A spotting scope is basically a telescope designed for terrestrial viewing. Spotting scopes with apertures between 50mm and 127mm are excellent for safely viewing dangerous subjects from a distance - such as a beehive - when a handheld binocular is much too weak. Spotting scopes cost between $50 and $1,600 online. Basic designs include:

• Basic Fixed Eyepiece Scopes - Used for observing from your house or balcony. A simple design, offering apertures of 50mm to 102mm, and interchangeable eyepieces to increase magnification. Fixed eyepieces offer limited distances, but offer the best value in terms of aperture vs. cost.
• Zoom Spotting Scopes - Ideal for mobile viewers who want a variety of magnifications without having to sort through eyepieces. Even though zoom scopes are more expensive, they offer the best convenience.
• Schmidt-Cassegrains or Maksutov-Cassegrains - Use mirrors to fold the light back on itself, making the instrument more portable and convenient.

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