How To Use A Spotting Scope For Birding

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How To Use A Spotting Scope For Birding

Birdwatching, or birding, is a recreational activity that both young and old enjoy. Everyone finds birds fascinating! It is a cheap and relaxing hobby. In addition, there is no specific skill set you need to fully enjoy birdwatching, whatever the distance. All it requires is a set of appreciative eyes and a good spotting scope for maximum viewing experience. Whether you are an experienced bird watcher or a beginner, here are some useful tips for birding, and on how to use a spotting scope for birding on your next birdwatching adventure

How To Use A Spotting Scope For Birding – Making The Right Adjustments

Here’s how to use a spotting scope for birding and make the necessary adjustments.

Adjust your scope according to your preferred position in viewing.

If you are using an angled scope, some have adjustable eyecups you can twist up or down. These are great for people who are wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.

To adjust your angled scope’s viewing angle, turn a thumbscrew of a mounting collar counter clockwise to loosen it. Then, adjust your scope to your desired angle. Finally, secure it again by turning the thumbscrew clockwise.

Adjust your scope’s magnification power and zoom.

There are two ways to adjust your scope for magnification power. It depends upon the type of eyepiece your scope has. Check if your scope has a fixed eyepiece, or zoom.

For fixed eyepieces, simply change the eyepiece with your preferred zoom/magnification.

For eyepieces with zoom, they have adjustment rings on the eyepiece itself. Just turn these rings clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease magnification.

These adjustments depend on your scope’s capacity and the image you want to magnify. When in doubt, it is best to consult your user manual first to identify your scope’s unique features.

Properly focus your scope.

For some, a small button can be located near the eyepiece to adjust the focus. Others have a “focus ring” or “focus dial” which is conveniently located at the scope’s body.

Some scopes have a dual focus mechanism that allow you to focus on an image regardless of the distance. In addition, this is done without compromising the image quality.

Check for extra features that will improve birding experience.

Does your scope have sunshade? Extendable sunshades are an added feature of some scopes. These block out stray light for your objective lens. The objective lens’ purpose is to regulate how much light enters the spotting scope for brighter and more detailed birdwatching experience.

Sunshades also provide added protection against mechanical damage. They also prevent soiling by fingerprints and moisture.

Another extra feature of some spotting scopes is called digiscoping. Just connect it to a camera to capture quality images. Straight scopes often have this feature because they tend to produce brighter images for photos.

Other Considerations – Choose your Location Setup

When experimenting with how to use a spotting scope for birding, try different locations and select the best one.

The surface in which you will set up your spotting scope will greatly affect your viewing, so it is recommended that you choose a spot with a flat surface to support your equipment. If the terrain is too rough or imbalanced, there is a great chance that your scope and tripod will fall over. Others opt to use the roof of their cars if a flat surface is almost impossible to find.

Also, choose a spot that is somewhat out of the way to prevent scaring away your target birds.

Additional Accessories For Spotting Scopes When Birding – Tripod

You can use spotting scopes with tripods to support their weight and for a steadier view.

When you choose a tripod, keep in mind that the bigger the spotting scope, the sturdier it should be. We recommend that you choose a tripod that is sturdy enough to capture the image of your target clearly. It should also protect your scope from falling over, and should be adjustable for a comfortable height. Tripods for video cameras are excellent for birdwatching.

To attach the spotting scope to the tripod, look for the scope’s tripod mount, Then, attach it to the tripod head’s mounting plate. Adjust accordingly and give a little nudge to make sure it is secure.

Conclusion

Now with all these tips and settings on how to use a spotting scope for birding, you’re sure to have an unforgettable birdwatching experience!

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