New Scope

[Wayne H]

Hi all iam looking at getting a new scope was looking at spending around the £300-£400.
Seen this and was thinking of getting it http://www.celestron.uk.com/productinfo.php/Spotting_Scopes/Ultima_100_-_45/3152
anyone seen or used one ?
  any help will go a long way

  cheers   Wayne

[Jamie]

Hi,

I have never seen one of these in the field and I would be very wary of buying it and I would definately not buy it unless I could compare it with other scopes in your price range. The 100mm objective lens is very large and it is very rare to find any of the top end makers making them this large.

To get the best quality scope in this price range you would probably need to go second hand and keep an eye on the classifieds on birdforum.net where you occasionally get people selling old Kowas etc at this price.

If you dont fancy that I would take a trip to Saltholme and have a look through a few other peoples scopes and ask them what they think of it. You can also have a look at some in the Saltholme shop and some days they have optics demo days (if you ring them I am sure they will let you know when). In Focus also hold field days at Washington WWF etc where you can look through a variety of scopes. When you have your shortlist you can then check online shops such as warehouseexpress.com to make sure you get the best price. Hope this helps

[Wayne H]

Thanks for that Jamie. I thought they might not be that good as i have never seen one.Have to say i was close to getting a R.S.P.B scope the other day might just do that till i get into it a bit more are they any good ??

  cheers Wayne

[Jamie]

I dont know how good they are or if they are value for money. You really need to have a look through one and compare it to others in your price range as different people may prefer different scopes. I dont think there any any substitute for trying them yourself to see which you prefer

[TobyAW]

Hi Wayne

If you want to test one of the RSPB scopes to see how they perform in the field our hide guides all use the AG80 scope with a fixed wide eyepiece attached to a hide clamp. If you pop into the reserve during the week then you're more than likely to use one as they have them set up in whatever hide they're in. Our optics days are advertised in the reserve notice boards so hopefully you can coincide a visit then as well.

Good luck

Toby 

[AKinghorn]

Before I got my new Swarovski scope I had an RSPB AVG80 spotting scope. They are very good telescopes and very good value for money.

Hope this helps

[Wayne H]

thanks for all the help lads.. what eye pice would you go for zoom or prime

[Jamie]

zoom versus fixed is down to personal preference with half liking each. Personally I use fixed eyepieces. I think the image is better quality and you get a wider field of view.

[Wayne H]

Hello me again just been offerd this is it a good price ?
Stright Kowa Prominder TSN4 ED77mm with two lenses and stay on cover Lenses are 20x 60 and 30x wide angle. Looking for £400 inc PNP

  thanks for looking  Wayne...

[Jamie]

Hi,

looking around I would say it is a fair price and although a few years old it is a very good scope and I suspect significantly better than anything new at this price. If its in good condition I think you will be very pleased with it (I used to have one)

[bear]

I've heard good things about the Avian Multiview 80 which is in this price range.

[Wayne H]

thanks for the help lads, got my self the rspb 80 scope with the 32 and 20-60.. have to say happy with it up to now   :-)