At 11:08 AM -0800 2/4/99, Paul Webster wrote:
>I don't think there is a single best scope for everyone. Big scopes are
>awkward >to schlepp around some places and require substantial tripods
>that increase the >weight. So one is restricted to birding close to one's
>car with one of these, >unless there is a Hercules-substitute who will
>carry the scope.

I have to take mild exception to this: the usefulness, not the weight, of
the scope and tripod has always been my primary consideration when deciding
whether to lug or not, and I ain't no Hercules. For instance, would I carry
the scope the ~mile out to the boardwalk at Bowerman? Of course, without
hesitation. It's good to give the question some thought, but don't let it
dissuade you if you really want the top end scope.

Rob Saecker
Olympia