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Spotting scope recommendations?

lambing

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I've been using a pair of binoculars for astronomy and watching big-wall climbers in Yosemite, but I had a chance to use a spotting scope last week - MUCH more stable and easier to use.

Any recommendations for a decent spotting scope under $100?
 
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Have you tried using a camera tripod with your binoculars?
You can get an adapter for about $15.
 
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Before I graduated to an 8" dob telescope, I used a pair of Celestron 15x70 binos with the tripod adapter that I mounted to my camera's tripod. Those were (and still are) truly excellent binoculars, especially for astronomy.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN"]Amazon.com: Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter: Camera & Photo[/ame]
 

strife

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I've got a Barska lying around here somewhere that I don't use anymore if you want it. PM me.

Edit: Just noticed that you want to use it for stargazing. The model I have sucks for looking at anything other than a target down field. The way the eyepiece is situated on the side of the scope makes it very difficult to look upward.
 
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lambing

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strife

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PM sent (hope I did it right).
If not, what model Barska, and hpw much do you want for it?
Scope

I didn't pay nearly that much for it new but that is the one I have. Check your messages, in my opinion this scope sucks for what you want to use it for, but it kicks ass as a spotter.
 

Mitch

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I've got a Bushnell 16-32x50 that I like. This style is far more compact and lighter than most. Looks like my exact model may be part of history now, but the folded light style is good and several makers use it.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Sentry-16-32x50-Compact-Spotting/dp/B00007973M"]Amazon.com: Bushnell Sentry 16-32x50 Folded Light Path Compact Spotting Scope: Camera & Photo[/ame]
 
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