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How to choose a good spotting scope: There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a good spotting scope, level of magnification also known as power and ease of use, and digital camera adaptability.
Magnification/Power: Spotting scope magnification range from 15x to 60x. With a power less than 15x, a good pair of binoculars would be the better choice. With a magnification over 60x, image brightness diminishes, field of view is narrower. and distortions such as heat waves will intensify. A magnification range 20-40x yields a much better field of view and improved image brightness. Some scopes have exchangeable eyepieces where you can remove the eyepiece and replace it with another with a higher magnification while other scopes may have non-removable eyepieces which may have a fixed magnifications of 20x, 30x or 35x or a zoom lens ranging from 20x to 60x.
Objective Lens Diameter (Appeture): The diameter of front or objective lens is measured in millimeters. Many refer to this measurements as the scope's aperture. Objective lenses usually range between 50 and 82mm. The larger the objective lens, the heavier the scope and the higher the cost. A larger objective lens size yields more light and more image clarity and image detail. The image is clearer and brighter. When selecting your scope, consider the amount you are willing to pay and the amount of weight you are willing to carry. Selection of 60mm spotting suffice in most situations while a larger aperture will yield brighter images in low light situations.
Exit Pupil: This is the diameter of light in millimeters that is visible through the spotting scope lens. To determine the exit pupil size, divide the objective lens diameter by the magnification power. A higher magnification requires a larger objective lens needed to preserve image brightness. Use of the exit pupil measurement is the best means of determining the level of image brightness. The higher the magnification, the larger the objective lens is needed to maintain image brightness. Select a scope where the exit pupil is no less than 1.33mm. An exit pupil below this value will not yield sufficient brightness even at a higher magnification.
Digiscoping: Photography with a spotting scope is known as digiscoping, photography with a digital camera through the eye piece of a spotting scope. You could hold and place your digital camera over the eye piece of the spotting scope. Accurate placement of the camera over the eyepiece may not always be an easy task. To facilitate the accurate placement of the digital camera, you can purchase an adapter allowing the attachment of the digital camera over the eyepiece. Unfortunately, not all spotting scopes and digital cameras are designed in this way to permit the connection of an adapter piece. When purchasing a digital camera or a spotting scope, you must consider the adaptability of the camera and spotting scope to digiscoping. With a good digital camera and a good scope with a zoom eyepiece for higher magnification the photographic quality can be rather good.
Straight Scopes vs. Angled Scopes: Many prefer using a scope that has a Straight Scope (alias horizontal view) while others prefer looking down into the scope's eye piece at a 45-degree angle, also known as an Angled Scope. Which type of scope chosen is a personal preference. Straight Scopes permit the easiest of viewing. Straight scopes can be used on a window mount or when used with an attached camera. Use of a straight scope may be difficult if shared with others in a group. The taller person will need to stoop while the shorter person will have to stand on his or her tip-toes. An angled scope is a compromise in this type of situation. The taller person will not need to stoop as far. With an angled scope a shorter and lighter tripod can be selected since the viewing is lower than eye-level.
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