Thinking about a "travel" scope for birding

[Jelster]

So, I have a lovely Swarovski scope, I don't use it often, prefering to take the camera when I visit reserves etc and I can't carry both. I suffer with handshakes, not terribly, but today I noticed while using my binoculars, I was having issues. So I thought about getting a small, lightweight "travel" scope that could replace my binns, and sit on either a shelf grip type mount or lightweight tripod.

I don't really want to spend silly money, being retired now I'd like to keep the cost below £300 if possible. Any recommendations?

 

[GeeJay57]

The Opticron MM4 range is excellent, but over your budget unfortunately.

The RSPB Avocet 50mm* might be worthy of a look next time you're at a reserve.

*made by Viking

 

[Tringa]

Definitely go a try some. As above a reserve that sells binoculars and scopes, is a good place.

Another one to try, though the closest to you is over 30 miles, is InFocus( https://www.at-infocus.co.uk/in-focus-showrooms/ ). I have only used one of their shops but if it is typical the service is excellent.

Dave

 

[Nod]

A few years ago, I wanted something similar and was recommended THIS.

I've linked to the manufacturer (who say it's out of stock) rather than recommend any of the resellers.

I've got mine on an Opticron bracket to keep it atop a monopod.

As Dave Tringa says, if possible visit a shop and try the options - what suits me might not suit you!

Oh, it's WELL below your budget too!!! Obviously not up to Swarovski standards but pretty good, especially in decent light.

 

[Tringa]

As Dave Tringa says, if possible visit a shop and try the options - what suits me might not suit you!


This is pretty much what the bloke at the InFocus shop I used said, essentially all the the things they sell are good, but whatever you buy has to be good for you.

Dave

 

[The Duke of Bork]

Celestron Hummingbird is tiny and within your budget on Amazon.

Alternatively a pair of image stabilised binoculars like the Canon 10x30s though you'll be looking at used for that price.

 

[Jelster]

Celestron Hummingbird is tiny and within your budget on Amazon.

Alternatively a pair of image stabilised binoculars like the Canon 10x30s though you'll be looking at used for that price.

I had looked at the humming bird scope, 2 versions, ED & non ED glass. I know ED glass is much better, just not sure if it's £90 better.....

 

[The Duke of Bork]

Hawke do something similar.

 

[mav]

You can buy adaptors for binoculars that allow them to attach to tripods or hide clamps,
I had a opticron mm3 ed 50 very small and light and good quality ,

 

[Petrochemist]

You can buy adaptors for binoculars that allow them to attach to tripods or hide clamps,
I had a opticron mm3 ed 50 very small and light and good quality ,

You should be able to adapt any binoculars or telescope, but it's generally easier just to hold a camera phone to the eyepiece.

I think £300 is a very tight budget for a reasonable telescope brought new. I'd seriously consider going second hand.
My Tasco scope was under £100 when I got it & included mountings for a T2 ring, and a carry case...
Playing with the scope by Mike Kanssen, on Flickr

Hopefully you can find something that's a bit better optically, It calls itself 'world class' but I suspect that might be third world
1000mm (f/16) is usable but zooming in to 4000mm makes it f/64 and thats nogood through any of my cameras.

 

[Jelster]

You should be able to adapt any binoculars or telescope, but it's generally easier just to hold a camera phone to the eyepiece.

I think £300 is a very tight budget for a reasonable telescope brought new. I'd seriously consider going second hand.
My Tasco scope was under £100 when I got it & included mountings for a T2 ring, and a carry case...
Playing with the scope by Mike Kanssen, on Flickr

Hopefully you can find something that's a bit better optically, It calls itself 'world class' but I suspect that might be third world
1000mm (f/16) is usable but zooming in to 4000mm makes it f/64 and thats nogood through any of my cameras.

Not really worried about digiscoping, I usually take my X-T5 & 100-400 + 1.4TC for photo's, that's why I want a lightweight scope. I can't carry the camera and my ATX 85mm scope, it's just too much weight.

 

[Jelster]

Coming back to this....

We've decided to up the budget, and we're going for an Opticron MM4 60, with SDL v3 Eyepiece. The other one in the running was the Nikon ED50, but nobody seems to stock it anymore, so we couldn't try one.