Spotting Scope Advice (1 Viewer)

[Mpitts]

Hello all- I am in the market for my first spotting scope. I recently moved to a waterfront home and want something primarily for viewing waterfowl. I don’t want to jump in at the high-end scopes, something less than $800 is my target. After my research to date, I’ve got two scopes in mind:

Celestron Regal M2 80ED
Hawke Endurance ED 25-75 x 85

The Hawke is running about $100 less than the Celestron. Also the Celestron seems out of stock at most if not all retailers.

I don’t live close to any stores where I could check them out- so I’m probably stuck ordering online and returning if not happy with the example.

Alright you experts! Are there any pros/cons with either of these two that would weigh the selection towards one over the other?

Advice is appreciated!

 

[jring]

Hi,

first of all, welcome to BF!

I would look at used too, if you can find sth where you are or in the classifieds here... A used Nikon Fieldscope 82 ED with one or two EPs sounds possible inside the budget and those tend to be quite good.

Of the two listed above I would take the Celestron - they come from an astro company who are used to the closer quality requirements of the astro crowd and it also takes 1.25" astro EPs (not all will come to focus at infinity but there are lists out there) so if you later find your favorite magnification, you can easily get a wide angle EP in that magnification.

Joachim

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at the Athlon Ares G2 UHD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope. Best option under $1,000.00, plus now during our Year End Inventory Reduction Sale you get an even lower price on it

• Aprochromatic Lens System: Apochromatic lense system gives you the result of images which have greater contrast, sharpness and color definition
• UHD Glass: Extra-Low Dispersion glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings an ultimate clearest and sharpest image to your eyes
• ESP Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
• Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 30%
• XPL Coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
• Bak4 Prism: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
• Advanced Fully Multi-Coated: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
• Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protects the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater
• Rotating Ring: Rotating Ring allows you to rotate the scope around tripod supporting ring into the most comfortable and convenient angle for observation