Thread: Bridge Camera vs Spotting Scope

The zoom is not equivalent. The zoom on a camera is based on a 24mm lenses whereas the zoom on spotter is based on something else can't remember exactly but it's more or less a 50mm lenses as such 120x camera zoom is the same as 60x spotter zoom. I have both a Kowa Tsn 553 15-45x55 spotter and a SX60hs camera. The spotter is significantly better and doesn't weigh much more it also weighs less than some cameras.

Pros for the Camera include:
Using it to spot shots although it's not like you have time to watch it soon enough to change POA.
Filming
Can rewatch glimpses.
Cheaper

Cons include:
No good in wet conditions.
Much more fragile
Zoom is not equivalent and the small screens aren't great resolution for in the field use.

Pros for the scope include:
Much more zoom.
Much clearer as it's resolution is as good as the glass.
Better in low light
Cons include:
weight although the scope I use its not an issue as its close.
Cost they cost more to get into good glass.

I use mine mainly for assessment of Red Stags and moose. So the smaller zoom scope is perfect. It compact and light and it's very rare I can use more than 45x anyway due to mirage. If I was guiding sheep I would have gone down the route of a swaro spotter probably the 20-60x65. A camera is best if you want to record things. I don't find they give me that much above my leica binos. For aging Tahr I would go the spotter if you can afford it.