Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!purdue!gatech!udel!princeton!phoenix!jklee
From: jklee@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (James Kin Wah Lee)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Birding Scopes
Keywords: Cost, Magnification, Brand Names
Message-ID: <9893@phoenix.Princeton.EDU>
Date: 11 Aug 89 01:31:51 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Princeton University, NJ
Lines: 69

Well, the time has come for me to take the plunge.  After years
of birding with only 7X binoculars, I have decided that I want
(need) a scope.  My problem is that I really don't know a heck
of a lot about them, especially ones for birding.  If some of
you kind souls who know about these things would care to share
your thoughts, I would be more than happy to summarize.

Although there has been some discussion about binos a while ago,
(or was that in rec.backcountry?), I haven't seen anything on scopes
in the recent past.  Here are my questions:

(1) What is a good magnification for birding?  I guess the scope
will be used mostly for shorebirds and waterfowl.

(2) Related to (1), what is a good objective size?  For instance,
with binoculars they are usually described as e.g. 7 x 35, where
7 is the magnification (power) and 35 is the size in millimetres
of the objective lens.  Clearly, the larger the objective the brighter,
but this is offset by added cost and weight.

(3) Would a zoom be more handy than a fixed telephoto?  Are there
advantages or disadvantages with either?

(4) There are many types of scopes which can be broadly
subdivided into two kinds (I think): refractors and reflectors.
Refractors are your classic Bushnell-type scopes that are long
and composed of prisms.  Reflectors (i.e. Newtonian-type) are usually
shorter and stubbier, because the light path is reflected between
parabolic mirrors.  Is there a preference??  I seem to recall that
reflectors are commonly used as astronomy scopes, but cause out-of-focus
sources of light to be imaged as "fuzzy doughnuts".

(5) Are interchangeable eyepieces (of different magnification) a
good idea, or is there little choice in the matter?  I suppose this is
somewhat precluded by whether I get a zoom or not.  On a related
issue, can a 35mm camera (Nikon) be attached to the scope via
an adapter so that the scope may be used as a telephoto?

(4) What are some recommended brand names and model types?  I've
heard about companies like Bushnell and Bausch and Lomb, but I am
not familiar with any particular models that they make.  I need a
scope that is fairly rugged and can take the pressures of birding
in less-than-ideal conditions (i.e. cold and wet).

(5) How about cost?  I am willing to spend up to about $500 for a
GOOD scope.  Maybe a little more. I am willing to pay for quality,
although a $6000 Leitz optical masterpiece is a bit out of my range :-).

(6) Where can I purchase scopes?  Other than local camera shops, is
there a reliable mail-order place that offers a good selection?
Are there any places in New York City that anyone knows about?

(7) And finally, with every scope comes the need for a tripod and
a head.  Are there any preferences?  Are video heads better than say, 
ball-and-socket heads?


Thanks for all of your help.  I'm also heavily into photography, so
please feel free to discuss any technical details in depth.  Remember
that you don't need to be an expert;  I would just like to hear your
opinions!

JIM
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Jim Lee (jklee@phoenix.Princeton.EDU)    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dept. of Geol. & Geophys. Sci.           * THERE ARE STRANGE THINGS DONE *
Princeton University                     *   IN THE MIDNIGHT SUN .....   *
Princeton, NJ      08544                 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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