Sunday, May 6, 2012

Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope

Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope Review



Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope Feature

  • Multi-Coated Optics
  • Sight tube for quick targeting
  • Soft Carrying Case
  • Zoom Eyepiece
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
Celestron’s popular Ultima 80mm Zoom Spotting Scope offers images that are noticeably brighter and sharper than entry level 60mm spotters. The Ultima 80 is a refractor style spotting scope with an Achromatic objective lens. Excellent light transmission is assured by multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on the objective lens as well as on the zoom eyepiece and the BAK-4 prisms. The multi-coated 80mm objective lens delivers 77% brighter views than a 60mm scope, and the built in zoom lens produces sharp images from 20X all the way up to 60X magnification.

The Ultima 80 features a sleek, waterproof design and includes a padded soft case with zippers on both ends so the scope can be protected even while mounted on a tripod. Including the eyepiece the Ultima 80 measures just over 18 inches long and weighs about 3.6 pounds. The rubber eyecup can be removed to expose a standard “T-thread” for attaching a camera. I like the 45* angled eyepiece because I can use a shorter tripod to support the spotting scope while viewing or while taking pictures with a small camera attached to the eyepiece.

The focus ranges from 27 feet to the horizon with just a few turns of the focus knob. When I fold down the rubber eye cup I can keep my glasses on and see the whole 2 degree field of view at 20X magnification. With my glasses on I need very little focus adjustment while I crank the zoom eyepiece from 20X up to 60X. Sometimes though I like to take my glasses off while observing because the view seems to have just a little more contrast and sharpness. I like the fact that the Ultima 80 gives me a sharp image either way.

The drawback of the tradition crown and flint achromatic lens used in the Ultima 80 Zoom Spotting Scope is a bit of false color, also known as blue fringing or chromatic aberration. Blue fringing seems well controlled at 20X magnification, but it becomes increasingly noticeable as I zoom up to 60X. Celestron also offers the Ultima 80ED and the Regal 80 F-ED spotting scopes which use exotic ED glass lenses to virtually eliminate blue fringing and produce the sharpest possible high power views.

Shot at 20X zoom at about 20 yards, cropped 50%
Shot at 20X zoom at about 20 yards, cropped 50%
(Click here to see uncropped)
Shot at 20X zoom at about 50 yards, cropped 30%
Shot at 20X zoom at about 50 yards, cropped 30%
Shot at 20X zoom, uncropped but reduced in size 50%
Shot at 20X zoom, uncropped but reduced in size
(Click here to see at 60X zoom)
Shot at 20X zoom at about 50 yards, cropped 30%
Shot at 20X zoom at about 50 yards, cropped 30%
SO)CELESTRON ULTIMA 80 45 Degree


Thursday, May 3, 2012

Fieldscope 82mm ED 3.2"/82mm Spotting Scope Kit

Fieldscope 82mm ED 3.2"/82mm Spotting Scope Kit Review



Fieldscope 82mm ED 3.2"/82mm Spotting Scope Kit Feature

  • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass for exceptional viewing in low light conditions
  • Angled viewing design
  • Premium glass for the most distinct details possible
  • 100% waterproof for reliability in rain, sleet, or snow
  • 100% fog proof to prevent internal moisture

The Fieldscope 82mm ED is Nikon's flagship model for serious birders. This high-quality scope is very easy to handle and is fully water and fogproof. Extra-low dispersion glass gives nearly perfect color focus upon a single plane, and with contrasty, intricate or glare-filled situations you can genuinely observe the difference.

Its angled viewing design is commonly considered to be easier to use amongst those of varied height, as well as easier for a single observer glassing for extended periods. In addition, the Nikon 82 ED Fieldscope arrives to you with the Vue-Thru case. This valuable accessory is quite nearly a necessity.


