Scope or camera?

[JeffOver]

I've just got a quick question for anybody. What is more useful--a scope or a camera? I'm thinking about buying one of the two, and I'm wondering which one I would enjoy more, regardless of the cost difference. Thanks, Jeff

Gord and Jason: Good find on the scarlet tanager!! ;D

[Dave]

Jeff

It depends on where you plan to bird.

If you plan to focus on the eastern valley here, I would suggest a camera. I have a cheaper ($450) camera and take many pictures that I use for ID once I am in my living room and can see the bird on the big screen. This is very useful for rookies like me. You can get some beautiful shots and post them on the site here for all to enjoy ;D

If you plan to bird a lot outside of the Chilliwack area, a scope is super useful. You can't do any decent shorebirding without one. It is also good for the winter gulls around here. I very rarely use if at Cheam Wetlands though, or places like that. It is too much to lug around, and my binos do a good job on smaller lakes like the wetlands.

Hard choice,

Dave

[b1schmor]

Hi Jeff,

I use my camera far more than my scope. If you are into hiking and wildlife viewing, then a camera can be a lot of fun. The scope is very useful for certain birding situations, but I find that binocs suffice the majority of the time.

Anyway, I started with a camera and then purchased a scope about four years after I got into birding.

Brent Schmor
Abbotsford

[Gord]

Buy them both.

Id probably go with the camera as well. I didnt have a scope for a long time. Once I got it, it was great for the far out stuff and I use it often, but if I was to base a decision on how much I will use it, Id go for the camera since you can use a camera for so much and not only for birds.

If you were birding Boundary Bay a lot, this would be a tougher decision as a scope is pretty important for areas like that.

Get the camera, and save for a scope. You'll love the scope and find your range of birding will expand a great deal as well as arm muscle from toting it around with you.

[tmanson]

Jeff: Great responses from the Fraser Valley birding community. I think Gord has it, when he says buy both!! Of course, that's easier said than done, if you are on a budget. I have a good scope, and basically, a useless digital camera. Even though I did quite a bit of research on digiscoping, I have found that I rarely use it. For one thing, with my Pentax scope, I have to change the lens before I can even thing about using an adapter. Then you want an adapter that is quick and easy to use. Some birders have resorted to building their own for this purpose. Most of the time, by the time you are ready to go, the bird has gone.
Even though I don't have a good camera, it seems like you need a good telesphoto lens to get the results you want, although Dave seems to have a good compromise solution with his set up. If you want some advice on spotting scope purchases, feel free to e-mail me, as I did quite a bit of research on this topic too, prior to purchasing. Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope B.C.
[e-mail].