Scopes

[Ian Thompson]

At present I have an Acuter ST20 20-60X80A scope and i'm thinking of upgrading. At present I can't afford a new Swarovski or Kowa.  Do any local shops do part-ex or stock second hand scopes.  Also unless I use scope at dusk do I really need an 80mm.  Any advice would be appreciated.

[IanF]

At present I have an Acuter ST20 20-60X80A scope and i'm thinking of upgrading. At present I can't afford a new Swarovski or Kowa.  Do any local shops do part-ex or stock second hand scopes.  Also unless I use scope at dusk do I really need an 80mm.  Any advice would be appreciated.

There aren't that many local shops stocking scopes period! RGB in Middlesbrough and Darlington Photo Centre in Post House Wynd have some. Darlington Photo Centre do secondhand camera gear but I've never enquired about scopes. I think Grovers in High Street Northallerton do or at least did the same but it's a couple of years since I was last there.

As to size of scope it's down to personal preference. If you're going to be using it a lot then a 80mm will be easier to use for the wider field of view as well as low light levels. An 80mm is much brighter on cloudy days as well as at dusk. A 60mm or thereabouts is much easier to carry around and pack for holidays.

It's worth keeping an eye out for second hand scopes online as well. If In Focus are visiting locally it's worth giving them a ring beforehand to see what they have available and they'll bring it along. Usually it's Low Barns Reserve or Washington WWT they visit. There's been some real bargains around the last few months on Bird Forum for sale items.

[Jamie]

Hi,

The size of the objective lens would not normally effect the field of view and it doesn't on the Swarovski scopes. The only real difference it should make is to the light gathering. I have compared a 65 and 80mm Swarovski at gull roosts when it is very dusky and the 65mm was only a shade or two darker so definately worth comparing them. A lot of my birding is done at dusk and I am happy with my 65mm Swarovski.

I definately think the best place to find a second hand scope is on birdforum http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=649

There is currently a 80mm HD Swarokski on there for £699 which has been there for a while so the price might drop again. This is the older model of Swarovski but is still a very good scope

Regards,
Jamie

[Ian Thompson]

Thanks for the info Jamie & IanF.  I'll take this into consideration when purchasing next scope.  As you state there is not much locally so may have to relay on internet sites.  Thanks again..