2
rotating the scope in the Mounting ring
The spotting scope can be rotated relative to the mounting ring,
should you wish to change the orientation of the eyepiece for
more comfortable viewing. With the mounting ring attached to the
tripod, just grasp the body of the spotting scope and rotate it to
the desired position.
Focusing the spotting scope
Point the spotting scope in the general direction of an object at
least 24 feet away. Turn the focus knob with your fingers until the
object comes into sharp focus. Make certain that you are turning
the focus knob and not turning the zoom eyepiece. Go a little bit
beyond sharp focus until the image just starts to blur again, the
reverse the rotation of the knob, just to make sure you’ve hit the
exact focus point.
using the Zoom Eyepiece
The Dakota spotting scope provides continuous zoom magnifica-
tion from 20x to 60x. The magnification is adjusted to the desired
level by rotating the zoom ring on the eyepiece. The arrow indica-
tor and magnification scale show the magnification setting.
Changing the magnification may also require a slight refocusing
to achieve the sharpest image.
For general use, it’s a good idea to start viewing at the lowest
magnification (20x) until you’ve acquired your viewing target.
Then you can zoom in to a higher magnification to see more
detail. Note that as magnification increases, the images will not
be as bright as they are at lower powers.
roll-Down Eyecups
Your spotting scope features a roll-down eyecup on the zoom
eyepiece. This eyecup is usually left in the up position for use
without eyeglasses. To use the spotting scope with eyeglasses,
simply roll down the eyeguard by folding it down on one side,
then sliding your fingers around the eyeguard’s rim.
care and Maintenance
Although the Dakota spotting scope is durable, it should avoid
prolonged exposure to the elements. Keep the Dakota in its hard
case and indoors when not in use.
All optics, when exposed to excessive temperature changes or
high humidity, have the potential to fog up. In cold weather, allow
the optics to adjust slowly to the outdoor temperature prior to use
by storing the spotting scope (in its case) in a cool area, such as
an unheated garage or the trunk of a car. Before bringing the
spotting scope back inside a warm house after use, again store it
in a cool area for an hour or two, then open the case, remove the
spotting scope, take off the dust caps, and let everything dry
overnight. Store the instrument in a cool, dry place; storage in a
humid environment will result in mold growth that destroys the
optical coatings. This is not covered by the warranty.
cleaning the lenses
The lens surfaces of the Dakota are coated with anti-reflection
coatings, which can be damaged with careless handling. Avoid
touching lens surfaces with your fingers or any coarse material.
Clean the lenses if they get noticeably dirty. The dust that builds
up on them promotes mold growth, which etches the glass and
destroys the coatings. Always use lens cleaning tissue and fluid
designed specifically for telescope optical coatings. Do not use
regular tissue or fluids made for eyeglasses or household use.
Do not disassemble the spotting scope to clean it.
To clean the lenses, first blow air on the lens with a blower bulb or
compressed air to remove any large particles. The brush the lens
with a soft lens brush and blow air again to remove any dislodged
particles. Put two drops of lens cleaning fluid on a sheet of lens
tissue (never directly on the lens). Wipe the lens gently with a
circular motion, taking care to avoid undue pressure or rubbing.
Quickly remove the excess fluid by wiping with a clean, dry lens
tissue. On the objective lens, clean only a small area at a time,
using a fresh lens tissue on each area.
using an optional camera adapter
An optional camera adapter (#5223) is available for the Dakota
zoom spotting scope. This adapter, along with an optional, brand-
specific T-ring and 35mm SLR camera, can be used to take
pictures through your spotting scope. To properly use the spot-
ting scope and camera adapter, you must remove the lens from
the camera and thread the T-ring in place of the lens. Remove the
zoom eyepiece from the body of the spotting scope and replace
it with the camera adapter. Then thread the camera and T-ring
onto the camera adapter. When photographing, center the image
in the camera’s viewfinder, and focus using the spotting scope’s
focusing knob.
specifications
Objective lens diameter: 62mm
Coatings: Fully coated with multi-coatings on objective lens
Magnification range: 20x to 60x continuous zoom
Field of view: 1.6° to .8°
Eye relief: 28.4mm - 19mm
Exit pupil: 3.1mm - 1.03mm
Close focus: 24 ft.
Tripod attachment: Mounting ring accepts 1/4"-20 mounting
studs, spotting scope can rotate within mounting ring
Weight: 3 lbs. 3 oz.
Length: 16"
Tripod: Mini-tripod included
Case: Hard carry case included
Camera adapter: optional (#5223)
one-Year limited Warranty
This Dakota spotting scope is warranted against defects in materi-
als or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail pur-
chaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes &
Binoculars will repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted
instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned post-
age paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville,
CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such
as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument
has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to
normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service
Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way,
Watsonville, CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.
orion telescopes & Binoculars
89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, ca 95076
Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343 • Day or Evening
