I'm in the process of researching spotting scopes and aside from Island Outfitters, where can I find spotting scopes in Victoria. Any recommendations on scope model, advice etc. is appreciated.

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Steven Roias

You could try Lens and Shutter downtown. Maybe you'll get lucky and there will be a Boxing Day Sale.
Good luck.

Your best bet is online.I did some research this year and got one either on eBay or amazon from a company called planet optics.The brand is Alpen and I love it and they are cheap.It was compared with 1500.00 to 2000.00 scopes buy a bird magazine and it was rated best buy.I got the angled 20-60 80mm.It's a california company importing from China.Waterproof,light and clear and sharp.Shipped and all duties came to 420.00.The eye piece is not detachable.Even at 60 power can still get a good image and it has the fine focus dial.They could see hardly any difference in the 20 to 50 range compared the higher end scopes.Hope this helps.Steven email me and we can hook up and I will bring it.Ted

Hi Steven,

A brand that is quickly gaining popularity is Vortex. The optics are good and they have incredible warranties (lifetime, no fault!). Check out their website and shop around. It used to be conventional wisdom that the best Canadian business for optics was Pelee Wings in Ontario. They have a number of years under their belt and they specialize in birding optics.

Hopefully that helps a little!

Jeremy Gatten
Saanichton, B.C.

Sadly the variety of scopes available on-island is...lacking. I eventually bought my Kowa 883 on-line through Pelee Wings (excellent service and they promptly answered all of my questions). Lens and Shutter (on Broad) has a Swaro and some Bushnels. Can't remember what Island Outfitters has. In Vancouver, Vancouver Telescope Center has some - but they never actually emailed me back with answers to my questions.

I suggest pestering people you see birding with scopes and then ordering on-line if you need to.

Cheers

Christina

PS - The Kowa 883 is amazing!!