Reading N Numbers

[Doug Robertson]

I routinely carry to the airport a small monocular spotting scope. It has been most helpful in getting the N number correct on an aircraft I cannot get close to, such as across a runway, so that I don't just depend on the taken picture to reveal the registration. Some N numbers are small, partly obscured or can be mistaken at a glance. My focusable monocular is just 3.5 " long and is an 8X21 with a nice lanyard and case with belt loop. All this easily fits in my fanny pack I wear on the hip. I also have a small dated notepad to record anything unusual about an aircraft, usually offered by the pilot/owner during conversations. My camera is a compact digital which can take over 200 pictures on a battery charge and fits in a shirt pocket-I like to travel light

BTW, I was not charged ANY shipping costs by C.C. Crane, just sales tax as I am a California resident.

[Timothy Aanerud]

Who makes these things? A quick browsing at B&H Photo shows about 40 choices. Any suggestion on what to choose, other than small and hopefuly low cost. You mentioned "focusable". B&H has cheapies for $10, and if you want a brand name like Ziess or Nikon, it's $200 or more.

[Doug Robertson]

Like you, I wear glasses, so eye relief was important. I chose the Bushmaster 8X21 Monocular Spotting Scope at $19.95 with neat little case. See www.bushmaster.com.au It is made in China but for the Australian Company, rubber covered with multicoated lenses, waterproof and with a +/- index so you can return to the focus point easily between users. The C. CRane Company catalog has it as item #TM. As their info did not include the eye relief, I emailed them for that info before ordering. As I recall, the prompt answer was 18 mm, which is very adequate for me. Weight is 2.5 oz, length 3.5"X 1" diameter. At 8 power, I steady it with both hands, and do not need to fold down the rubber eyecup. See www.ccrane.com They are in Fortuna, CA and are a very reliable outfit. Their ad says you can use it with a digital camera by holding it over the lens-sounds hokey and I have not tried that-no need or desire to.