What is a Spotting Scope?
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-armoured 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 one 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. S
A spotting scope is a type of telescope which is designed to view objects on Earth. Birdwatchers often use spotting scopes in the field to get a close-up view of distant targets, and plane spotters often employ spotting scopes as well. The magnification range for a spotting scope varies, with most falling between binoculars and astronomy telescopes in terms of magnification ability. Many optical supply and birdwatching stores sell spotting scopes, along with accessories like tripods and camera mounts. Depending on the type of scope, a spotting scope may be rated anywhere between 20 times and 60 times magnification. The higher the magnification, the more useful the spotting scope will be in the field, although extremely high magnification can make a spotting scope difficult to use. Below 20 times magnification, one might as well purchase a set of binoculars. A spotting scope is also designed specifically to have a wide field of view which makes it easy to spot objects in the visual fiel
Passenger planes, jet fighters, cargo planes and crop dusters all have one thing in common; they are all types of aircraft, each with a specific role to fill, and a specific name that aptly describes that role. Similarly, spotting scopes are nothing more telescopes that were designed primarily for terrestrial viewing. Considerably shorter and lighter than their astronomically dedicated cousins, spotting scopes with apertures between 50mm and 127mm (2 to 5 inches) are excellent for increasing our pleasure in any number of hobbies and research projects. They can also allow us to safely view (or photograph) targets that might otherwise place us in harms way. Suppose, for example, you wanted to observe hornets circling about their nest. A spotting scope set at 20-power would allow you to stand 50 feet from the nest and yet enjoy a view as if you were only 2 1/2 feet away-virtually close enough to touch it! Kinds of Spotting Scopes Spotting scopes come in a variety of configurations, typica
