Giving you the opportunity to view terrestrial objects that are far away, in high definition close-up, spotting scopes are a step up from binoculars and a natural progression for many who enjoy such activities as birdwatching and stargazing.
Often described as telescopes, the best spotting scopes work in a similar way, but are best used for terrestrial viewing and are designed to be lightweight and portable.
If you’ve never used a spotting scope before and are interested in investing in one, here are a few answers to questions commonly asked:
What distance can spotting scopes work up to?
In general, spotting scopes are designed to help the user observe objects at distances greater than 100 yards (or around 91 meters), and for novices, a basic scope that goes up to 200 yards is more than enough.
How are spotting scopes used?
When adjusted appropriately, spotting scopes are incredibly powerful devices, but they should ideally be used with a tripod. Helping to keep the device secure and stable, tripods are essential if you’re trying to observe things from a great distance, as even the very slightest of movements can impact the quality of the image.
Below are some instructions on how to set up your spotting scope:
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Set up the tripod
Usually boxed, take the tripod out, unfold it and lock the levers into place once you’ve got it at the desired height.
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Mount the scope
Next, you’ll need to mount the scope of the Regal M2 100ED on the tripod, and once you’ve located the adapter or mounting plate on the tripod, you can take it off and attach it to the scope. Fasten it securely by tightening the mechanism with your hands. Then, return the scope and adapter or plate to the tripod, and have a look for any other locking mechanisms that will help to keep the scope firmly in place.
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Adjust the scope
Most tripods come with locks and levers that enable you to manoeuvre the scope into the desired position by panning or tilting it. By untwisting the handle found on many modern tripods, you can release some of the tension and move the scope into the right position.
Be sure to take off the lens cap before use!
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Begin observing
It’s recommended that you start off using your spotting scope with low levels of magnification, until you’re comfortable with the device, and then you can go on to discover your optimal adjustment position. Begin by practising looking through the lens until your focus enables you to see things clearly, and in high resolution.
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Find your sweet spot
Once you’ve found what it is you want to observe, you can start finding the desired viewing zone, by magnifying the area to find the target object. Don’t forget that you can adjust your spotting scopes focus at any time, as there shouldn’t be any blurriness during viewing.
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Start scoping
Most of what you can get out of a spotting scope is dependent on your ability to adjust it to your desired level of magnification, and to position your tripod in the optimal position. While this is simple, it can take a little practise, so exercise patience and know that once you’ve got it set up and you’re more familiar with using it, your viewing experiences will be unparalleled!
Spotting scopes are a wonderfully affordable alternative to telescopes for anyone seeking great levels of magnification, but in a more portable form, and are ideal for anyone who enjoys activities such as birdwatching and stargazing.
