Product Code Database
[[File:Mini-tubkikare - Compact Spotting Scope - 2025.jpg|thumb|A compact spotting scope with 8-24x magnification, (corresponds to 400-1200 mm on a camera lens). The front lens is 40 mm in diameter and when fully extended, it has a length of 18 cm.]] A spotting scope is a compact lightweight portable telescope optimized for detailed observation of distant objects. spotting scope, noun, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, .merriam-webster.com They are used as tripod mounted optical enhancement devices for various outdoor activities such as birdwatchers, skygazing and other naturalist activities, for hunting and target shooting to verify a marksman's shot placements, for tactical ranging and surveillance, and for any other application that requires higher magnification than ordinary binoculars (typically 20× to 60×).
The light-gathering power and resolution of a spotting scope is determined by the diameter of the objective lens, typically between . The larger the objective, the more massive and expensive the telescope.
The optical assembly has a small refracting objective lens, an internal erect image system, and an eyepiece that is usually removable. The image-erecting system may use , prisms such as Porro prism or , or a catadioptric system of the Schmidt or Maksutov design. Spotting scopes may have a ruggedized design, a mounting interface for attaching to a tripod, and an ergonomics designed and located control knob for focus adjustment. Some spotting scopes also have in-built for stadiametric rangefinding.
Spotting scope eyepieces are usually interchangeable to adapt for different magnifications, or may have variable zoom to give a range of magnifications. Magnifications less than 20× are unusual, as are magnifications more than 60× since the latter can lead to poorer image brightness, a narrow field of view and too much image shaking, even on a tripod. The eyepiece mount layout can be "straight-through" (the eyepiece is on the same axis as the scope body), or "angled" (the eyepiece is at an angle to the scope body—usually 45 degrees).
The high magnification of spotting scopes makes them prone to image disturbance from vibrations, so they are often stabilized with or (less commonly) , which provide a stationary and steady platform. can be used to control any required movements of the scope.
|
|
