Which first kit for a new Gosky 20-60x80 Dual Focusing ED Scope? (1 Viewer)

[billywest1967]

I am going to get a Gosky 20-60x80 Dual Focusing ED Scope for Christmas. Would love to have it now, but my partner won't allow. I need a bit of advice re. a tripod and head that will suit it, please. BTW, I am 5'9" and my partner is 5'4". The Gosky rear section (I'm not sure of it's proper name) will twist. I know both of the kits below aren't too high for us both.

I first chose this Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminium 4 Section Tripod with Horizontal Column & MVH500AH @ £288 from Amazon.

I'd naturally love to spend my money on a Manfrotto kit. But, this being my first kit, I have to purchase other scoping stuff (stay-on covers and the like).

So looking around, again. I saw the Benro Aero4 Video Tripod Kit Flip Lock with S4 head @ £206 from Amazon. This would leave me enough for extras I need in my budget.

The question is what's the best choice for me guys? I'd love your input. please.

Cheers.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Hi Billy,

I hope you don't mind me asking if you have looked through a Gosky scope before? I'd never heard of them previously, although they seem to have good amazon reviews.
Have you given any thought to purchasing a used scope instead - you would likely get something with higher build quality and optically better, a few examples here for around £300;
https://www.at-infocus.co.uk/product/opticron-es80ed-mk1-c-w-28xhdf-and-case/
https://www.cleyspy.co.uk/product/nikon-ed78a-30x-11092/
https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Opticron-ES-80-GA-ED-v3+-20-60x_288023.html
https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Celestron-REGAL16-48X-65F-ED-/-180311_266212.html

I think the Benro tripods are a good option (such as this or this) but also worth checking out the Velbon Sherpa range which are very good value for money.

 

[billywest1967]

Hi Billy,

I hope you don't mind me asking if you have looked through a Gosky scope before? I'd never heard of them previously, although they seem to have good amazon reviews.
Have you given any thought to purchasing a used scope instead - you would likely get something with higher build quality and optically better, a few examples here for around £300;
https://www.at-infocus.co.uk/product/opticron-es80ed-mk1-c-w-28xhdf-and-case/
https://www.cleyspy.co.uk/product/nikon-ed78a-30x-11092/
https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Opticron-ES-80-GA-ED-v3+-20-60x_288023.html
https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Celestron-REGAL16-48X-65F-ED-/-180311_266212.html

I think the Benro tripods are a good option (such as this or this) but also worth checking out the Velbon Sherpa range which are very good value for money.

Hi Dan, thanks for your input.

No, I haven't looked through a GoSky scope. Maybe I should have? The first time in decades, I actually got within a yard of a scope in use was about 3 days back. I'm a bit of a nube when it comes to scoping and hope to re-kindle my birding hobby properly. Perhaps I should have said too. My partner has already purchased the GoSky scope. So no buying used for me.

I've checked out your links, etc. thanks. I'll have to see what transpires when I speak to my partner. But, good to know Benro is a worthy buy and I might not have to pay so much for Manfrotto kit.

Thanks Dan.

 

[chasfs]

Hi Billy,
How you like the Gosky 20-60x80 Dual Focusing ED Scope? It has glowing reviews on Amazon, fwiw. I'm considering it because of the light weight and large aperature.

Thanks,
chasfs