<< ----- You can view some of the scopes we carry and their pricing by clicking on "Featured Spotting Scopes" here on the left side-bar. Not all of the scopes we stock are up on our website.
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"The Big 4" in spotting scopes for nature enjoyment continue to be Kowa, Swarovski, Zeiss and Leica. We stock most models of these scopes in their large objective lens configurations ( 80, 88, 85, & 82mm respectively ) as well as in their smaller ( 65, 77, & 65 & 62mm) objective lens versions. Quality-wise the big 4 are very close - they are all excellent scopes representing the best in the world. Running a close second to these is the Vortex Razor 85 mm scope and the Fieldscope series from Nikon. The above 6 mfg's build their scopes in a "High Definition" version and in a "Standard glass" version (except Zeiss - hi def flourite only). As well, all of these scopes are built in a "straight" or "angled" eyepiece version. You can view the many details on these scopes via the manufacturers websites buttons to the left. Note that the eyepieces are sold separately for these scopes. Eyepieces of 15-45x for 60mm scopes, and 20-60x for 80mm scopes are most popular. Traditional purists prefer the 30x or 32x wide angle eyepieces for all purpose use.
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<< ---- You can view many additional scopes from the various manufacturers via the links here on the left side-bar, just click on their logo.
There is an excellent March 2008 REVIEW OF SPOTTING SCOPES by Cornell University in theIR "Living Bird" publication called "Scope Quest"; view at http://www.livingbird.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=272&srcid=667
The KOWA Scopes receive rave reviews in this article. Another Kowa review from the UK "Bird Digest" may be viewed at http://www.kowa-usa.com/images/doc/Kowa_TSN_883_review___Birdwatch_Dec_2006.pdf
Pelee Wings is a "stocking dealer" meaning the majority of these scopes are in stock, ready to field test outdoors. We encourage you to look through these scopes side-by-side, in real world conditions. Spend some time on our lakefront deck, studying birds or boats, or peer at the feeders around the neighbourhood, or at the resolution charts at various distances outdoors. Only by doing this can you make a good decision on which best suits your eyes, hands, and budget, and which one may out-perform the other. We have 50+ spotting scope models in-stock available for field testing. Our customers inform us there is no where else in Ontario where they can place 5 comparable scopes side by side and study birds on the lake to make an informed decision, and this is why they will travel here from Toronto, Ottawa, North Bay and beyond to try before they buy.
KOWA The Kowa 88mm, 77mm, 66mm, and 60mm scopes are in stock and we can offer you the best prices in Canada on all Kowa scopes. They have set a new standard for large scopes and offer a superb view. Kowa uses pure flourite crystal in this new line of scopes which eliminates chromatic aberration and gives an exceptionally bright image. A magnesium alloy shell reduces weight in these big bright scopes. For a super lightweight scope have a look through Kowa's 60mm series of scopes. Prices have gone up approx 5% this spring of 2012 on Kowa's 60mm ED scopes and on the flourite glass 88mm and 77mm scopes. A new release for Kowa in 2011 was the 82SV 82mm scope, in standard glass with angled view only.
SWAROVSKI In April 2012 prices in Canada on scopes have come down approx $120., so we are offering some very competitive pricing on the lineup of great Swaro optics. Coatings have been improved on the Swaro "M" (magnesium) bodied scopes and they are lighter weight than the previous aluminum models. Swarovski's new 25-50x zoom wide angle eyepiece is available now. The apparent field-of-view has increased approx 25%! It is the same size as the current 20-60 zoom, so will work with currrent DCB digiscoping mounts. It will also fit on the older "grey" Swaro scopes (1990+) as well as on the previous "S" series aluminum bodied scopes. If you would like to have a peak through it on your current Swaro scope just ask us and you can have a look at the waterfowl from our deck.
