Telescopes

[Gower]

Any optical specialists out there? I'm looking for an observation telescope
(a present) to be used for marine spotting (static). I think the average 'spotting' scope has too narrow a field of view and 'Astral' scopes are out for the same reason. My internet searches don't come up with anything positive. Maybe dedicated marine spotting scopes don't exist other than brass antiques.
Cheers,
Jim

 

[bugbear]

Any optical specialists out there? I'm looking for an observation telescope
(a present) to be used for marine spotting (static). I think the average 'spotting' scope has too narrow a field of view and 'Astral' scopes are out for the same reason. My internet searches don't come up with anything positive. Maybe dedicated marine spotting scopes don't exist other than brass antiques.
Cheers,
Jim

I'd have thought the requirments of bird watchers would be "similar", although they'll have requirments for low weight, and weather proofing that don't apply to a "front lounge in a sea-side cottage" viewing.

If nothing else I would try birdwatching or astronomy forums; they're friendly (IME), and may (well) know about telescopes outside their own speciality.

edit: I just remembered; my SO is a member of the RNLI support thingy, and gets their magazine. I'm sure I've seen some people advertising scopes in that mag, which would presumably be "the right sort". If there's a copy at home, I'll try to get details for you.

one more thing; a tripod (or other mount) is a lot easier than holding a heavy-ish set of optics for prolonged viewing.

BugBear

 

[Gower]

Thanks BB. I am a 'birder' and have a quality scope but find it field of view quite narrow and have always used binoculars to 'find' the subject and then use the tripod mounted scope for maximum magnification. I'm also a 'Shoreline' member of the RNLI and haven't spotted anything in there mag other than 'antique' brass scopes. Thanks for your observations.
Cheers,
Jim

 

[bugbear]

Thanks BB. I am a 'birder' and have a quality scope but find it field of view quite narrow and have always used binoculars to 'find' the subject and then use the tripod mounted scope for maximum magnification. I'm also a 'Shoreline' member of the RNLI and haven't spotted anything in there mag other than 'antique' brass scopes. Thanks for your observations.

I'm sorry they were redundant :-(

BugBear