I bought a Konus from Midway a few years ago and have not looked back.

HK Ag

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:

quote:

Originally posted by Sparkyk:
What is your budget?

Maybe $100 - $300?

With how you are going to use it I would look at Celetron, Konus or Athlon with an 80mm objective. The larger objective is going to help you over a smaller objective in that price point. And don't be afraid to turn down the power, depending on conditions, a lower power can be beneficial.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I saw this video comparison on the Athlon. Seemed decent.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0NMVGdaF1Lc" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

I think this makes the Athlon look better than it is. It would have been nice to know at what distances he was looking at the birds. I am guessing it wasn't very far. Greater distances and more difficult lighting conditions are where the differences really show up.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'll probably save and upgrade the scope later at some point. But for tripod I'm likely going to grab this Sinclair bench mount. Buddy has one and it's solid. I can always use it on the next scope I buy as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Sinclai...-MOUNT/dp/B07F6SCMQ7

I have this exact mount and really like it. Much better than a tripod for me. But requires a bench to use it. With bigger scopes sliding the mount closer to the base will improve stability.

quote:

Originally posted by Sparkyk:

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'll probably save and upgrade the scope later at some point. But for tripod I'm likely going to grab this Sinclair bench mount. Buddy has one and it's solid. I can always use it on the next scope I buy as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Sinclai...-MOUNT/dp/B07F6SCMQ7

I have this exact mount and really like it. Much better than a tripod for me. But requires a bench to use it. With bigger scopes sliding the mount closer to the base will improve stability.

I have a similar bench mount. I find it's much easier to use than a small tripod. It's also half the price.

http://www.aristocratproducts.com/accessories.html