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Buying my first spotting scope (1 Viewer)

Greetings, everyone!

In recent years, I have enjoyed birdwatching using binoculars and my Nikon P950 (which has excellent zoom capabilities). However, as I frequently visit a nearby lake to observe and count gulls at their roosting site, I have realized the need for a spotting scope. My budget for this purchase is approximately 1000€.

After testing out several spotting scopes across different price ranges, I was particularly impressed by Leica's Televid 82. Unfortunately, it exceeds my budget constraints for quite a bit, so I am exploring other options.

I am looking for a spotting scope that performs well in low light conditions and is durable for long-term use. I am currently considering Nikon's Prostaff 5 Fieldscope 82. Does anyone have firsthand experience with this model? Alternatively, should I consider saving up a bit more for a Monarch Fieldscope?

I am also open to suggestions regarding other brands and models that could meet my requirements. Please feel free to share your recommendations. Kindly note that I am located in Slovenia, which may affect the availability of certain brands and models.

TIA
 
The larger the objective the greater the surface area and so more light transmission is possible. The differerence is greater than one might expect. A 85mm objective has an area that is double that of a 65mm objective.

Vortex and Kowa produce excellent scopes at lower prices than those from top tier prestige brands. The Vortex Viper can be bought from BH Photo Video for $750 with an email request for best price.

A previously owned scope sells for half its purchase price altough there may be customs import fees involved.
 
A birding friend bought a Prostaff 5 a few months ago. I've looked through it casually a few times and found it to have heavy color fringing visually, which also spoils the digiscoped photos made through it. I haven't tested it thoroughly, but I wouldn't recommend it just based on the unacceptable longitudinal chromatic aberration.

The Monarch Fieldscope 82, in spite of its relatively low price, is a true "alpha" scope, fully as good or better than the Swarovski, Kowa, Zeiss and Leica scopes in the same aperture range. It has also demonstrated unusually good sample consistency, which unfortunately cannot be counted on even from the most expensive brands.
 
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