Cow-spotting

[308Mike]

We have two different opinions from people who've used each type of device. Aglifter says Spotting Scope, Termite says Binos.

If FOV is an issue, you can crank back the magnification of the spotting scope until you get to the lowest setting. If you need to go lower than that, perhaps you SHOULD be using binos. I would think part of your decision should be based on the distances involved. At that price, you're not going to get binos with a decent zoom if you need greater magnification. When he goes out reading tags, is it a one-man or two-man operation? If one-man, it might be easier to clamp a spotting scope to a window since it's not as bulky as a pair of binos, but you'll also have a larger objective lens with the scope for more light-gathering ability (which you'll need for the higher magnifications). If it's a two-man operation, then it won't matter since he can just read the tags off to someone else who can write them down.

Would he be more comfortable using one eye or would he prefer to use both eyes, or maybe he doesn't care as long as he can read the tags? If binos, you need to make sure he knows how to properly focus them to get both eyes in focus. A spotting scope *might* be able to take more abuse since it doesn't have the other eye to get out of alignment.

And then there's the cost factors. Unless he already has a tripod, the money you save could be put towards a tripod or camera clamp to attach to fences, car window, or even freestanding if you get a tall enough tripod.

If I lived nearby, I'd let you borrow one of my spotting scopes to see how it works out.

[Fivetoes]

I was all set to go buy the spotting scope tomorrow, now I'm back on the fence. Is there a set of binos for < $100 that's close, or is there a serious quality drop below $125?

Walmart has Nikon 8x40 in the store for $74.00 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nikon-8-x-40m ... ar/5799612

Others to order online.
http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng ... binoculars

[308Mike]

Regardless of which way you decide to go, here's a decent Nikon Tripod for $35:


$35.00
97 Cent Shipping

Sony Lightweight Tripod

Item Description

Get steadier, professional-looking footage with this lightweight tripod. Its three-way pan head lets you follow the action left, right, up or down. The quick-release function lets you go mobile in a few seconds. It features expandable height from 21.5 to 56 inches.
Key Features:

* Maximum Height: 56 11/16:
* Minimum Height: 21 4/7"
* Tilt/Swivel: 60-90 degrees
* Load Capacity: 6.6 lbs.
* Material: Aluminum, ABS, POM, PC, PS
* Panning Angle: 360 degrees

Specifications

Model No.: VCT-R640
Shipping Weight (in pounds): 3.36
Product in Inches (L x W x H): 22.5 x 5.0 x 5.0
Assembled in Country of Origin: USA and/or Imported
Origin of Components: USA and/or Imported

[Fill]

I think I'll get him the spotting scope, just to try something different. and if he prefers the binos, I'll get him a pair and keep the spotting scope for myself.

[308Mike]

I think I'll get him the spotting scope, just to try something different. and if he prefers the binos, I'll get him a pair and keep the spotting scope for myself.

Check the return policy of whichever you get and what store you get it from. If it's 30 days refund policy, make sure he checks it out within the return period, or unless you've also checked it out and decided that you already like it, and now HOPE he doesn't so you can keep it for yourself.

One of the problems with poor quality binos is if you drop them (or knock them over) from any kind of height, they get out of alignment - and that's EXTREMELY frustrating (and one of the reasons the good binos are SO MUCH MORE than the regular binos) for ANYONE trying to look through them - 'cause once they're out of alignment, even just a LITTLE BIT, it can give you headaches and cause focusing problems.

Now if you're willing to spend the money for GOOD QUALITY binos, you'll certainly get your money's worth, but you'll be thinking about the price for a LONG TIME (or paying for it if you're using a credit card).

Please follow up with us to let us know just what your Step-Dad thinks of your purchase and just how well they work out for what he needs to use it/them for.

Either way, I think it'll be hard for you to lose if you get a clamp-type camera holder for the Spotting Scope/binos to ensure no matter what he gets, the clamp/tripod can work with either type, and will work with anything he has that adapts to a regular camera mount.

Let us know what happens (please).

[Denis]

Another little spotting scope, just to muddy the waters, although Mike's one starting at 20x might be a better bet for locating the cattle quickly. I find it's easy to get lost in the scope at 30x magnification.

Here's a window mount. I don't remember whether scopes need an adapter to go on a camera mount, so you might need to call and ask.

[SeekHer]

It’s quite simple really—will he be walking/riding a horse or driving a vehicle or an ATV/UTV…You are faced with a minor problem to begin with--weight and that is exasperated further with the addition of a tripod for the spotting scope…On motorized transit it doesn’t really matter unless he has to “quickly” identify something then it has to be binos.

The most we can hand hold and see through is 10x without having the image jumping around to every heartbeat or muscle twitch and the minimum of the spotting scopes is usually (now) 20x although 15x models are available.

There is no comparison for magnification--20x will always beat 10x, or will it? You also have to take into consideration the quality of the glass you're viewing through...A 10x Zeiss or Swarovski bino will probably give a better image then a 20x poor quality scope...400 yards is about what viewing with the naked eye at 40 yards with 10x and if he can see the numbers clearly with his eyes at that range then why have him lug around a tripod and scope when binos will do.

Then, you can also get 12x or 15x binos that have much larger dioptic (front) lenses, which helps somewhat in lessening vibration, but they are more expensive.

Denis -- the mount on spotting scopes is the same thread as on cameras and video cameras so they will interchange with tripods and/or window mounts.

This is the Optics Planet spotting scope search by price $85 to $150 results and the Celestron Ultima 18-55x56mm seems to be the best deal going for image quality vs. price.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/spottingsco ... ice-2.html

[Fill]

I picked up the Barska from Big5, I'll put it in the mail tomorrow. For the house, the spotting scope will probably work best, binos down at the barn. Most of the time he's just looking at the herd from the house, a relatively fixed setup. But sometimes he hops on the ATV at the barn and goes looking, so the binos are probably best down there.

I'll let the GC know when I get feedback.

[Combat Controller]

The last two barska's bought were crap. One was fuzzy and the other out of alignment. Save your money. At the shooting fiesta I almost put mine down range.

[Denis]

Serendipity... I just got a mail from http://www.CameraLandNY.com who are having a sale on Minox spotting scopes. I bought a Minox riflescope from them recently, and am very pleased with it indeed. Excellent optics.

If you do order something, call Doug or Neil and mention http://www.theguncounter.com and that Denis sent you.

We just received a delivery of the following from a few trade shows. It looks like this product was brought to the shows and not even opened. This is a great opportunity.

Minox

#62210 MD-62 Straight with Minox #62300 20-45x Zoom Eyepiece only $449.99, reduced from $848.00

#62211 MD-62 Angled with Minox #62300 20-45x Zoom Eyepiece only $449.99, reduced from $898.00

#62300 20-45x Zoom Eyepiece for $119.99 reduced from $199.00 new

#62225 MD 50W Angled Spotting Scope only $189.99 reduced from $349.00

#62226 MD 50 Straight only $189.99 reduced from $349.00

Thank you for the continued support. Please feel free to call with any questions.

Camera Land
1-866-9optics
http://www.cameralandny.com