Hi Jeff . . .

To cast my opinion/vote . . . with optics, you get what you pay for (kind
like with shoes).

While I've remained satisfied with a small pair of 10x25 Nikons (Travelite
III) for a tad over $100, I got a chance to look through some Swarovski
binos last year, and the difference in extra light and clarity is
substantial. Still, I'm using my Nikons and am not ready to splurge big
bucks for binos. I'm not a super active or super serious birder, so that
probably explains my complacency. I also don't do much birding in
compromised light conditions.

But as for spotting scopes, I figure you may as well wait until you have
more money to spend. Cheap scopes aren't worth having because the
difference in quality is seemingly multiplied by the power of the scope.
You probably won't use it much if the quality is lacking. It took me a few
years, but I saved up enough to get a Swarovski. It'll last me a lifetime
and was worth the wait. Keep in mind, you also need to spend close to $200
for a good tripod and mount, otherwise the utility of any scope suffers.

================================
Ned McGarry
nmcgarry at gte.net


----- Original Message -----
From: <Jpsdiver at aol.com>
To: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2001 3:57 PM
Subject: What's important?


I'm interested in buying a scope and upgrading my binoculars. I would like
to
keep the cost of binoculars under $100 and the scope under $300. I'm more
interested in what a scope can do for me and when do you use it the most? I
was birding today at the Nisqually Refuge and I noticed a few folks with
scopes. Also, is a scope just another toy or will it really boost my
capabilities? I think you get the idea. I talked to someone today who has a
$1000 pair of binoculars....!!!!!! Must be the optics!
Thanks a lot for your input!

Jeff Smith
jpsdiver at aol.com
Parkland,Wa.