Page 1 of 1

using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:30 am
by deaner
Hello,
I used to see guys using 2 spotting scopes clamped together as a sort of high powered binoculars.
I have 2 identical scopes and thought if the mount wasn't too hard to make, maybe that would be a fun project.

Does anyone have the machine skills to make a mount to clamp 2 scopes together? I know it might be easier to get a
pair of high powered binos, but it might be a fun project.

thank you,
dean

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:53 am
by Bob259
deaner wrote:Hello,
I used to see guys using 2 spotting scopes clamped together as a sort of high powered binoculars.
I have 2 identical scopes and thought if the mount wasn't too hard to make, maybe that would be a fun project.

Does anyone have the machine skills to make a mount to clamp 2 scopes together? I know it might be easier to get a
pair of high powered binos, but it might be a fun project.

thank you,
dean
Also try posting in Marketplace that you'd looking for a double mount. I have the double set up with two Bushnell’s and it surly relieves any eye strain. I got the last one a guy in PA had made, once set up they are great and cost a lot less than the Kowa ones (Which if I ever win the Lotto I'll have a set :D.

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 5:13 pm
by malinois
The image is nice on the dual spotting scope set up but....very expensive...since you need two Kowas or similar plus the mount then you need to colimate them..not an eazy thing to do........If you need the stereo view on a budget then get a pair of celestron astronomy binoculars....the 20X 100mm work awsome ...come with a proper tripod mount and are a lot cheaper than even a single kowa...or use a single long eye relief spotting scope.....Those work very well also.

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:41 am
by Bigfoot
Hey Dean. Man did this one hit home with me. I made the mistake of looking through one of the kowa doubles that Dennis Martinen (who I want to be when I grow up. The man is my silhouette hero and a gent to boot) uses. The lack of eye strain and the clarity and depth of image can only be described as amazing.

Yes. One of these bad boys is expensive. The way I look at it is this. We spend $1500 plus on an anschutz and the maybe $2000 on a center fire rifle (almost typed gun there. My dad would have read me the riot act as he reads this forum). If you travel to nationals or even a few regional matches your spending another x amount of greenbacks. So if this is the main sport or recreation we participate in why not get the good stuff to go along with it.

I haven't bought mine yet. I made it a goal to shoot into master class in small bore this year (I'm AAA now) and AAA in high power (a long trek from A) and reward myself with this as a milestone of the achievement. I think of the hours and years of enjoyment that a tool of this fine order will give me and being able to share it with the other shooters whose company I so enjoy. Heck just think about the first match you shot with an old pro spotting for you and how much it helped and made that match more enjoyable.

So for now a few bucks go into the coffee can each month and sooner or later that master classification is going to get earned by my sorry butt. If only I could get that darn 10 turkey pin. Oh well that's another rant.

Good shooting!

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 11:41 am
by ter
http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/as ... culars.cfm

There is a Amish shoe shop that sells high end optics between State College and Harrisburg. Lost Creek Shoe Shop. Anyway they have all types of good glass like these Kowas. They have a much better selection that Cabelas. I have lusted over a pair of Prominar highlanders for a few years. The 5K price tag is somehow holding me back.

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 12:32 pm
by Snake
I got mine a long while ago from a photography outfit in Hershey PA...the name of which escapes me...when you put the Kowas in it you collimated or synchronized them ...focal planes must blend together must like your eyes or you can't usefully see squat. with two 77mm Kowas you have more field of view than a team spotter. I found the long eye relief eyepieces the only way to go. Reading mirage and subtle winds across the course is a joy :D

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 2:43 pm
by shakes
Easy fix: You pick a fellow shooter/spotter and pair up. Each of you buy a spotting scope and split the cost of the mount. You guys make this too hard :-B

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 5:13 am
by boats
Have seen them at big matches and looked through a few, Right now have not found anybody who makes the double mount or has one for sale used.

Anybody know of a current source let me know

Boats

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:35 am
by Snake
I could take mine to a friend's machine shop and see how much it would cost to have a few made...mines slick and anodized balck aluminum....the screws and bolts are easily duplicated...the only design change would be to modify it for 88 mm Kowas (it'll also accomdate the smaller 77's. Its the cost....mine cost $300 in 1991. Is there a market?

Re: using 2 spotting scopes question

Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2013 8:20 pm
by edgehit
Or buy a Kowa Highlander? I used a pair at nationals and they're fabulous.