What is a good birding scope, with good optics, field of vision and variable magnification under $250????
1253550
My Apartment is across a beach and ocean and it has been perfect to see boats and birds flying near by.
1853315
I wouldn't recommend the scope for shots longer than 250 yards. this is definitely not for precision shooting, it's more so for hunting.
1323107
I would have to look back at my information but I can say these are fantastic small binoculars. They are not the best for birding because they do not have the width of field you may want but otherwise I do like them very much.
812710
Not that I can find with a quick googling. Of course, I cannot find such specific conditions of review for others either. 9x32 is a pretty rare power. Clarity is not too specific, but I assume you could break it into contrast and sharpness, both pretty good for the money here. If you are seriously into scouting game you probably want something a bit better, though. Zen-Ray 8x42, Vortex Solo 8x36 , something like that. The main issue with this is the tight focuser ring. Contrast is very good, sharpness good. (better than the BG binoculars). I'd back off to 7x or 8x for scouting and spend a bit more.
195300
No. I would go with the 55-250mm lens. I got the 18-55mm and I wish I could do close-ups with birds, but it just isn't possible!
1866547
Just a thought. During the Hawk watch in Cape May there were many friendly birders with many types of different scopes. I looked though many brands including all the top brands that ran over 2,000 bucks. I saw the Celestron and was curious to look through it because I considered Celestron more of a astronomy company. Well I was really surprised how crisp the view was and when I was told the price tag I was sold. I have enjoyed this (I have the 80 objective lens) scope for many months and have to desire to upgrade because the optical difference in the models over two grand is not worth it. You will be happy with the Celestron. Good luck with your decision. Just a thought. During the Hawk watch in Cape May there were many friendly birders with many types of different scopes. I looked though many brands including all the top brands that ran over 2,000 bucks. I saw the Celestron and was curious to look through it because I considered Celestron more of a astronomy company. Well I was really surprised how crisp the view was and when I was told the price tag I was sold. I have enjoyed this (I have the 80 objective lens) scope for many months and have to desire to upgrade because the optical difference in the models over two grand is not worth it.... » Read More Just a thought. During the Hawk watch in Cape May there were many friendly birders with many types of different scopes. I looked though many brands including all the top brands that ran over 2,000 bucks. I saw the Celestron and was curious to look through it because I considered Celestron more of a astronomy company. Well I was really surprised how crisp the view was and when I was told the price tag I was sold. I have enjoyed this (I have the 80 objective lens) scope for many months and have to desire to upgrade because the optical difference in the models over two grand is not worth it. You will be happy with the Celestron. Good luck with your decision. « Show Less
219560
I think they would be okay for bird watching if you have not been using a higher quality set of binocs before. For me, the Tasco's are great for that once in a while need, but not for watching over a stretch. The eye strain starts setting in after a minute or so.
474710
I have been looking into buying one of the two as well. One of my interests is birds. The have the highest zoom Nikon 36 zoom and canon 35 zoom and all in one piece. Does anyone use either for birding?Thank you!
1283678
Absolutely. The optics is superb, its razor sharp and no chromatic abberation is visible. But keep in mind, it's a 8x power scope, so the angular resolution is of a 8x power scope too. You will can identify any bird with it, but no insects ;)
2217900
Looks like the Nikoplex to me. I have the M-308 with the BDC and I would hold out for that, especially since they're selling it to you full price. The undiscounted price is greatly inflated over retail. Not a bargain unless you get what you want. BTW, this is an awesome scope, and the BDC is a great tool when teamed with the Spot-On software. Good luck!
849358
Since this has a 10 power magnification, with a fairly good field of view, I think they'd work well for bird-watching. You might consider something with an adjustable focus and magnification but this is commoner on single lens spotting scopes or camera lens applications than in binoculars. For a fixed power device, this is a good option. Paul M.
843786
In general I would say that the Bushnell Legacy WP 8x42 binoculars are good for just about anything. Not great, but very good. Very good for the current price of about $75 here at Amazon. To move up in all-around quality the Pentax 8x40 PCF WPII is currently selling for about $115. The Pentax are superior in every way but field of view in comparison to the Nikon 8x40 Action EX that are currently selling for about $150. If wide field of view is your major concern I would go with the Bushnell Legacy. If overall optical and build quality are most important then the Pentax might be worth the extra $40. To take it up another notch you might consider the roof prism style Carson 8x42 3D series with ED glass presently going for about $200 here at Amazon. Great all-around binocular for the price. For the money spent I don't think you can beat the Bushnell Legacy, the Pentax PCF WPII, or the Carson 3D.
2097710
You can use this scope to shoot generally out to 250 yards depending on your skill level. So it depends how far you want to shoot, how good your eyes are in low light (older shooters enjoy higher magnification), enjoyment level, and desired use.The weight isn't significant for me. It is a nice scope, and I think you'll enjoy it.
283844
A simple Simmons scope or CVlife with freemounts would be a good start. Their about the same price and quality if not better.
1825475
I think they would be great. I love mine. I bought them specifically for bird watching and they are great, you can be just 5 feet away and still look at the birds even closer with those binoculars. They also have great magnification for longer distances and they are small and lightweight, which would be nice at the ballpark.
1260997
That's a great question, The Talon Hd's run about $250-350 more than the Diamondbacks, I Currently own the Diamondback 10 x 42, I'm extremely pleased with them. I would recommend going to a local retailer, like maybe a Cabales? or a store that is very big, and tell the sales clerk you want to compare the Diamondback to the Talon Hd. Then pick something to focus on in the store as far away as possible, and switch back and forth between the two. You may be able to determine if the extra money is worth it? Vortex has a lifetime VIP warranty. If I had the extra money to upgrade to the Talon HD? I would, just because each step up with the Vortex bino's, gets better and better, but I have many different outdoor Items I purchase, so I have to set a budget on each item. Excellent Optics! Good Luck! Enjoy the outdoors
331503
I would suggest a 4x32-40 scope. I prefer a Swiss Arms (only $28) or a Leapers ($35-45).