Spotting scope vs telescope

A spotting scope and a telescope are both types of optical instruments that are used to magnify distant objects. The main difference between the two is the type of objects they are designed to observe. A spotting scope is a type of telescope that is specifically designed for observing terrestrial objects, such as birds, wildlife, and landscapes. A telescope, on the other hand, is typically used for observing celestial objects, such as stars, planets, and galaxies.

In general, a spotting scope has a shorter and wider objective lens, which allows it to have a wider field of view. This makes it ideal for observing objects that are close to the observer, such as birds or other animals in the wild. A telescope, on the other hand, has a longer and narrower objective lens, which allows it to collect more light and provide greater magnification. This makes it better suited for observing distant celestial objects.

Another key difference between a spotting scope and a telescope is the way they are mounted. A spotting scope is typically mounted on a tripod, which allows the user to easily adjust the position and angle of the scope to get the best view of the object being observed. A telescope, on the other hand, is often mounted on a specialized mount that tracks the movement of the stars, allowing the user to easily follow the objects they are observing.

In addition, in view of the observation scenario, the spotting scope usually adds an eyepiece with a inverting lens. However, this is not necessary for telescopee, so its image always upside down, left and right.

Also pubilshed on Reddit.