Birdwatching Scope

[jeannamacs]

Hi, I am trying to buy a scope for birdwatching as a Xmas present for someone. He already has binoculars 8 x 50, and he wants something a bit better to go birdwatching in Goa. He isnt a fanatic, but it is a hobby, whenever he is out and about. He is also very knowledgable. so dont want to get something rubbish.

I havent got a clue.

Could someone give me an idea of what I should be looking for /asking for. Maybe online or a shop. Possibly Amazon ??? Around 60.00.

thanks in advance.

[rowanwitch]

you won't get anything really worth having anywhere close to that amount

Praktica do a good entry level package at around £120-140 (it's what I use ) as he will need a tripod and case. Hawke do some reasonable ones for a little dearer and the RSPB ones start at about £170 If he is very knowledgeable I wouldn't risk it. He might prefer soething like a tripod for his bins. BTW what make are his binoculars if they are Zeiss or Swarovski I deffo wouldn't buy him optics .

[jeannamacs]

Thanks for that, i don't know what make the binoculars are , but he reckons they're good ones. I have since got a birdwatching expert on the case and he is going to look into it for me, will have to cancel the other pressies and up the price of the scope.Thanks again.

[jomifl]

Lidl have a scope which I think is 'Bresser' branded. If it is anything like the Bresser 'bins' I bought from Lidl as a Christmas present for a friends son a couple of years ago then it should be of decent quality and good value.

[jomifl]

The scope has an angled eyepiece and come with a table top tripod.

[jomifl]

Priced a little over your target price.

[seadogg]

What do you feel about a second hand 'scope? Also you don't nee to pay for a variable magnification as you lose quality of image. RSPB "Birds" magazine is a good place to start looking. Hope your birder friend comes up with the goods for you.