Advice 2d viewing device and photos (1 Viewer)

[FortMyersSteve]

I bought Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 binoculars as a first set for birding. I'm happy with them. But I find myself wishing for more magnification to see those birds that are all the way across the lagoon, or see more details for identification on closer birds. What should I look at getting? Is 10x50 a big difference from 8x42? And how much heavier are they? Or is the tradeoff between magnification and weight better if I get a monocular or a spotting scope? Also, I want to take some photos of the birds I see, but am not a photography pro and don't want to invest enough time to become one. Should I look at an adaptor to use a magnifying device with my iPhone, or should I buy a new integrated camera and magnifying device? Oh, and are tripods available that are "good enough" but not really heavy to carry? I think I still have a Manfrotto 055XDB,128LP Tripod that I used for videotaping the kids, but doubt I would carry that birding.

 

[Ignatius]

10x is not really much different from 8x as far as magnification goes. Looking through them side-by-side will show you whether it is worth it for you. As far as weight goes, look at the manufacturers' sites. They usually give you all the information you need.
Monoculars and scopes are more specialized and are very good in some situations, not so much in others. Especially monoculars.
If you want to take pictures but can't be bothered to invest a little into a learning curve, I'm afraid I have no advice for you. But personally I think you're best off using your iphone like you probably do for eveything else in your life. You already know your way around it and I am sure 'adapters' and 'magnifying devices' are available in their hundreds on that well-known wheeler-dealer site for those who need to go that way because they want photos without doing anything for them. There is a huge difference between taking fairly good photos and being a professional. Equipment-wise too.
As far as tripods go, it all depends on what you consider 'good enough' for whatever you want to do with them. Again, the manufacturers' sites¹ will give you all the information you need.

 

[William Lewis]

Hi Steve.

A spotting scope adds another level to most birdwatching. You can see much more distant birds and have much closer views of what the birds are up to. Good for popping a cheap phone adapter onto as well for the odd photo.

You'll want to budget for a half decent tripod and head too, $200 should do for a useable one if you shop carefully.

Scopes can be a bit of a minefield when you start getting picky but if you stick to around a 30-40x fixed length eyepiece with a 80mm scope it should be relatively unchallenged to give a good image. Hawke scopes are pretty good and they tend to come with stay on cases which is a bonus. They do come with zoom eyepieces though which you may prefer although the performance at the top end of the zoom can drop off a little unless the scope is very well made.

The advantage of a zoom is being able to tune the magnification to the light levels (more mag needs a brighter day) or seeing conditions if it's a hazy day when the atmosphere can distort the image.

Try some.

Happy birding!