Spotting scope for animals

[TightlineT]

We took a trip out to Yellowstone a few years back and I quickly found that binoculars really didn’t cut it. Some nice folks let us use their spotting scopes, one of which was a Celestron Ultima 80. I think it was a 20x60x80. My question is does anyone have any suggestions on something that may be better or is this about typical? We are possibly going back out west soon and would like to get one for the trip and can also use in the Smokies. Thanks…..Jim

 

[digitalcb]

This may be an irrelevant reply so please give me a pass. When looking, spotting, etc look through wooded areas look "thru" the woods, focus as far as you can, don't try to "see" try to "sense" movement. Move your eyes left to right constantly. Even at 200 yards this can be useful at spotting differences.

I learned this in Bird watching classes

 

[churly]

I use spotting scopes for Hunting mostly out west, and some long range scouting of agricultural fields. I use a vortex, I think its the 80x "razor". You gonna get what you pay for amongst the brands and your paying for clarity and warranty usually. I will give this advice; you can buy a tripod that also has a window mount all in one unit. Its nice if you wanna view from the vehicle or outside. I would also recommend getting a scope with the an angled eye piece for easy viewing at different angles. Final tip; get a phone scope adapter where you can take pics through the scope with your phone. have fun

 

[TightlineT]

Thanks for the replies!! Jim