Question for Lisa L or anyone else on telescopes.?

Question

I am looking for something more powerful than a spotting scope that I can use for land. Where I can see an object in detail that's anywhere from 1000 to 5000 feet away. I have a 20-60X-80mm spotting scope and it's not quite enough and gets blurry at 60x. Something that is clear between 20X and 150X would be perfect. Please help me out. Thanks.

Answer 1

Look at the Stellarvue line of telescopes-- made in California by Vic Marris.

http://www.stellarvue.com/

Answer 2

Does this thing need to be portable?

I have a 60mm scope, and expect it's maximum magnification for daytime use at 30x.  An 80mm scope does better.  I'm really not a fan of zoom eyepieces or binoculars, by the way.

If you want 150x, you'll want a 150mm reflector for low cost.   If money is no object, then a high end APO refractor in the 114mm range might do it.  This will cost more than my 254mm scope, however.

I've got two links.  We'd have to come up with a suitable eyepieces and mount.  I'm thinking a 6mm eyepiece (150x) or 7mm (128x) might do it for you.  The mount depends alot on how you want to use it.

Answer 3

the problem is that you are looking through the atmosphere, and views are always going to be degraded at that distance and that magnification, no matter what kind of telesscope you use. i don't think there is a good answer.

you could try an astronomical telesscope, but i don't think it will suit your needs. i have several test targets i use during the day on my telescopes, like a freeway exit sign i can see from my balcony that is 10 km away. if the air is steady i get good views, but they are always slightly hazy.

what are you trying to do?