Spotting Scope on Ebay (1 Viewer)

[KayD]

I second Scampo's recommendation of In Focus. They also do events at local reserves so you can try out different models in real conditions. They are specialists who understand birding requirements and can probably help you a lot to decide what you like and need.

I actually bought my ex-demo Opticron GS665 elsewhere but then used In Focus for accessories and extras etc. Ex-demo can save you a few quid without the risks of 2nd hand kit bought unseen from the internet.

Looks like an event on Sept 24th in Staffs is the nearest/soonest for you: http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/north_midlands.html

I have also used Ebay successfully to buy used binoculars, and am very pleased with my Audobon Swift 8.5x44s so far. But I only took the plunge after a lot of research and with my eyes open to the risk.

Graham

Hi Graham,

Thanks for letting me know about the In Focus event. I've checked out their website. I'll get down to the event in Staffs or visit the shop at Rutland Water, as I like to go there.

I think you're all right, I need to try out scopes and do more reseach before taking the plunge. If I can't afford their stock I can look out for the models i like on ebay. Thanks all for saving me from making an impulsive (and perhaps regrettable purchase), being a lady birder I'm prone to impulsive purchases 3

Two more questions;

1. Can anyone recommend a small stand/tripod for use in hides and how much would this set me back?

2. I have a Samsung Diximax A40 digital camera. Would this be suitable for digiscoping should I try my hand? I believe adapters are available fairly cheaply?

Thanks again everyone for your help :king:

kstar

 

[vincent2920]

You might want to look at another online site astromart.com , I got a great deal on a spotting scope there. Most of what you will find in the classifieds are scopes for star gazing but I've seen several spotting scopes at great prices , almost always used. This is a U.S. site but you might be able to work something out if the price is right. Good luck.

 

[JohnnyH]

1. Can anyone recommend a small stand/tripod for use in hides and how much would this set me back?

If you're going for a fairly compact scope, I can highly recommend the Cullman shoulder pod, you can use it as a shoulder support with a small scope, (60mm or smaller), & as a table top tripod in a hide. Should set you back about £35 - £40.

Cheers,

John.

 

[KayD]

Thanks Johnny, that sounds affordable.

Will be at the In Focus event next weekend at Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge - thanks again Graham for letting me know.

 

[Cudyll Bach]

1. Can anyone recommend a small stand/tripod for use in hides and how much would this set me back?

If you're going for a fairly compact scope, I can highly recommend the Cullman shoulder pod, you can use it as a shoulder support with a small scope, (60mm or smaller), & as a table top tripod in a hide. Should set you back about £35 - £40.

Cheers,

John.

I recently purchased an Opticron Hide Clamp from Cley Spy for £55, IMHO it's an excellent piece of kit and very very useful. There is a Nikon ED60 'scope currently being auctioned on Ebay, excellent telescope just check out it's reviews.

 

[KayD]

Hi,

We finally plumped for an Opticron Mighty Midget 2 with a zoom eyepiece, after trying out a few scopes at the In-Focus optics event. They didn't have a lot of choice at the event and most of the others were out of our price range. We could have had a HDF eyepiece for an extra £100, but couldn't really afford it. We found that the MM2, is small and light and seems to meet our needs for a first scope.

Also got a Velbon Delta tripod as they were doing an offer on it for £39 when you purchsed a MM2. Not sure if that was a good buy or not....time will tell...

Tried it out at Belvide Resevoir afterwards. The details we were able to observe on the birds made our bins pale into significance (able to see orange eye colour of tufted duck clearly). The zoom works well but at maximum strength (x40) the image was slightly out of focus.

Thanks Iain for the advice about clamp. Would like one slightly cheaper though if possible. In Focus do one to match the Velbon for £39. We'll deffo need to get one as we had to stand up in the hide to get the angles right using the full tripod.

Thanks all again for your help.

kstar

 

[Keith Dickinson]

kstar,
The Velbon Delta tripod is pretty good, I've had 2 of these over the years....needed a new one after taking a tumble and landing on the old one...dented one of the legs. Thankfully scope wasn't attached. If you want to put a strap on then the RSPB tripod strap will fit the base of the centre column mount and balance quite wellwhen you have the scope attached.
I also have the hide clamp which is defimnitely worth the money.