Spotting Scope

Taking our first Yellowstone trip in September , and I am thinking in purchasing a beginner%26#39;s level spotting scope ..

I%26#39;m thinking of spending in the 100-200 price range .. but my number one priority is to have the appropriate quality optics/range for th wildlife that I am likely to encounter.

If anyone can recommend a good brand/model/specs it would be appreciated ..

Spotting Scope

Eagle optics is a good source of information and decent prices. Here%26#39;s a link.

www.eagleoptics.com/products/bushnell…

I think they have reviews. The tripod that comes with some won%26#39;t really work. Its too short. Best to have a monopod or a light weight tripod.

Your number 1 priority won%26#39;t be met in that price range. For 200 - 300, you should be pretty happy though. We have a Bushnell scope that wasn%26#39;t bad but we upgraded at a much more expensive Swarovski.

You can also rent scopes in Silver Gate for a very reasonable price. You%26#39;d be happier and save money if you can deal with driving out there to pick it up and driving back to return it. You go through Lamar VAlley both ways so it isn%26#39;t too painful.

Spotting Scope

Agree with above re: price/quality. I know a hunting scope user who was blown away by the quality of a (higher quality) birding spotting scope. I%26#39;d spend my money on a quality binocular(s) because they can be used more frequently, anywhere, anytime. Besides, most folks with spotting scopes will usually allow you to see what they are observing. Rental is, of course, always an option. BTW, I%26#39;d get a tripod; a monopod is tricky to use and you cannot leave the scope in place when you need to do something else.

This Inside Page is pretty comprehensive re: your questions:

For wildlife viewing and photography:

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60999-c96653/Yellows…

Donnie,

You have good advice above. A ';beginner%26#39;s scope'; in the $100 to $200 range will not serve you well in Yellowstone, and to invest in the cost of a top of the line scope for one trip would be rediculous. A good option for the first time visitor would be to rent a scope. Here is a link to just one operator who offers scopes for rent in the northern areas of the park. There are probably others.

http://www.wolftracker.com/scope.htm

The nice thing about renting is, you get a quality scope, matched with a good tripod, panhead, eyepiece and all the basic instructions to allow you to make the most of your wildlife experience. Once you get hooked, as a lot of us do, you can spend a fortune on optical gear and camera lenses, but for your first trip, I believe that renting is a good way to go.

As the recommended inside page will tell you, there is also the option of relying on the kindness of stangers for your scope viewing. Most of us are happy to share,and even explain and educate, but you will be much more flexible with your own scope.

Hi all,

Thanks for the quick replies .. You supplied me the info that I was looking for .. I don%26#39;t want to waste money on inadequate gear.

I definitely think renting is the way to go for this trip ..

Thanks again

Donnie