SpecialKev
Newbie
Review of Spotting Scope - Professional ST20-60x80 from BatterySpace.com
Magnification: 20-60
Objective Lens: 80mm
Focal Length: 480mm
Coating: Multi-coated
Eyepiece Relief: 18-15mm
Apparent Field of View: 40-60 degree
Real Field of View: 2-1 degree
Exit Pupil: 4.1-1.4
With its full 80mm aperture, the ST20-60x80 spotting scope from BatterySpace.com leaves smaller 60mm spotting scopes behind in terms of image quality. 80mm means an increase in image brightness and a corresponding increase in resolution and sharpness over 60mm models. The ST20-60x80 also yields images free from the performance-robbing color fringing that plagues conventional spotting scopes. When you put it all together, the ST20-60x80 spotting scope delivers the optical performance of larger, more expensive spotting scopes in a package that is small enough and compact enough for a full day in the field. With it's 45 degree, erect-image prism, the ST20-60x80 is equally at home for birding, scoring targets at the range, viewing distant scenes from your deck by day or observing planets, star clusters and galaxies by night. With its close focus of only 15ft., the ST20-60x80 can handle all your observing needs from close in birding to viewing galaxies millions of light-years away. For those of you who are looking for a beautiful scope to use from your living room or deck, the ST20-60x80 spotting scope will earn as many compliments for its beautiful blue-sky map finish as for its fine optics.
For you photographers, attaching an SLR (digital or film) to the ST20-60x80 will convert it to a powerful telephoto lens in less than a minute. All you need to complete the connection to your SLR is a t-ring specific to your camera.
Top spotting scope lenses are made with fluorite-coated, HD (high density), or ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. The difference in brightness and image clarity between these high-quality scopes and those made by the same manufacturers using standard glass is particularly noticeable in low-light viewing conditions and at high power. The ST20-60x80 spotting scope does not come with ED.
Another consideration when selecting a spotting scope is eyepiece placement. Some scope models have eyepieces configured for straight through viewing, making it easy to quickly locate and follow a subject. The ST20-60x80 that was reviewed for this review came with an angled eyepiece.
Eyeglass wearers should pay attention to the amount of eye relief offered by the scope. This refers to the fact that the optics direct the focal point further back behind the eyepiece so the eyeglass wearer can see a complete field of view. Eye relief is given in millimeters in the model's technical specifications. Generally, 12 to 15mm of eye relief is adequate for most eyeglass wearers to be comfortable. Since the ST20-60x80 spotting scope comes with a 15 mm eye relief it is sufficient.
In spotting scopes, focusing is normally done in one of two ways. The focusing collar design has a knurled or rubberized handgrip around the scope barrel, offering convenient rapid focusing. Focus knobs are slower but permit more precise, accurate focusing. Your hand size and dexterity may be an issue here, so try each style to find your preference. The rack-and-pinion focus mechanism found on astronomy telescopes is less rugged.
Optical performance is excellent, with this model delivering crisp, bright, sharp, high-resolution images, across the entire field of view. The objective lens is multi-coated for maximum light transmission and image contrast A Zoom eyepiece is included with this model as standard, but other interchangeable fixed magnification eyepieces are available separately. Focusing is ultra-smooth and practically eliminates vibration while in use. The tubes are covered with a protective rubberized paint finish to help protect from the elements. This model can be mounted on a standard photographic tripod via a ¼” tripod bush. It is supplied with full size aluminum tripod, and a waterproof carrying case for both scope and tripod
Magnification: 20-60
Objective Lens: 80mm
Focal Length: 480mm
Coating: Multi-coated
Eyepiece Relief: 18-15mm
Apparent Field of View: 40-60 degree
Real Field of View: 2-1 degree
Exit Pupil: 4.1-1.4
With its full 80mm aperture, the ST20-60x80 spotting scope from BatterySpace.com leaves smaller 60mm spotting scopes behind in terms of image quality. 80mm means an increase in image brightness and a corresponding increase in resolution and sharpness over 60mm models. The ST20-60x80 also yields images free from the performance-robbing color fringing that plagues conventional spotting scopes. When you put it all together, the ST20-60x80 spotting scope delivers the optical performance of larger, more expensive spotting scopes in a package that is small enough and compact enough for a full day in the field. With it's 45 degree, erect-image prism, the ST20-60x80 is equally at home for birding, scoring targets at the range, viewing distant scenes from your deck by day or observing planets, star clusters and galaxies by night. With its close focus of only 15ft., the ST20-60x80 can handle all your observing needs from close in birding to viewing galaxies millions of light-years away. For those of you who are looking for a beautiful scope to use from your living room or deck, the ST20-60x80 spotting scope will earn as many compliments for its beautiful blue-sky map finish as for its fine optics.
For you photographers, attaching an SLR (digital or film) to the ST20-60x80 will convert it to a powerful telephoto lens in less than a minute. All you need to complete the connection to your SLR is a t-ring specific to your camera.
Top spotting scope lenses are made with fluorite-coated, HD (high density), or ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. The difference in brightness and image clarity between these high-quality scopes and those made by the same manufacturers using standard glass is particularly noticeable in low-light viewing conditions and at high power. The ST20-60x80 spotting scope does not come with ED.
Another consideration when selecting a spotting scope is eyepiece placement. Some scope models have eyepieces configured for straight through viewing, making it easy to quickly locate and follow a subject. The ST20-60x80 that was reviewed for this review came with an angled eyepiece.
Eyeglass wearers should pay attention to the amount of eye relief offered by the scope. This refers to the fact that the optics direct the focal point further back behind the eyepiece so the eyeglass wearer can see a complete field of view. Eye relief is given in millimeters in the model's technical specifications. Generally, 12 to 15mm of eye relief is adequate for most eyeglass wearers to be comfortable. Since the ST20-60x80 spotting scope comes with a 15 mm eye relief it is sufficient.
In spotting scopes, focusing is normally done in one of two ways. The focusing collar design has a knurled or rubberized handgrip around the scope barrel, offering convenient rapid focusing. Focus knobs are slower but permit more precise, accurate focusing. Your hand size and dexterity may be an issue here, so try each style to find your preference. The rack-and-pinion focus mechanism found on astronomy telescopes is less rugged.
Optical performance is excellent, with this model delivering crisp, bright, sharp, high-resolution images, across the entire field of view. The objective lens is multi-coated for maximum light transmission and image contrast A Zoom eyepiece is included with this model as standard, but other interchangeable fixed magnification eyepieces are available separately. Focusing is ultra-smooth and practically eliminates vibration while in use. The tubes are covered with a protective rubberized paint finish to help protect from the elements. This model can be mounted on a standard photographic tripod via a ¼” tripod bush. It is supplied with full size aluminum tripod, and a waterproof carrying case for both scope and tripod