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What do I need to know about buying a Scope? (1 Viewer)

Galana

Member
Isle of Man
This is totally new to me as I like my Camera and Bins but never bother with a scope.
However I am seeking to buy one via classifieds, 2nd hand is OK if the price is right. but I nearly fell into the trap of buying 'the lens' without an eyepiece.
So will somebody explain what the component parts are to get the large round tube thingy I see on top of tripods in use by others?
Thanks.
 
This is totally new to me as I like my Camera and Bins but never bother with a scope.
However I am seeking to buy one via classifieds, 2nd hand is OK if the price is right. but I nearly fell into the trap of buying 'the lens' without an eyepiece.
So will somebody explain what the component parts are to get the large round tube thingy I see on top of tripods in use by others?
Thanks.

It depends - some come with an eyepiece attached, others you buy the scope and eyepiece separately. If they come separately you'll also have the choice of zoom or fixed eyepieces of different magnifications. Size of scope is an important consideration too - how much weight are you happy to carry, what are your typical viewing conditions.
 
It depends on the brand. Some as with Pentax use a 1.25 inch eyepiece which is the standard size for telescopes. Look for a retailer selling the same scope or contact the manufacturer.

A 20-60x zoom eyepiece is the safest approach and the magnification range is in part determined by the size of the scope lenses. A larger 85mm scope can usually be used with a higher magnification eyepiece than a 65mm scope.
 
Pic stop is on the I.O.M.

They sell scopes, mainly Celestron I think.

They may have some in stock.

If so, you could at least get an idea of what they are.

I don't know if I.O.M. have 20% VAT or not.

I have dealt with Pic stop for many years.

Regards,
B.
 
Thanks to both of you.
I am going for broke and looking at Swarowski as I like their Binos.
I will take look at Pic stop. Never heard of them but that's nothing new.
20% Vat is here too. Something we have to live with for the 'convenience' of that other island.
 
Thanks to both of you.
I am going for broke and looking at Swarowski as I like their Binos.
I will take look at Pic stop. Never heard of them but that's nothing new.
20% Vat is here too. Something we have to live with for the 'convenience' of that other island.
Don't rush in, take your time.
Maybe start with a small budget and buy accordingly, looking at used and smaller scopes.
That way you can experiment, find what you like and what you dislike, get a sense of whether you need lighter or bigger gear, without locking yourself into an expensive setup that may not fit your needs.
There is a huge difference in usability between a small 50mm scope and the big iron 80-90mm 'full sized' scopes. Big scopes need big tripods and robust heads to give a stable view, which makes for a bulky and heavy package, a pain if you enjoy walking the woods or climbing the hills. They shine if you have accessible sites and when doing sustained observations, on a sea watch for instance. The small scopes have less power, usually 15-40x and are less bright, but are easy to carry in the field and great for verifying IDs.
Also look ahead, do you expect to do any digiscoping, is astronomy of interest, any family members that might be involved.
 
With all optics… do your research but just FORGET THE HYPE and try as many different scopes as you can.

Get to a decent retail outlet of possible and try them all out in low light conditions eg cloudy day or at dusk. Everything looks great on the sunshine but the better performers will stand out when the light is poor.

I was fixated on buying a particular brand as friends said they’re the best but the reality is that there are so many other cheaper alternatives nowadays and so could have had a better scope at a reduced cost.

There are some real bargains to be had if you purchase secondhand. Do you really need the latest model when last seasons may be substantially cheaper?

And buy a Scopac or similar to carry the thing.

A decent scope will transform your birding - enjoy!

Good Birding

Andrew
 
Excellent advice from you both. I am in no rush. Maybe pick up a bargain on 'Black Friday' or post Christmas.

@Binastro Would you believe that PicStop are very close to where I live. Shame they don't have a shop but seem to be agents only.
 
PicStop are a business specialising in memory cards, photographic items etc.

Over the years they have changed the items they sell, but I have bought numerous Sandisk memory cards, camera cases, photo accessories etc.
I haven't bought anything recently, but over the years I found them very reliable.

I thought that maybe they don't stock scopes, but I think they do have some items on the I.O.M.

Another good source of photo accessories is SRB photographic and SRB Griturn.

Also Speed Graphic.

I don't buy from ebay, Amazon etc. or unknown firms on the internet.

I have no affiliation to any of the above, just a satisfied customer.

Regards,
B.
 
  • Don't forget that you also need a tripod and a head. As you want to buy used, perhaps best to try to get a full combo of scope and tripod.
  • Decide on the size: 50-65 mm objective size (good for travel, good optical quality for lower cost, limitations in low light and high magnifications) or 80-95 mm (better at low light and high mags, higher cost, heavier, need for sturdier tripods). For beginners, a small scope is often a good idea to start with.
 
Hi Galana.

Welcome!

What are you planning on using it for? Long walks, viewing from a car, sea watching, all weather's or fair weather birding? You'll need different things for different uses.
 

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