Below are considered some of the best bird watching spotting scopes currently on
the market by price range.
If you want to learn more about choosing spotting scopes for birding and
their features, go to
Spotting
Scopes, Part I.
Most of the scopes listed below come in both angled and straight models. Its up
to you and the kind of viewing you mostly do. Click here for reviewing the pros
and cons of
Angled or Straight bird watching spotting scopes.
Also, most scope models are available in several different objective lens sizes.
It all depends on your personal needs. Click here to review
objective lens sizes for bird watching spotting scopes.
Both scopes have large 88mm Pure Fluorite Crystal objective lens crafted
of fully C3 multi-coated optics. This ensures maximum light gathering, clear
visual range and sharp images that traditional glass lenses can not attain in
the field.
Prominar pure fluorite crystal lens eliminates chromatic
aberration.
C3 Coating is a highly reflective multi-coating of
dielectrics for a much higher reflectivity than with coatings of silver or
optically-enhanced aluminum, offering a reflectance of 99% or higher across
the entire visible spectrum.
Inner focus system decreases image movement when
focusing.
Quick focus knob gives you the ability to focus from 16
feet and out to infinity in just two revolutions.
Large exit pupil provides bright images and ease of
viewing.
Waterproof and fogproof (to JIS Protection Class 7) with
nitrogen purging for reliable use in any weather.
Magnesium alloy body is rugged, and increases durability
and reduces weight.
Eyepiece locking mechanism prevents the eyepiece from
falling out or being lost.
Eco-glass lenses are made with an
environmentally-friendly process.
Scope Cost: $2,100....
Seeing your life-bird as a crystal-clear, razor-sharp image, even in low light: Priceless!
Tip: Also, there are some great deals on eBay for the
.
Mid-Priced ($1,000-$1500)
Nikon: $1,399
The Nikon Fieldscope ED 25-75x82
(angled and straight bodies available) is
at the low-end of the high-performance ED-glass scope in terms of price, but
still is a high-quality bird watching spotting scope and an excellent value at
that.
Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass for exceptional viewing
in low light conditions.
Premium glass for the most distinct details possible.
100% waterproof for reliable in rain, sleet or snow.
100% fogproof with nitrogen purging to prevent fogging on
the interior of lenses.
Integrated sunshade blocks out annoying glare and keeps
raindrops from splashing on the objective lens in an unexpected rain shower.
Magnesium alloy body built strong and light enough to
take anywhere you travel.
Ultra-smooth helical focus system for easy operation in
cold weather, or any other time you wear gloves.
Pentax: $1,049
The
Pentax 20-60x80 PF-80ED Spotting Scope (angled
or straight bodies
available) is another excellent value for a bird watching spotting scope.
Features include:
Magnesium-alloy body for lightweight handling.
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for optimum optical resolution.
Large 80mm objective lenses for bright viewing under all light
conditions.
Special "O" ring assembly, which allows the body of the scope to be
filled with nitrogen, making it fog proof and JIS Class 6 waterproof.
Built-in lens shade cuts excessive light and helps to prevent rain and
other weather elements from interfering with viewing.
Extra wide focusing knob is incorporated for effortless focusing.
Famous Pentax Super-Multi-Coating maximizes light transmission, clarity
and contrast.
An extendable eyecup on the XL eyepieces allows variable adjustment for
up to a full 20mm of eye relief, allowing those wearing eyeglasses the same view
as non-eyeglass wearers.
"This is the best scope i had seen for bird watching in the given price tag of
$1000. Certainly cannot compare with sworowskii..but certainly better that
bushnell and nikon sky earth series." - Abhijit Narvekar
"Pentax runs with Swaro on this one. Before I purchased this scope, I gave it a
good test drive versus the Swaro. I'm not going to qualify my rating by saying
that it's a good scope "for the price." Rather, this scope beats the Swaro. No
qualification. Period." - Michael
Some great deals on ebay for the Pentax PF:
Budget (Under $1,000)
Pentax: $849
The
Pentax PF-65ED II-A Spotting Scope w/Zoom Eyepiece(straight
body also available) is in same model line as the Pentax 80ED above, but with
a smaller objective lens which cuts the price a little. An excellent choice for
a bird watching spotting scope,
especially if you don't need the bigger lens. Features include:
Super multi-coating maximizes light transmission, clarity
and contrast.
Larger objective lenses provides bright viewing under all
light conditions
Waterproof, fog proof, and nitrogen filled
Built-in lens shade
Tip: Make sure you get the ED II-A. This is the new model. The
ED-A is still available and on the market for a slightly cheaper price, but
really not worth the savings compared to the improved features of the new model.
This scope is also popular and hard to find in stock.
Even though the lens size is only 50mm, it gives extremely bright, razor
sharp, true-color images that are free of flare. Birders have been impressed
with this one and love that it's light and compact for on-the-go birding
adventures. Features include:
High quality eyepieces and Extra-low dispersion (ED) objective lens deliver
unbelievable colors and bright, high contrast images.
