I’ve been conferring recently with a friend who runs an eco-lodge about the prospect of upgrading the onsite optics array; in essence, she’s looking for a spotting scope. Anytime the conversation turns to optics, my thoughts turn of course to Swarovski Optik, the purveyors of the cutting-edge quality glass I use in the field. However, my friend is interested in entertaining all options with an emphasis on quality and value. Any suggestions?
Also, what tripod would you recommend for a scope that will be deployed onsite as opposed to in the field?
Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but he's also a traveler who fully expects to see every bird in the world. Besides founding 10,000 Birds in 2003, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining but now extirpated nature blog resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network and I and the Bird.
Televue used to make some incredible scopes that were too heavy and too apparently fragile for carrying around in the field–but perfect for mounting on a heavy tripod in the breakfast room or on the deck.
Haven’t looked at or through one for years, so I’ll look forward to hearing from others with more recent experience.
Swaro’s are one of the best, if money wasn’t a issue, it would be a Swaro or a Kowa spotting scope. Manfrotto makes awesome tripods for all tastes.