some scopes that cost 2-4x as much. I may just end up buying new. Is their cheaper stuff (Ultima or Landscout)a similar value?
Thanks for any insight.
I'd like to stay under $200, are there any brands that stand out at that range? Audubon seems to like the Celestron Trailseeker, https://www.audubon.org/news/good-value their review scored it better than some scopes that cost 2-4x as much. I may just end up buying new. Is their cheaper stuff (Ultima or Landscout)a similar value?
Thanks for any insight.