Monday, April 30, 2012

Celestron 52303 Regal Refractor 100mm F-ED Spotting Scope

Celestron 52303 Regal Refractor 100mm F-ED Spotting Scope Review



Celestron 52303 Regal Refractor 100mm F-ED Spotting Scope Feature

  • Regal 100 F-ED Refractor scope.
  • 45 angled APO refracting spotting scope
  • Waterproof
  • Fully multi-coated optics
100MM (3.1-Inch) diameter 45⁰ angled APO refracting spotting scope. Waterproof 540MM focal length (f/5.4) Fully multi-coated optics Low dispersion fluoro ED glass


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Barska 20-60x60 Zoom Colorado Spotting Scope (Green Finish)

Barska 20-60x60 Zoom Colorado Spotting Scope (Green Finish) Review



Barska 20-60x60 Zoom Colorado Spotting Scope (Green Finish) Feature

  • Powerful and precise zoom
  • Scope's 20-60-x60 mm design gets you up close and personal
  • Lightweight composite body with rubber-armored housing for durability
  • Includes a soft carry bag as well as a tabletop pan-head tripod for stable viewing
20x -60x magnification and multi-coated optics offer sharp clarity. Large 60 mm objective lens allows for use even in low-light situations. FOV at 1,000 yards is 114 feet at 20X, 51 feet at 60X.


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Vanguard 20-60x82mm Waterproof Spotting Scope with Angle Eyepiece (Green)

Vanguard 20-60x82mm Waterproof Spotting Scope with Angle Eyepiece (Green) Review



Vanguard 20-60x82mm Waterproof Spotting Scope with Angle Eyepiece (Green) Feature

  • 20-60x82mm scope with advanced optical system with Bak4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses
  • 100% waterproof and fogproof
  • Large ocular and 19mm long eye relief with angled eyepiece
  • Rubber armor for shock resistance
  • Field of view: 94-42 ft/1,000 yards, view angle 1.8-0.8 degrees, near focus 19.7-20.7 feet


The Endeavor 82A spotting scope delivers bright, clear, high contrast images, even in low light conditions.

An Investment for a Lifetime
Endeavor 82A spotting comes with the peace of mind of Vanguard's No Hassle, No-Fault, Premium Lifetime Warranty. If you're ever not 100% satisfied with it for any reason, you can send it back to the manufacturer for repair or replacement, free of charge, no questions asked.

Nature in Full View
Endeavor 82A spotting scope's advanced optical system includes fully multi-coated lenses and a BaK4 prism, letting you get up close and personal with your subject, whether it's a rare bird or a prize buck. A dual focus wheel system enables fast and fine-tuning focus adjustment, so you can keep your focus when it counts. Endeavor 65S also provides long eye relief, perfect for periods of extended viewing. It features an angled eyepiece, 82 mm objective lens and 20-60x magnification.

Elemental Features
100-percent waterproof and fogproof, Endeavor's durable-yet-lightweight, magnesium construction features rubber armor for shock resistance and a sunshield, so it's ready to take on any elements. An included rain sleeve with shoulder strap provides convenient, dry carrying to your next location.

Digisiscoping Ready
Endeavor's easy-to-attach digital camera adaptor enables easy digiscoping with your DSLR or point-and-shoot camera, allowing you to capture breath-taking imagery on your outdoor adventures without purchasing expensive interchangeable telephoto lenses. Simply attach your camera to the adaptor and get shooting,

Vanguard Endeavor 20 - 60x82 mm Spotting Scope puts you up close and personal with high - powered, high - def clarity! Open up a whole new world of exciting long distance views! It's so easy with this top-shelf Endeavor Spotter. It's just what you need to scope out a mountainside, watch birds and wildlife from afar, field-judge game, or check out beach-side activities. Best of all, this Spotter is a must-have at the shooting range to see where bullets hit the target at 100 yards. Featuring P2 Phase-coated BaK-4 prisms, fully multi-coated optics, and more for the best in clarity and brightness in all conditions: Variable 20-60X magnification allow you to scan and zoom; Generous 82 mm objective delivers bright images even when light conditions aren't ideal; High-resolution fully multi-coated optics for the best in contrast, clarity and light transmission; 100% waterproof, shockproof and fogproof, rubber-armored for extra durability; P2 Phase-coated BaK-4 prisms deliver superior image quality, clear viewing and impressive light transmission; Dual fine tuning focus; 19 mm eye relief; F.O.V. @ 1,000 yds. is 94' at 20X, 42' at 60X; Measures 16 3/8 x 6 3/4"h., weighs 61 ozs.; Order yours today! Vanguard Endeavor 20-60x82 mm Spotting Scope