LEICA The new generation Leica Televid scopes are now available in 65 or 82mm configutrations, straight or angled view. APO (apochromatic) glass is used in the objective lens and flouride glass elsewhere. Televid Scopes are in stock and available for viewing here; standard grade glass Televids are no longer built. Their claim is be more compact and to have a better near focus than all other scopes in this class. New "Aquadura" coatings are used on the external surfaces to reduce fogging and to allow water droplets to easily roll-off; the magnesium shell is rubber-clad for a protected non-slip grip. Available now for these scopes are Leica's new 25 - 50x wide angle eyepieces offering a 60 degree field-of-view and fully waterproof; a 32x wide angle will be released in the future. We'll have these new scopes here for viewing at our 16th Annual Sports Optics Expo & Sale on May 12th & 13th 2012. Pricing ranges in the $3,000.+ level - best prices in Canada guaranteed.
ZEISS The advanced optics of Zeiss Spotting Scopes feature fluoride glass in the objectives, protective LotuTecŪ lens coating that sheds water and dirt for unadulterated results, and fields of view that are beyond compare. Waterproof, fully armored, dust proof housings are light, rugged and built to take the punishment of any adventure. Innovative Dual Speed Focus aids functionality and ease of use, allowing the observer a rare, close-up, and incredibly detailed, look at the greatest distances.
There are good values to be found in scopes from Bushnell, Pentax, Celestron, Minox and Vortex. They come in at 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the others and some use "ED" - extra low dispersion glass for improved colour rendition and contrast. The Bushnell Elite 80mm, waterproof, with 20-60x power zoom eyepiece is a value leader. Both Vortex & Celestron have an amazing "no-fault" warranty, virtually unheard of in the sports optics trade. Any damage for whatever reason is repaired or replaced at the expense of the manufacturer! VORTEX has released their waterproof "Razor HD" 20-60x 85mm scope in both angled and straight versions coming in at considerably less than $2,000. (eyepiece included), and the new Viper 65mm scopes in standard glass are now in stock.
SMALL SPOTTING SCOPES - Looking for a lightweight, compact, spotting scope? You can view a 2 page review of 9 current small-sized scopes published by Birder's World magazine, Feb 2009, CLICK HERE. The Nikon 50mm Fieldscope is the clear winner in the small scope models.
DIGISCOPING - view a detailed new article on digital photography through your Spotting Scope - "Digiscoping". Compliments of Clay Taylor, Swarovski's Naturalist Markets Specialist, it has been placed in our "Birding Articles" column (see top left side-bar). <<< ------------
Although the majority of our customers are birders & naturalists, we're pleased to provide scopes and advice to our conservationist-hunter clients, target shooters, & surveillance personnel. Spotting scopes are ideal for waterfront home or condo owners (they make alot more sense than astronomy scopes for enjoying the lake or river view). Spotting scopes can also do double duty for astronomy and studying the planets.
If you live a long distance from us and simply cannot drive in for hands-on testing of this equipment scope out the available products from the mfg buttons on the left. Ask friends, birders, naturalists, and hunters who use scopes what they prefer and why, and look through some scopes in the field. Feel free to call us or email sales@peleewings.ca 519-326-5193 for a quote or details on some of the scopes you have narrowed down your search for. With over 23 years experience providing optical equipment for our customers to enjoy the outdoors we'll be happy to spend time with you and help sort-out the scopes in your price-range and for your particular use.
Straight versus Angled View. This is a very common question put to us so here's some advice. A straight view allows you to get onto your subject quicker with its direct-line-of-site view. For example, you can see the ducks way out on the river with your eyes, then lean over 2 inches to the eyepiece to get onto them quick and easy. Competitive birders prefer straights for this reason. With an angled scope one has to search more through the eyepiece with ones head down to get onto the subject as direct-line-of-site isn't possible. Angled scopes are preferable for various other uses 1) if you're looking up alot, say studying birds' nests in treetops, or astronomy 2) if you're with a group of people of various heights you don't have to move the tripod centre column up and down for various heights 3) angled scopes allow you to keep the tripod centre column slightly lower which is an advantage in windy conditions, i.e. less shakiness.
Digital Photo Adaptors and rings are now available for KOWA, NIKON, SWAROVSKI and VORTEX to attach digital cameras to their scopes.
We specialize in Manfrotto Tripods and Heads for scopes, and can order in Gitzo tripods as special orders. |
