Which scope can be used without a mono-/tripod? (1 Viewer)

[TobiasK]

Hi,
i am still not sure whether to buy a small scope or 10x/12-bins
i am sure, the bins would not satisfiy me 100%, as 10 or 12x is too short for me
But on the other hand, i can use the bins without a tripod

So: if there were a small scope which can be used without a tripod (of course not at the upper range of the magnification), i think i knew what to buy

the question is:

- Nikon Fieldscope 50 with 13-30 EP
- Pentax PF 65 ED II
- Opticron MM2 / Vixen Geoma 52

any good without a tripod?
i usually sit on the ground, elbows on my knees

Thank you
Bye
Tobias

 

[RAH]

Well, for starters, most birders who use a scope also use bins. In fact, I don't know any who do not. So I don't think it is an either/or question.

As far as hand-holding a scope, sitting on the ground as you describe, yes, you could do it with any of the scopes you mentioned. I have a Pentax PF-65 and it can be handheld that way pretty easily. However, I think it would be cumbersome to use it that way for a long time, because it really isn't styled for that type of use.

You might consider "giant" binoculars, usually used for astronomy. Pentax makes several high-power pairs that are hand-holdable. I have a pair of 16x60s that are quite nice, although they don't seem to make that model any more. I see on their website a 20x60 pair very similar to mine:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/produc...0/reqID--6457665/subsection--Full_Size_pcf_wp)

and a cheaper 16x50 pair:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/produc...F_16x50/reqID--2072/subsection--Full_Size_xcf

Such bins are somewhat heavier than a scope (2 lenses, after all), but easier to hold because they are binoculars, which are designed to be held up to your eyes.

 

[postcardcv]

Nikon Fieldscope 50 with 13-40 EP

The Nikon ED50 is an outstanding little scope, with the 13-40x eyepeice it weighs in at ~600g, which is lighter than many bins. Have a look at one with a shoulder pod, it makes very a very light, extremely portable set up.

 

[Alexis Powell]

I agree that the Nikon 50mm ED would be a nice scope on a shoulderpod, monopod or gunstock...actually, maybe too good. If you are going to use your scope this way (not on a tripod) primarily, the optical quality of the 50mm ED would be wasted. You could get a small ~20x scope from Bushnell or the like for a fraction of the cost of the 50mm ED and it would work just as well.

If you want top optical quality w/o a tripod and you have the $$ for the Nikon 50 mm ED, how about some image stabilized binos instead? A stabilized stereo image at say ~15x would be MUCH MUCH better than a shaky 20x image, and they'd be easier to aim and focus.

I've seen some cheap scopes that were designed for shoulder use. Don't know if any are in current production. For example the Zuka scope
http://www.betterviewdesired.com/The-Zuka-Scope.php

--AP

 

[Fernando np]

First, if you can use both eyes you might use the best binocular you can afford. With excellent optics you can use binoculars for hours without problems. Doing the same with spoting scope is imposible.
Second, one time spotting scopes are built for extend upwards the range of binoculars, tripods are almost a must be.
Although expensive, there's a 20X60 stabilized zeiss monocular. At least, at 20x by hand, it overpass at the fieldcope you're considering with tripod.