Quote:

---

I'd love to be able to do some simple astronomy with it too to be honest with you.

So you reckon a good pair of binoculars would be better than the spotting scope?

---

Yes, if you're just starting out in astronomy, I can just about guarantee that you'll have an easier time with binoculars than a spotting scope.

Spotting scopes are, at best, an awkward compromise for astronomy. They don't have the convenience and superwide field of view that makes binoculars so attractive, but on the other hand, they don't have the aperture and high-magnification capability that you'd really like from a telescope. And above all, hardly any of them offer the 90-degree viewing angle that's nearly essential for astronomy.

The one thing a spotting scope will do that binoculars can't -- and it's a biggy! -- is show half-decent views of the planets. But again, if that's what you really want, you'd do far better with an astronomical telescope that's specifically designed for the purpose.

--------------------
Tony Flanders

eyeglasses
6x15 and 8x32 monoculars
8x25, 7x35, 10x30 IS, 10x50, and 15x70 binoculars
70mm and 100mm achromatic refractors
4.5", 7", and 12.5" Dobs

Post Extras