Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!mailrus!ames!ncar!ico!ism780c!news
From: news@ism780c.isc.com (News system)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Birding Scopes
Keywords: Cost, Magnification, Brand Names
Message-ID: <31437@ism780c.isc.com>
Date: 11 Aug 89 23:17:49 GMT
References: <9893@phoenix.Princeton.EDU>
Reply-To: marv@ism780.UUCP (Marvin Rubenstein)
Distribution: na
Organization: Interactive Systems Corp., Santa Monica CA
Lines: 37

In article <9893@phoenix.Princeton.EDU> jklee@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (James Kin Wah Lee) writes:

Jim asked about scopes, I thought there might be enough intrest by the
readers, so I am posting my response to the net.

I have a Celestron C90.  This is a reflector with 90mm objective.  It produces
a much sharper and brighter image than any of the refractors that I have
tried.  I have been using it for about 9 years and have had no trouble with
it.  However, I have never used it in the rain so I cannot comment about how
it would stand up to moisture.  (It doesn't rain in So. California. :-)  MY
scope came with an 18mm eye piece, barrow lens, and an eye piece extender.
In various combinations, you get from 55x to something like 200x.  For
birding I use 55x.  It is a real thrill to be able to see the pupil of a
bird's eye at a distance of 50 yards.

I have a Slik camera tripod (don't recall the model) that has been quite
servicable.  I fastened a camara strap to the tripod to form a sling.  I
sling it over my shoulder like a Sam Browne belt.  This makes it easy to tote
the scope while on a several hour outing.

I believe the scope currently sell for around $380.  Plus another $80 or so
for a tripod.  They are advertized in astronomy magazines and are available
through mail order.  I was able to buy mine at one of the larger camera
stores here in Los Angeles.

As to photography, adaptors are available for most every camera.  As a lens
it is 1000mm with a fixed f11 aperture.  At f11, focusing is very difficult
unless your camera has a special view screen made for the purpose.  Also a
rigid tripod is a must.  I have tried photography with meger results.
However, I have seen photographic work done by others that is very good.

The only scope that I have tried that is better than mine is a Questar, and I
believe that its price is in the $2000 range.  Also the Questar is heaver,
making toting more work.  I recomend that you try the Celestron for your self
if all possible.  I am extreemly happy with mine.

     Marv Rubinstein