Types of Spotting Scopes

There are two types of spotting scopes. These are dedicated birding scopes and there are astronomical scopes. Both are used for terrestrial watching or birding.  Dedicated birding scopes are suitable for harsher environments. This is mainly due to their rugged construction. They are weather, dust and water proof. Their prisms and focus mechanism are well protected inside the body of the scope.

On the other hand, an astronomical spotting scope’s focusing mechanism is located outside the scope’s body. Unlike most birding spotting scopes, they do not use prisms. This is because the resolution and brightness are compromised when light passes through the prisms. In order to achieve better image quality, prisms are replaced by a 90-degree diagonal mirror. The picture will appear right side up but reversed left to right because the eyepiece is looking down into the scope with a 90-degree angle. Just remember that astronomical telescopes are susceptible to harsh elements that’s why extra care is needed.

Qualities of a Good Birding Scope

Optimum Optical Performance

Who wouldn’t like clear, high-contrast images with vivid colors?  Durable construction is preferred by birders, and you can read all about different spotting scope reviews to get more details. The optics should also be sealed in tight so that dust and other harmful elements won’t be able to penetrate. It’s also best that they’re nitrogen filled so fogging up won’t occur.

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Convenience is another essential factor to consider. A birding scope should be easy to carry. It must also be capable of being mounted on a car window and focusing must be hassle-free. User friendly lens caps and slide-out sunshades that are built in are also great help.

Lastly, to help you locate a bird quickly, you will need the proper aiming device. It is advisable to educate oneself with different terms when assessing scopes.

Optical Resolution Tests

Zooms tend to be in demand with birders. That’s why we try to test scopes with zoom eyepieces when given enough time. We examined the smaller scopes at 20x and 40x while the large scopes at 20x, 40x and 60x. It was too bad a fixed eyepiece was not available. That’s why the result of the test included a failing mark.

The criteria were based on the optical quality of the zoom eyepiece and the scope. Still, it would’ve been better if it had fixed eyepieces. We tested only one sample of each scope. It might have been different had we tested more samples.

The scopes were placed under same lighting conditions and within the similar range.  We use a resolution chart with gradually smaller line groups. A score of 20 was appointed to the smallest group. The next larger group was 19, then 18 and soon. There was not much difference with the scores regarding the resolution but it’s still apparent.

Birders use spotting scopes at 20x most of the time and it was imminent that at this range most of the tests don’t vary much. The scopes we tested has impressed us a great deal. Some qualities of the scope such as the focusing method, weight and size might overshadow the optical quality.