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The Barr & Stroud Spotting Scope Range
Whilst it is probably true to say that Barr & Stroud are probably better known for their Binoculars, they do currently produce two Spotting Scopes aimed at the "value conscious outdoor enthusiast and bird watcher." Their excellent value for money scopes make an excellent choice for those either looking to get their first spotting scope, those who don't want to or can't afford high end scopes, but still want a good scope for birdwatching, nature observation or even digiscoping.
Barr & Stroud currently produce scopes in two sizes: 80 mm and 65 mm objective lens diameters. The Sahara 65mm version has a far more compact body and therefore lightweight packing, whilst the superior light gathering ability of Sahara 80mm model is ideal for low light viewing. Both sizes are only available in the angled body design.
Barr and Stroud Spotting scopes are sold with Zoom eyepieces included that are not removable. The Sahara 80mm Scope has a 20-60x zoom eyepiece, whilst the Sahara 60mm scope comes with a 15-45mm eyepiece.
Barr & Stroud Sahara 80mm and 60mm Spotting ScopesThe larger 80mm objective lens diameter has excellent light-gathering qualities even at high magnifications, whilst the 60mm version offers a more compact and lightweight option. Both models only come with Zoom eyepieces included and only in the angled body design that is ideal for "comfortable" birdwatching. This is because the angled body makes it far more comfortable to view objects like birds at different heights, such as in the air or in trees. It can also help with general wildlife observation in steep terrain.
Both Sahara spotting scopes have fully coated lenses and quality Bak-4 Prisms that provide optical performance that is equal to, or better than anything in their price range.
Made from a Polycarbonate construction, Barr & Stroud Safari spotting scopes are manufactured from lightweight polycarbonate which reduces overall weight and makes them both rugged and durable. On top of this there is a rubber armour covering that not only protects your Sahara spotting scope from abrasions and damage from regular use, but quiets down bumps, an important feature when observing easily spooked animals and birds. What is more is they come with excellent covers, that add to their protection and make them easier to carry and transport.
All Barr and Stroud scopes are Waterproof, Fog proof & Nitrogen Filled and have a sliding sunshade that is built-in to the objective lens of the scope to further reduce glare.
Barr and Stroud Sahara 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - (read full review)
The larger objective lens on the 80mm scope enhance their light gathering ability, which makes them perform better in low light conditions and also means that a larger zoom is possible. The 80mm Sahara comes with a 20-60x eyepiece included.
Barr and Stroud Sahara 15-45x60 Spotting Scope
The smaller and more compact Sahara 60mm scope makes it easier to transport and carry with you, the lower magnification of the included 15-45 zoom eyepiece can even just be used handheld, but a stable surface like a tripod is always going to be preferable.
Digiscoping with Barr & Stroud Sahara Spotting Scopes
You can digiscope with either Sahara scope, using either a universal camera adapter that will fit most compact digital cameras or with the Barr and Stroud Spotting Scope Photo Adapter that enables you to mount an SLR camera, with the appropriate 'T' Mount adapter, over the eye piece of the spotting scope It has cut-outs on the adapter barrel so the eyepiece's zoom control can be accessed.
Price Range
Both Barr and Stroud scopes are aimed at the value end of the market, with the 60mm version costing less than £100:
Below are a few featured Barr & Stroud Binoculars: View >> All Barr & Stroud Scopes reviewed
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View >> All Barr & Stroud Scopes reviewed on The Best Spotting Scope Reviews website.
Barr & Stroud Spotting Scopes on Amazon:
Connecting a digital camera to any Barr & Stroud Spotting Scope is very simple using one of their specially designed camera adapters. Digi Scoping is great fun, the results are excellent and is much easier to set up than you may think:
Barr & Stroud Camera Adapters
Barr & Stroud Optik currently have two adapters that allow you to attach your DSLR camera or Compact Digital camera to their spotting scopes:
Barr & Stroud binoculars range from low cost take anywhere Sahara 10x25 and 8x25 compact binoculars to their top of the range Savannah binoculars:
Popular Barr & Stroud Binocular Ranges:
For more take a look at the Barr & Stroud Binoculars section on BBR.
A British company, the Barr & Stroud story goes right back to 1891, when Archibald Barr and William Stroud were approached by the Admiralty of the Royal Navy to come up with a design for a short-base rangefinder.
With the outbreak of the First World War, they saw a large increase in demand for their rangefinders, but there was a problem with supplying the British forces with binoculars. At the time Zeiss, a German company were the leading makers of binoculars and obviously the military thought this may cause problems in the future.
By 1919 Barr & Stroud started producing their first binoculars which were supplied to the British Navy and were used almost universally by them during WW2. Over the years they have played a leading role in the development of modern optics and today apart from Spotting Scopes they manufacture Microscopes, Monoculars and Binoculars.
Address:
ODS Optics Units 9/10 Brickfield Trading Estate
Brickfield Lane
Chandlers Ford
Eastleigh
SO53 4DP
Telephone: 02380 266300
Fax: 02380 266400
Email: [email protected]