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Burris High Country Spotting Scopes - Choose Size

Burris High Country Spotting Scopes - Choose Size Review



Burris High Country Spotting Scopes - Choose Size Feature

  • Model: 300111
  • Field of View: 105' - 60' @ 100 yds
  • Exit Pupil: 3.3 - 1.1 mm
  • Close Focus: 13' - 4'
  • Optimum Eye Relief: 0.7"
In the practical 15-45x50mm and the potent 20-60x60mm models, the Burris® High Country spotting scope has a handsome and stealthy rubberized, waterproof exterior and sharp, fully multi-coated lenses. An integrated lens cap on the slide-out sun shade keeps away dust and is nearly impossible to lose.


Sunday, April 22, 2012

Barska BlackBlackhawk 20-60x60 Waterproof Straight Spotting Scope w/Tripod, Soft Carry Case & Premium Hard Case

Barska BlackBlackhawk 20-60x60 Waterproof Straight Spotting Scope w/Tripod, Soft Carry Case & Premium Hard Case Review



Barska BlackBlackhawk 20-60x60 Waterproof Straight Spotting Scope w/Tripod, Soft Carry Case & Premium Hard Case Feature

  • Complete waterproof and fogproof protection for all weather conditions
  • Variable zoom magnifications from 20x-60x for different applications with a glare reducing sun-shade
  • Multi-coated optics and massive objective lens increases light gathering ability thus delivering brighter images in low light conditions
  • Ergonomically designed with shock-absorbing rubber armor for maximum protection and enhancing overall handling
  • Convenient and portable as includes tripod, soft carrying case and premium hard side aluminum case
The Barska Blackhawk 60mm spotting scope is a terrific value because it offers very good optical performance in a compact and affordable package. The scope itself features waterproof design, multicoated optics, and a zoom eyepiece with magnification ranging from 20X up to 60X. The accessories include a light weight table-top tripod, a soft caring case, and a durable hard shell case that will allow the rubber armored scope to stand up to a lifetime of use.

The Blackhawk 60mm spotting scope uses a multi-coated objective lens and rugged porro-prism design for bright, clear images. At 100 yards, I can clearly focus in on a target, even when I crank the magnification up to the maximum 60X. When I use the scope for wildlife spotting, the sweet spot seems to be about 30X magnification; 30X gives me an ideal combination of sharp images and a wide field of view, perfect for identifying Puffins and Pelicans along the coast.

I also like the compact size and light weight of the Blackhawk 60. At only 14 inches long and weighing less than two pounds, the Blackhawk 60 is light enough to use a photo tripod such as the SLIK U-9000 in the field. Like other entry level spotting scopes, the Barska Blackhawk 60 uses an Achromatic objective lens, which means that some false color or blue fringing is noticeable at high power.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality and value of the binoculars and spotting scopes imported by Barska the last few years. The Barska Blackhawk 60mm spotting scope simply offers very good optical performance for a very reasonable price. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

  • Excellent price/performance ratio
  • Very good Achromatic optics
  • Waterproof design with rubber coating
  • Premium hard shell case included
Cons:
  • Blue fringing noticeable at high power
  • Limited eye relief for eyeglass wearers
Setting the pace for design, dynamics and technical precision, Blackhawk soars high in ultimate performance. Engineered with unsurpassed optical performance and durability by those who understands the harsh hunting conditions scopes have to endure. Designed for the discriminating hunters who demands only the best. Be it a compact or a large scope that set your sights, Blackhawk spotters set the standard for portability, optical performance and value.In addition, the new Mossy OakBreak Up Camouflage model helps you blend in on your hunt! Backed by Limited Lifetime Warranty.