Spotting scope

General high-level advice

By birders:

• /r/binoculars comment
• /r/birding comment
• /r/binoculars comment
• https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-choose-your-spotting-scope
• https://www.pennington.com/all-products/wild-bird/resources/birdwatching-spotting-scope-tips
• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-choose-a-spotting-scope/

By others:

• https://astronomics.com/pages/some-spotting-scope-specifications

Comparison lists

• https://www.audubon.org/gear/scope-guide
  • Good value
  • Midrange
  • Top of the line

Specific models

• Opticron MM4 60 — $800-1000
• Viper Vortex HD — $650; 15-45x magnification; 65mm objective lens; 20-15mm eye relief; 53.3 oz
• Vortex Diamondback — $600; 20-60x magnification; 80mm objective lens; 20-16.5mm eye relief; 47.1 oz
• Alpen 788 — $500; 20-60x magnification; 80mm objective lens; 19-18mm eye relief; 56 oz