[birding] Spotting Scope and Tripod sugestions.

[Matthew]

Hi Birders,

I post an e-mail similar to this a week and a half ago when OBOL was still 
on the fritz many people.  I am reposting it now that OBOL is up and running 
again.

I was given some money with the stipulation that it was to be used to by a
spotting scope.  I am looking to get a scope in the $400-$600 range and
tripod in the $200 range (probably something like this Manfrotto 128RC/190XB 
Tripod Kit).  Any suggestions on a good scope in that price range?  I have 
read the recent scope reviews by Birdwatchers Digest and Living Bird.

I would like to get a decent tripod that is relatively tall since I am 6'
11' and still growing.  I plan on getting a scope with an angled eye piece
(so that it is easier to share the scope with people of different heights)
so a tall tripod is not critical but it would be nice.

Thanks in advance.

Matthew Schneider
Silverton, Oregon
gaviaimmer at live.com