Spotting Scopes Choose
Spotting Scopes Choose
is it good to buy a spotting scope or monocular instead of telescope?
i have chosen a monocular with 80mm objective diameter and variable magnification from 20x up to 65x is it good for me to buy it instead of a telescope?(consider that it costs about 190$)
It depends on what you want to look at with it. Spotting scopes are primarily for terrestrial observation. They are not well suited for astronomical observation, primarily because they only allow straight-through viewing, which forces your head and neck into awkward positions when looking at objects high in the sky. They also introduce additional prisms and/or lenses which reduce the amount of light they gather and introduce optical aberrations. An 80mm objective and 65x magnification will not give you enough resolution for more than the most casual looks at the Moon and planets, where apertures of 150mm and magnifications of 200x are the real starting points.
Here are a few web pages with good information on beginner's telescopes:
http://www.gaherty.ca/tme/TME0702_Buying_a_Telescope.pdf
http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html
http://observers.org/beginner/j.r.f.beginner.html
For more advanced information, read Phil Harrington's Star Ware, 4th edition (Wiley).
You'll get the greatest value for your money with a Newtonian reflector on a Dobsonian mount, such as these:
http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~VIEW_INDEX=0/~VIEW_SIZE=1000000
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?class1=1&class2=106
Buy from a store which specializes in telescopes and astronomy, either locally or online; don't buy from department stores, discount stores or eBay as mostly what they sell is junk. Find your local astronomy club and try out different telescopes at one of their star parties:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/organizations
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Bushnell PowerView 20x50 Super High-Powered Surveillance Binoculars
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DescriptionBushnell PowerView binoculars offer the best of both worlds, combining contemporary styling and design with traditional Bushnell quality and durability. This particular PowerView binocular offers a 20x magnification--among the most powerful in its class--and a 50mm objective diameter... Features
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Meade 81011 Travel View 20 - 60x60MM Zoom Spotting Scope
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Description60mm Objective Lens, Fully Coated, Waterproof. Included accessories: Hard shell aluminum case, soft case, tripod, and tripod case included. Features
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DescriptionNo matter which power level is right for you, NcSTAR Mark III Quick - Release Tactical Scopes drive it home! Choose your magnification level and get ready to split hairs. All feature fully multi-coated lenses, quick-focus eyepieces, variable-brightness red / green reticles, drop compensation and built-in sunshades... Features
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Barska Air Gun Riflescope - Choose Size Ac10004
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DescriptionThe Barska® air gun riflescopes are specifically designed to withstand the extraordinary punishing recoil energy generated by air guns. The waterproof, fogproof and shockproof construction make these scopes ideal for competition and recreational shooting. |