You don't say what your friend's friend's budget
is, but I would be surprised if one could get a
decent scope for the cost of some very nice
binoculars. We've had binoculars in the $200-$250
range that were great for birding: clear bright
optics, accurate color transmission, lightweight,
and good magnification. Even though the person in
question uses only one eye, binoculars in a
modest price range would probably have better
optics, be easier to handle, would hold their
resale value better, and could be handy for
sharing with friends (there's a lot to be said
for birding in a group). They're also just a lot
handier than scopes, which are heavier and,
because of their typically higher magnification, require a tripod.

Marc Hoffman

At 10:34 AM 11/24/2009, you wrote:

>Hello,
>
>A friend just sent me this email query, and as I
>am also a beginner with nearly no knowledge of
>scopes, I'd like to pass it on to you wonderful
>folks for suggestions -- please reply to
>alexam at u.washington.edu -- thank you kindly! -Alex MacKenzie, Seattle
>
>My friend's email:
> A friend at work wants to get her mother, who has recently gotten into
>birding and who has only one functional eye, a scope for Christmas. Her
>mother is not all that hardcore (yet) and my friend has a limited budget
>so she wants something good but not professional. I said I?d ask you for
>recommendations. Do you have any? Brands to consider, minimum settings to
>seek out, whatever?
>
>Please advise and thanks ever so.
>
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>Tweeters mailing list
>Tweeters at u.washington.edu
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Marc Hoffman
Kirkland, WA
http://www.dartfrogmedia.com
mailto: tweeters at dartfrogmedia dot com