Another vote for In Focus from me.

They let you part ex old scopes and prices match best on internet without having to barter down like some of the others.

Also it looks out on martin mere and so you can test the scopes in real birding environment.

Best scope for me by a mile is the Kowa TSN 883 but unfortunetly i can't afford one. Don't make the mistake I did and look through it.

Try the In-Focus shop at Martin Mere, as this is another good place. Lots of new and second-hand 'scopes there to try out.

It really is down to personal preference so do "try before you buy" as this is the key to buying a 'scope.

Well within your budget and a very nice scope for the money is the Opticron IS60 complete with 18-54x zoom. It is a nice and compact 'scope, lightweight and gives a good clear image and you would also have money spare to buy a fixed wide angle eyepiece of 25x or 30x and a stay on case as well.

Good Luck!!

Phil





-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 29th of May 2010 11:40:31 PM

-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 29th of May 2010 11:43:21 PM

-- Edited by Phil Owen on Sunday 30th of May 2010 09:55:00 AM

Many thanks to the respondants for your advice and replies, I will call in the Buxton and Northwich shops mentioned and test a few out. John - you're dead right with wanting something better after saving up for one at £300 but my priority at the mo is the camera (I got the same lens as you by the way, and am very pleased with it) but I learnt the hard way at Abram with the osprey that a scope is a vital piece of equipment! Mark

Mark, lots of optical retailers have second hand stuff. Hard to recommend 'cos it depends on your location but Birdnet in Buxton had a decent Leica scope on display for £350 about a month ago. Focal Point (out near Northwich) have used and ex-demo stock to sell. Good out doors location to try the stuff out. Likewise Stockport binocular and telescope centre will give impartial advice.

"Other suppliers of optical equipment are available"

I've had an Opticron Piccolo MKII ED with a 30x Wide-angle eyepiece for about 15 years now - ideal for Pennington, Martin Mere etc. as it's small and light, easy to rest on hide shelves etc.

I use a Cullman Video tripod and agree - a good solid scope is necessary for sea-watching.

mark cain wrote:

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Can anyone offer advice / recommendations as to what scope would be the best buy on a £300 budget? The sheer number of reviews on the internet are mind-boggling so I thought that I'd ask the people who know best! Cheers, Mark

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if you do any photography,which i think you do,the small scopes are handy,when carrying all the gear.I have the nikon ed50,which is beltin with the 27 wide angle lens,but they are expensive around £600 with the lens,but the mighty midget ,with the ed zoom,comes in at around £300,and if you carrying lenses and cameras,they are the best option.
Full size i would go with geoff,but problem is with scopes,if you buy a £300 one,its not long after,you wish you had saved a bit more and gone for one that is better.

Mark,I spent many hours trawling through the info before buying my swaro,but i could have saved a lot of time by looking at scopes used in the field not in glossy mags,the most popular seems to be the swarovski(bentley)lecia(rolls royce)then optricon(merc/bmw) the GS815 from warehouse express at £329 might fit the bill but bear in mind the tripod you pick is just as important,all we need now is some with a GS815 to add a little wisdom.

cheers geoff

Can anyone offer advice / recommendations as to what scope would be the best buy on a £300 budget? The sheer number of reviews on the internet are mind-boggling so I thought that I'd ask the people who know best! Cheers, Mark