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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. has530

    Empid on Mount Diablo, CA USA

    Anyone got a good answer on this Empidonax flycatcher? I have talked myself in and out of Gray, Dusky, Hammonds, and Wetsern Wood-Pewee.
  2. has530

    Mallard (I think)? American Black Duck? Hybrid?

    I was going through photos from a month or so back when I remembered taking a photo of a weird duck which I assumed was a mallard with it's head feathers coming in due to my location (Oakland, CA, USA) but I am now having a sliver of doubt on the ID based on a few things: The sharpness of the...
  3. has530

    SVBONY SA205 Review

    SVBONY is a relative new-comer to the sport optics game having built up their reputation as a direct-to-consumer Chinese telescope gear company. Their SV202 model has been rather polarizing here boasting ED glass and dielectric prisms at a price far below what one would pay for these features. I...
  4. has530

    8-16x40 XL Zoom...One Binocular to Rule Them All?

    Earlier this year I found a good deal on a clean pair of the Nikon XL zooms. I had always been curious about these as conversations about zoom binoculars generally go "all zoom binos are bad...except the Nikon XLs". I have to say, they are very impressive optically and mechanically. The focus...
  5. has530

    New Maven B7, 8/10x25 compact - $600

    Just announced here. 12 oz, ED glass, 6.8° and 6° FOV in the 8 and 10x respectively. Thoughts? Might be a tough sell at that price with that FOV but with recent price increases it does slide in nicely between the terra ED and top dogs.
  6. has530

    SVBONY SV202, a Bad Sample?

    After hearing many good things about the SV202 ED I decided to try them for myself. To say the least I am very unimpressed. To start with the good: Quite compact and lightweight Nice focuser with no slack Don't feel flimsy or cheap Adequate glare control Now for the interesting stuff, the bad...
  7. has530

    8x32 protective harness?

    I am planning a trip to Costa Rica in the rainy season and plan to take my 8x32 meostars. Normally I just open carry them on a harness like all my other binoculars but I would like to have something to wear them on my chest in to keep them protected from the elements. Most pouches and harnesses...
  8. has530

    Sightron SV ED anyone?

    I found these on their Japanese website and cannot find any info about them anywhere but they sure look interesting. 1k+ price point, ED glass, MIJ, magnesium body, AK prisms, 8 deg FOV... seems to have the makings of a very nice offering so my question is: Does anyone have any experience or...
  9. has530

    What are your priorities in binoculars?

    All optics involve compromises be it larger dimensions for lower chromatic abberation, lighter weight for a dimmer image with more difficult eye placement, or even just cost for increased quality. As a buyer and user of binoculars every individual has their own preferences and priorities as to...
  10. has530

    Kowa 8x25 SV vs. BD Brief Comparison

    I had the opportunity today to try Kowa's budget and middle class compacts side by side in the field and figured I may was well write down my observations here for anyone trying to decide between the two (or who may be otherwise interested). In general I like both very much for their price and...
    • has530
    • Thread
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Kowa
  11. has530

    Focus Travel Adjustment

    I was reading this thread and when reading the part about closer focus it came to my attention that I have a pair of bushnell custom compacts with the opposite behavior. Their close focus is pretty far (~15 ft) and it takes a mere ~60* to get to infinity but then there is nearly 180* past...
  12. has530

    Best Spots Around Snowdonia

    I will be making my first overseas trip since taking up birdwatching in a week! I'll be spending 3 days in the Snowdonia area (likely based in Betws-y-Coed) one of which I have been allotted by the Mrs. for birdwatching! I was wondering if anyone could point me to the best spot in that general...
  13. has530

    4 Compacts Briefly Reviewed, Vintage Vs. Modern Head to Head

    Preamble While I know some dislike them (to quote allbinos.com: "a real pair of binoculars starts from 28-30 mm objective diameter"), I enjoy compact binoculars. While I can readily acknowledge their optical drawbacks, I am of the opinion that the best pair of binoculars is the one you have with...
    • has530
    • Thread
    • bushnell compact kowa nikon pentax review
    • Replies: 7
    • Forum: Others
  14. has530

    Frontier ED-X 10x42 Glare?

    I briefly owned the 8x32 frontier ed-x and it had terrible problems with glare. I loved the view (in very specific circumstances where I was able to suppress the glare) and the focus wheel was precise, light, and buttery. I now am looking for a 10x42 I can get along with (so far the vanguard...
  15. has530

    Fox sparrow with avian pox? (Oakland, Ca, USA)

    This fox sparrow is a semi-regular visitor around my yard and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is anything I should be doing to: Help it Protect the other birds around my yard Protect myself and my dog Report it to people who track these things
  16. has530

    Athlon Ares 8x36 mini review

    As promised in the "binocular bargains" thread, here is a mini-review of my new Athlon Ares 8x36. Mechanics and ergonomics: No major complaints. Hinge tightness is good, diopter works well although it is not locking, is pretty fast, and has no "center" marking. Armor is pretty slick but...
    • has530
    • Thread
    • athlon review
    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Others
  17. has530

    American vs. Lesser Goldfinch (Oakland, Ca, USA)

    After being up for a few weeks, the goldfinches have finally discovered my nyjer feeder! They love it and I have to refill it almost every day. Today while watching them I realized I wasn't entirely sure I would know an american goldfinch if I saw one. Any tips for distinguishing markings of an...
  18. has530

    Nikon Venturer II Collimation

    I picked a pair of these up on the cheap and they always made me feel cross eyed. I checked using the sun method and sure enough they are out of collimation. I removed the retaining rings on the objectives and found no eccentric rings for collimation so I am assuming these may have tilt screws...
  19. has530

    Canada x ? Goose - near Vacaville Ca (USA)

    Same size as canda geese flocking with them in and near a lake today
  20. has530

    Parrots and Parakeets?

    I just moved to the Burbank/NoHo area and have heard there are parrots/parakeets around! Does anyone know a good spot to go see them? I've looked around Griffith park without much luck (although I have spotted both a western screech and great horned owl!).
    • has530
    • Thread
    • location advice los angeles
    • Replies: 14
    • Forum: California
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