First scope & tripod advice (1 Viewer)

[JC110123]

Hello I was hoping this would be the place to get some advice from some vast experience.

I have been birding for a while with a pair of old binoculars and now want to take the step up to a scope.

I have done some research but the amount of information can be quite daunting.

I have a budget of around £300 for scope and tripod and was wanting on opinions for a good setup.

So far I am thinking either a celestron ultima 80 or trailseeker 80, are these a good entry point?

As far as tripod I have no clue! Open to any links to good quality used equipment.

Thanks for your help,

Josh

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Welcome to BF Josh,
Have you looked at offerings from Hawke, Athlon or Konus? IMO, those would be the best available budget minded spotter offerings

 

[JC110123]

Thank you I haven't looked at any Athlon scopes will do now.

I am struggling more with tripod to be honest. Finding it difficult to compare between.

Is it possible to get a good tripod for under £100?

 

[jring]

Hi,

yes, a used set of aluminum legs can be had for 25 quid max - if there is a head included, it's most probably not a video head so you might want to look for some used one too... Manfrotto 128RC for smaller scopes, 500AH for full size ones...

Joachim

 

[gr8fuldoug]

You really need a quality tripod with a quality pan head and under $100.00 will be very difficult

 

[dwatsonbirder]

How about either this or this paired with this?

 

[JC110123]

Thanks for some really helpful advice. Lots to ponder I can see how this can get addictive and expensive!