Binocular Review - Spotting Scopes
by Joe "Woods Goods and Stuff"
A spotting scope is a portable telescope, optimized for the observation of terrestrial objects. The magnification of a spotting scope is typically on the order of 20X to 60X. Other common features include:
- somewhat "rugged" or rubber-armored design
- convenient mounting for attaching to a tripod
- ergonomically designed and located knob for focus control
- tethered elastomeric lens cap
- a range of eyepieces to give different magnifications, or a variable "zoom" eyepiece to give a range of magnifications (e.g. 20-60X)
The light gathering power of a spotting scope is determined by the width of the objective lens, typically between 55 and 80 mm. All else being equal, the larger the objective, the more heavy and expensive the telescope.
There are three types of scope: "straight-through" (the eyepiece is on the same axis as the body of the scope), "angled" (the eyepiece is at an angle of about 45 degrees to the body of the scope), and, rarely, a more complex, shoulder-mounted design. Straight-through scopes are easier to use from, say, inside a car, while angled scopes are more comfortable for tall people and more easily shared by people of different heights.
The choice of the eyepiece lens determines the overall magnification. The best magnification is decided by a number of factors. Magnifications of less than 20X are unusual, as (much cheaper and lighter) binoculars or monoculars can provide this. Magnifications of more than 60X lead to poorer brightness and, even on a tripod, shake can be a problem. The field of view is also limited.
Usually for birdwatching, 20X or 30X is favored. This gives a good field of view and a bright image. Amongst aircraft spotters the term "pole" is used as a shorthand expression meaning telescope. The related verb "to pole-off" therefore means reading some identification marks of an airplane by using a telescope. Other users might employ the same slang term.
Binocular Review - Spotting Scopesby Joe "Woods Goods and Stuff"
