Date: 3/31/25 3:27 pm From: pastorpaultdunbar via groups.io <pastorpaultdunbar...> Subject: Re: [NEBirds] Scope question (no sighting)
Thanks, Jon, I almost mentioned that with the "big three" brands because I've heard they're excellent and yet less expensive. I've never looked through one myself, but appreciate the testimonial. Good thought.
On Monday, March 31, 2025 at 05:18:29 PM CDT, Jon Strong via groups.io <jon.strong...> wrote:
Hi Paul, about 25 years ago I asked Joel J. the same question about scopes. He recommended Kowa and I bought one and still use it. It has served me well. I know optics have changed over the years but I think the brand that I am still using is pretty good. Jon StrongOmaha
On Monday, March 31, 2025 at 04:41:12 PM CDT, pastorpaultdunbar via groups.io <pastorpaultdunbar...> wrote:
Hey, friends,I know this forum is for sharing Nebraska bird sightings, so I'll be brief, and if you care to respond, please do so privately so this doesn't become a long, off-topic, public thread.
My adult daughter is getting more into birding -- plus, she's currently doing a 6-mo stint on Cape Hatteras NC with US Fish & Wildlife, so lots of birding opportunities! -- and I'd love to get her a scope, but I haven't shopped for one in years. I know the top scopes (Zeiss, Leica, Swaro) with eyepiece and tripod can run 5 grand or more; I'm thinking more in the $1500 range or less. I've got a Zeiss Diascope 85 with 20-60x zoom that I've had 20+ years and love. What scopes (and tripods) do any of you use and love?
A year or two ago Thane turned me on to the Nikon Monarch HG, a truly excellent pair of binoculars for well under $1000. I guess I'm hoping I can find another great deal like that but with a scope, something surprisingly good but not as wildly expensive as the industry leaders now are. Thoughts?
Paul Dunbar
