On Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 7:20:58 PM UTC-7, StarDust wrote:
On Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 6:39:44 PM UTC-7, RichA wrote:
On Wednesday, 23 August 2017 03:24:45 UTC-4, StarDust wrote:
Any one tried to use spotting scope for astronomy?
Does it work?
Some can be very expensive too, few grand or so!
If it works, what's the cons and pros using it?

None that I know do 90 degree viewing therefore, they are poorly-suited.. From an optical standpoint, B&L Elite, Swarovski, Nikon ED (any kind), Leitz Apo Televid are all excellent. I used the 77mm objective out of a B&L Elite and it was nearly as good on planets as newer 2 element ED telescope.. Plus, very fast, suitable for a telephoto, with a bit of field curvature..

Well, I picked up a Meade 60 mm spotting scope on ebay for $25 over a year ago.It didn't have the zoom eyepiece, some one modified it to a single non-removable 25 mm Plossel eyepiece.
Monday, first time I used it on the eclipse, made a quick Badder solar filer for it. Had, very nice views of the eclipse and had many good compliment from others.
Next they, took it down to the lake and blow me away how well, sharp it showed distance objects miles away.
I never had a spotting scope before and being so small, light weight and versatile , I'm becoming a fan!

Now, I'm not saying a spotting scope can replace a good astronomical telescope, no way!
But it's soooo compact, cheap and easy to use!