1. Spotting scopes are basically compact telescopes designed for
terrestrial viewing. They provide range, sensitivity, and power that
far exceed those offered by standard binoculars.
2. Typical spotting scope applications include birding, hunting, surveillance, beginning astronomy, telephotography, and scenic observing. But ultimately, your imagination is the limit.
3. There are two basic types of spotting scopes: angled and straight. Straight spotting scopes
are easier for beginners and for terrestrial viewing. Angled spotting
scopes are better for spotting elevated targets such as treetops and
elevated animals.
4. Spotting scopes are becoming a popular alternative to binoculars
because they allow viewers to observe sensitive animals like deer from
friendly, non-disruptive distances.
5. Most modern spotting scopes allow for the use of the scope's lens
as a telephoto lens in conjunction with a camera. These lenses
generally operate at fixed apertures and with far greater
magnifications than standard telephoto lenses.
