In search of a first scope (1 Viewer)

[Woen]

Hi and goodday,

This year I'm planning on getting my first scope. And the market is quite overwhelming.
First of all I need to test a lot of scopes to determine the size and diameter of the scope.
Secondhand is also a viable option.

Biggest reason is to be able to ID a bird that's just to far out for my binoculars. And it seems to be happening more often since I've got a better binocular that picks up birds in the distance I'd normally missed. So the cheapest option would be selling that bin and buying a cheaper one haha...

Until now (just to give an idea) I've been thinking about setting a budget of +/- 1500 euro's.

These scopes are the ones I've been looking into (but not looking through them):

• Vortex Razor HD scopes (65 or 85mm)
• Nikon EDG 65-A (great deal atm that will get me a new one with a eyepiece for around 1250 euro)
• Swarovski ATS 65 or 85 HD (second hand probably)
• One of the smaller 50 mm spotting scopes like the Nikon ED50 or the Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50
• Leica or Zeiss but I can't really figure out which ones
• Something completly different because the are all the brands I know. The must be a Kowa alternative somwhere in here for instance.

So my question is, what would be a good setup to check out in real live? Like what different types of scopes should I compare first? And then which brands or models?
For me it is quite easy to check out the ones mentioned but also brands like Opticron, Meopta and Kowa. I just want to start out with some kind of short list.
And a short list can also be a type of scope kinda list before venturing into brands and/or models.

Thank you for any tips and advice on this matter.

 

[Richard D]

I would focus on size before brand.

Do you drive to birding spots? How far do you walk? Seawatching or inland? How much weight do you mind carrying? Mainly day time or early morning/evenings?

 

[Woen]

I would focus on size before brand.

Do you drive to birding spots? How far do you walk? Seawatching or inland? How much weight do you mind carrying? Mainly day time or early morning/evenings?

I mainly walk to birding spots or will be hiking or biking. I do not mind carrying gear since I will carry a few liters of water anyway. Mostly inland and daytime plus early evening. Also meaning to use the scope for wildlife viewing (depends on the location but dear, wild boar, bear, wolf etc.).

 

[Richard D]

If you're hiking or biking I wouldn't go above 65mm - it's not just the weight of the scope you need to consider - an 80/90mm scope will need a big and heavy tripod. 50mm scopes are good for hiking, but you're limited to relatively low magnifications if you want to use one into the evening.

 

[Woen]

If you're hiking or biking I wouldn't go above 65mm - it's not just the weight of the scope you need to consider - an 80/90mm scope will need a big and heavy tripod. 50mm scopes are good for hiking, but you're limited to relatively low magnifications if you want to use one into the evening.

Solid advice, thank you.

 

[Richard D]

Solid advice, thank you.

I've got three scopes - a very old Optolyth 80mm one I hardly use, a Nikon ED50 - used for longer walks, and a Nikon Fieldscope EDIII (60mm) which is by far my most used scope - it's not the latest, greatest or lightest but optically it's still very good and I've not felt the need to upgrade - you could easily get one in excellent condition used with a zoom eyepiece, a fixed wide eyepiece and a reasonable tripod well within your budget (make sure it's the ED version though). I'm sure someone else will be along with views on current offerings.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Be sure to look at Kowa as well.

 

[Woen]

Moved to a seaside area: Need to get a spotting scope has a lot of solid advice. I really didn't notice this one. Like the intro in that topic I know it might be a tiring question. Had some troubles finding topics that already answers (part of) my questions. What a great forum this is!