So, I've decided it's time to buy a spotting scope, but I'm still young and
poor, so I need some advice. Just from internet window shopping, I'm
interested in the Celestron Ultima 80 20-60 x 80 straight spotting scope, or
its 45 degree equivalent, or the Bushnell Trophy 20-60x65 Waterproof
Spotting Scope, both available from Amazon.com. If you have any experience
with these models or brands, or advice about a better entry level one,
please let me know. Plus, what's better, 45 degrees or a straight through
scope? These models are under $200, which is my main criteria, but I'd also
like something durable, because I do a lot of hiking, and theoretically
would take my scope with me on some hikes. I'm in school on the east coast
right now, so the scope's gotta be able to travel. If either of these two
models is cheap or flimsy, I might as well do without and save my money for
a few years. I don't have the money for truly nice optics, but I'm looking
for something entry level that I could keep for a few years. I'm
definitely a beginning birder, but I'm confident I'll stay hooked.

Caren, this is dave from the jetty island staff, and I was also wondering
what you decided about that accipter in August. I left work almost the day
after we last talked, and didn't join tweeters 'til yesterday, so I'm not
sure what the consensus was.

thanks,

Dave Freeburg