Posted back to Tweeters as this might interest some other scopeless
beginners.

On May 14, 2009, at 11:14 AM, Zuckerbond wrote:
> Esteemed Tweeters,
>
> My soon-to-be 13-year-old son Ira and I have been birding scope-
> less for a few years now, and we are finally ready to buy. We would
> love to buy a used spotting scope from one of you. I?m sure many of
> you have upgraded to finer optics, but our budget tops out at
> around $300. We?re looking for something sturdy/rugged, as even the
> most careful 13yo tends to have a somewhat tenuous relationship
> with the physical world. I?ve read the two latest Cornell Labs
> reviews, from 2002 & 2008, and will buy one of their recommended
> budget models if this posting doesn?t produce any leads.
>


You might also consider a couple of new scopes that are heavily
discounted at CameraLandNY (a rather good camera/optics store in
NYC ... not like quite a lot of them!).

This angled or straight "Special Purchase" Vortex 20-60x80 scope is a
Vortex Nomad 20-60x80 without a name plate. CameraLandNY is selling
it for $199 or $269 with a (not so OK) Vortex tripod.

<http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?
page=vortexspecial20-60x80>

<http://24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?
ubb=showflat&Board=16&Number=2940665&Searchpage=2&Main=226775&Words=gr8f
uldoug&topic=0&Search=true#Post2940665>

Commented on and reviewed on birdforum.net

<http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=134605>

I've not seen it but I trust the reviewer on that thread (we review
optics together). He currently uses it as his backyard feeder scope.

If you want a Vortex Sandpiper 15-45x65 Spotter (Straight Model Only)
for $199 which is a considerable markdown from the more than $330
selling price. This was highly thought of in the last Cornell scope
review. I have two (both straight on a shoulder stock and angled for
a tripod mount). They are very good value for the price.

<http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexsandpiper>

Comments here

<http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=1273054>

Both Vortex scopes come with a Vortex no-fault warranty so if you 13
year does drop the scope (or it tips over an breaks) you send it back
for a free repair or replacement.

Don't forget a decent tripod and head.

A solid tripod and a good head really make _all_ the difference to
using a scope. And given your $300 you don't have a lot spare for a
scope and a tripod. For a decent tripod and head you can easily spend
your allocation on just the hardware to support the scope!

Cameraland have a barely OK Vortex tripod with ball head (Vortex High
Country) in both of their $270 bundles but I don't recommend a ball
head for a spotting scope. I find them too fiddly.

Eagle Optics (and Cameraland too but they don't stock it) have a $99
Vortex tripod and head which should work and come in on your budget
but I've not used it.

<http://www.eagleoptics.com/tripod-kits/vortex/vortex-pro-gt-tripod-kit>

With a stretch of the $300 budget to $400 you could get a much better
tripod/head (which would work well with future scopes) e.g. a set of
Vortex STX-70 legs plus a Manfrotto 128LP head might be had for $99 +
$75. Or even a slightly more convenient Manfrotto 128RC quick release
head for $15 more. It's almost the price of the scope but it's solid
support and the scope will pan smoothly.

I've purchased optics from CameralandNY and had no problems. I have
no association them other than as a customer.

Good luck.
--
Kevin Purcell
kevinpurcell at pobox.com