Spotting Scope?

[aviatordom]

Hey guys,

I've been using Binoculars for a bit and i've got on quite well with them, I can find vapour trails with them very easily. They are good for Aircraft at lower Altitudes, but for anything that is say FL300 and above they are no good (16x Magnification).

This has prompted me to buy a Spotting scope, because of their higher Magnification and the fact that I can easily look for the Aircraft with one naked eye, and spot with the other.

I want something hand-held and cheap, and obviously a good Magnification.

So far I have found:

Scout 30x50 (http://main.yukonopticsglobal.com/product-overview-scout-30x50.html)

Any thoughts or suggestions? Is this a good deal?

I want to be able to zoom in very close on Airliners that fly above.

[JimmyTAP]

Like yourself, I've used binoculars for years now but I also use a telephoto lens on a digital camera then zoom in on the photo to identify the aircraft.

Anyway how dare you watch other people doing their jobs.:)

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

With that magnification (30) and smallish object lens (50) the light transmission will be greatly reduced. Ideally, the object lens should be 4 times the magnification but this is difficult to realise in a scope. So, for example, in poor light or cloudy weather you may find it to be inadequate. That advert doesn't mention a price but for a reasonable spotting scope expect to pay something in excess of £1k. Cheaper one are available but, as with most things, you get what you pay for.

I have a pair of Zeiss 15x60 bins which I find very adequate for spotting. My wife and I also have several good quality bird spotting scopes of higher power (40x80) but they need good light and a tripod. A handheld scope takes a lot of getting used to so expect to have to steady it against a building or tree.

Lastly, zoom lenses are never as good as a single magnification lens.

HTH

[Nick_H]

I use a Meade ETX-90 for spotting. Have a look here for info :

Meade ETX-90 Spotting Scope ETX-90 - SALE - Meade ETX-90 Spotting Scope (http://telescopes-binoculars-night-vision.com/contents/products/meade-etx90ss.html)

[Avman]

After 40 odd years of using binoculars, I crossed over to using a scope. I went for the MM2 Opticron Mighty Midget. Not cheap, but I'm very happy with it. Google it and you'll find all the gen on it. Be sure to go for the "straight" version.