So im tempted to get a spotting scope. One that I could use for casual astrophotography without the bulk, and for wildlife. But I dont even know where to start. I obviously want something lightweight that I can take on a walk in my rucksack, but that I can get some nice magnification ( say x30- x60). I also would prefer to get something thats easy to find second hand. I see a lot of guides online but weight never seems to be a consideration. Does anyone here have experience/ can help me with where to start my research?
I don't know much about astro photography but i'm a keen birder and use a Vanguard Endeavor 65ed scope, which is a good balance between weight, size, cost and optical quality. I can see the moon well through it but not tried any other stars etc. Many birders use 82's but they're fairly bulky imo (though i might get one for birding at the seaside etc.) Astro scopes are quite bulky afaik as well. What's your budget? - top end scopes cost thousands.
Oh im checking that one! The weight looks good, I think I would not want anything above 2kg. I was thinking something around the 80-90mm but to be honest, I havent had the chance to play around with one so I dont know if they would be super bulky and annoying. Budget is low, around the 200s. God so many brands ive never heard off...
For a budget that low i would look at vanguard, celestron, cheaper hawkes or opticrons. Might be worth going second hand via a legitimate shop. In-focus, ace optics, sherwoods, london camera exchange etc. I would be wary of ebay 'cause you can't be sure of internal optics quality. Also be aware of eye relief etc if you wear glasses! ED glass is desirable but probably out of your budget, best to look through a few before purchase if possible. It's a big thing, spotting scopes lol! Oh, for photography you will probably need an adapter to connect your camera or phone as well! Edit, meant to add, you need to decide whether your primary focus is astronomy or wildlife i think.
Thanks so much!! I think going to a shop and playing around with some makes sense. Ill check those brands thankyou!!
Highly recommend Opticron, the Mighty Midget would be ideal for your needs and would fit in a pack nicely.
Ive found several MM2 second hand options that include the eye piece etc and I am very tempted. Do you have one? Do you find the lack of waterproofness an issue?
Not had one myself but know a local park ranger that carrys one whenever he's working, looked through it a few times and was impressed. I thought it was nitrogen filled but not 100% sure.
The birders store has one with no eye piece. And the opticron website seems to quote for some kits but i cant figure if they have them on stock or how it works, i might email them.
Kowa TSN-501, forgot about this,its fully waterproof,about 400g and compact. I had one of their scopes years ago, a earlier model of this and it was excellent. Price wise around £225.
Got my second hand MM2! Thanks for all the suggestions! See those red flowers from my window? Boom I can see why people use tripods with these things, the small field of view makes a minimal shake huge.( I used an adapter for my phone, is fiddly but I find it easier than using my eyes, im weird)
Im away from the m25 and i can see the rings of saturn and the moons of jupiter with this tiny scope!!!!! They are small, but i do see them
