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

Recent content by johnf3f

  1. J

    Best tripod options, used/new, <$300?

    Aotus, you are going to be a happy bunny! I have had mine (GT2531) for quite a while and cannot fault it. Although it is a fairly light tripod it makes many heavier models (from other makers) look like a joke and I hope you live long enough to wear it out. I admit to being a Gitzo fanboy (have...
  2. J

    Full frame lens for canon 5d

    The Canon 200mm F2.8L is a great lens and not too pricey - especially for a used one. Having said that 200mm on a Full Frame will make subjects appear much smaller than you are used to with your 50D and 18-200, so also look into the Canon 300mm F4 L IS. Note Turn off the IS on this lens it works...
  3. J

    Canon 300mm f/2.8 with 2 extenders

    I use my Canon 300 F2.8 L IS (Mk1) with both the 1.4 and 2 x Mk3 extenders on a 7D2 and 1DX - they work very well! Naturally extenders do take a toll in low light and AF performance, but on this lens, it is not too much - so long as the light is reasonable they are quite happy together. As to...
  4. J

    Spotting scopes + Gitzo Series 1 tripods?

    I suggested the Gt3530LS because it is the best that I have used, and I have tried quite a few! Your point about the GT3541 makes a lot of sense when collapsed length is a consideration. For scope use, where mobility is a concern, I do not recommend the newer Gitzo models. They are heavier...
  5. J

    Spotting scopes + Gitzo Series 1 tripods?

    A Gitzo 1 series mountaineer will be better than the majority of what other birders use. I do get a bit puzzled when I see people using top of the range scopes on "El Cheapo" tripods. They tend to get a little confused when they get better viewing out of my rather old Kowa on a decent tripod. I...
  6. J

    Spotting scopes + Gitzo Series 1 tripods?

    I do have a Gitzo Series 1 tripod - but it is a traveller, a Mountaineer would be better. Realistically though I find my 2 series mountaineer (GT2531) nice and light but not very good for scope use. I find scopes to be far more demanding of tripods than even the longest, current, Canon/Nikon...
  7. J

    new tripod

    As Jring says it is hard to find a good tripod new at sensible money - I have but I am a spawney get! I have also had one or two, ridiculously good purchases second hand. I use Gitzo tripods because I have found them to be the best (in Europe) and they are cheaper than the Chinese copies. Be...
  8. J

    new tripod

    Just my 2p, but I would wait (save) and get something better than your current budget allows. I use your scope's predecessor - namely a TSN4. I occasionally use it on a Gitzo GT2531 (not really up to the job but light) or a Gitzo GT4542LS - much better but could be better still. I find scopes...
  9. J

    Benro TMA27C Carbon Fibre

    I would look at something bigger. I find scopes much more difficult to support/stabilise than Camera lenses. Given that my primary lens is the longest that Canon currently make I use a Gitzo 4 series Systematic - and it is great! However it is only adequate for my old 77mm Kowa scope. I would...
  10. J

    Vortex gt pro

    Well, for higher magnifications (beyond 10-15X) I would pass on this tripod. Whilst my 4 series Gitzo Systematic is more than I need for my Canon 800mm camera lens (the longest they currently make) it is about adequate for my old 77mm Kowa spotting scope. Scopes are FAR more demanding on...
  11. J

    Older Kowa TSN-3 performance?

    Happy new toy!
  12. J

    Travel tripod with fluid head - advice/recommendations sought

    Two friends of mine have these tripods, one brand new and the other was used from FleaBay. The "used" one looked brand new and cost £90 3/4 years ago - it always pays to look! Incidentally £400 is more than I paid for any of my Gitzo tripods new or used. You need to hunt about.
  13. J

    Travel tripod with fluid head - advice/recommendations sought

    I primarily use long (as long as they make) camera lenses on my tripods, yet I find my scopes more difficult to support securely. If I am travelling, even my Canon 800mm can be hand held - but that is simply not happening with a scope! Normally I would suggest a 3 or 4 series Gitzo Systematic...
  14. J

    100-400 mk11

    I have both the 100-400 Mk2 and 300 F2.8 L IS Mk1 and the 300 is the better lens IMO. Having said that the 300 is heavier, fatter and is a fixed 300. The 100-400 Mk2 is lighter, more versatile, closer focusing and a very nice lens. It is very much down to your personal needs. My 100-400 Mk2...
  15. J

    Older Kowa TSN-3 performance?

    As "jring" says my main eyepiece is the Opticron SDL V2 - which works pretty well. I also use an Opticron HR series eyepiece (with insulating tape wrapped around it and stuffed the the back of my Kowa!) it works well too - maybe a bit better - but it is not a zoom.
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