need a pointer for birdwatching - yet another noob inquires...

[birderbill]

I need a recommendation for a green pen pointer (GLP) to use for birding with groups. I'm not talking about scaring birds off, I'm looking for a GLP to use for showing others the locations of birds in the field (by drawing green circles around them.)

Basically I need a GLP that will produce bright green dot in outside daylight conditions at distances up to 50-75yds. It will be going on trips to South America, Africa and Asia so it needs to be reliable, sturdy and able to handle humid environments. It won't get used often, maybe a few days/year, but it needs to work when called upon.

I don't want anything powerful enough to damage eyes with indirect exposure (no goggles).

These pointers have become increasingly popular for bird tours, however I've not been able to find out the specs for whats being used successfully. A couple friends have some cheapies (I assume 5mW or less) but they really are not bright enough.


My budget is $100, preferably less. I'm thinking the 10+mW pen from Optotronics is what I need, however its out of stock at the moment.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[lasersbee]

Not a stellar idea... IMO

For you to see a green moving beam in daylight on green
leaves requires a high powered Laser...

That being said... you risk blinding birds that you may not
even see...
Use your finger for pointing at living organisms....

Jerry

 

[birderbill]

Almost all professional birding tour leaders are now using some sort of green laser pen pointer...without any apparent ill affect on birds or other wildlife.

 

[lasersbee]

Well then... I would suggest that you ask one of
those professional birding tour leaders where they
got theirs...
Sorry can't get around what you want to do with a High
Powered Laser for the reasons I stated above..

I'm sure someone who doesn't care about birds will help
you...:beer:


Jerry

 

[birderbill]

Well...not receiving any useful help, I went ahead with the Optotronic 10+mW pen purchase. Received it in Central IL within 3 days of order. According to the enclosed info slip the pointer measures 19mW.

I had a little available time to try it out in my back yard this afternoon in semi-open and sunny conditions. Although its not as powerful as I would like, I think it will work well for most birding occasions were a laser pointer is helpful. It should be excellent for the forest interior. It produced a very visible beam tonight (it was very humid) and would be useful for astronomy. I'm curious as to how long the batteries will produce a useful spot.

I may look at another pen, maybe up to 50-75mW depending on further daytime evaluation.

 

[Bionic-Badger]

Probably not good for birds to be subjected to 10mW of green light. I just hope the beam doesn't hit some dew drop and reflect into someone's eye. I'm guessing that those "professionals" don't know what they're doing either with these lasers either.