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    New Opticron 80mm ED scope

    KBHC73-I’d be surprised if that were the case. As I understand it, the main advantage of the mm4 77 is its compact dimensions. When I tried one at a well-known optics store a few years ago, the sales person admitted to me that he actually preferred the optics of the older ES80 ED series.
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    G9 + 100-400 settings

    I also use the G85, but if I had a G9 I would set things up differently. I would use aperture priority, as the G9 allows you to set a minimum shutter speed when using auto ISO. I would therefore create two custom modes, one for perched birds and one for birds in flight: C1: Minimum shutter...
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    HDF 40831 vs 40810 question (and other specs)

    I have no experience of the 40810, but I believe that eyepiece is usually recommended for digiscoping. The 40831 is my favourite eyepiece on the MM4 60; it's small, light and bright enough to be used on a dull winter day. I also have the 40858 (32x), but I prefer the 23x because of the greater...
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    Inexpensive straight scope suggestions

    If you go for the MM3, you’ll have a choice of eyepieces. For example, this wide angle eyepiece would be 18x on an MM3 50:Used Opticron 28x HDF ( HR60/66 ) With the Razor you’ll only have the zoom. Just something to bear in mind.
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    Best birding scope up to 1700 g weight?

    If money is no object, these are the two that spring to mind: kowa 773 + 25-60 zoom : 1704g Swarovski ats 80 + 25-50 zoom : 1630g If you want to spend less, I’d look at this one: Opticron MM4 77 + SDL v3 : 1519g
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    Opticron MM4 ED Travelscopes 50 & 60 v. Nikon ED Fieldscopes 50 & 60

    Oh, sorry; I stand corrected. There was a thread a few years ago comparing the MM3 ED & MM4, in which the MM3’s lack of nitrogen purging was discussed, so I’ve always believed that to be the case: Opticron mm4 vs mm3? Having looked through that thread again I see that the MM4 does have tweaked...
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    Opticron MM4 ED Travelscopes 50 & 60 v. Nikon ED Fieldscopes 50 & 60

    I believe there is no noticeable difference in optical quality between the MM3 ED and MM4 ED. The main difference is that the MM4 is nitrogen purged. Upgrading the eyepiece may or may not make a small difference; some people much prefer the SDL, but others notice no improvement compared to the...
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    First scope advice wanted

    Another vote for the MM4 60. If you’re carrying camera equipment as well and/or walking long distances, you’ll be grateful for the lower weight.
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    Which MM4 eyepiece?

    When I bought my MM4, I specifically asked to try the HDF zoom, as some people on Birdforum had written that it was a better fit for the travelscope range. I was hoping I wouldn’t see a difference, but like Mike and Boogieshrew, I much preferred the more expensive SDL v2 zoom. Also, the SDL is...
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    Give me some suggestions about the telescope? 1100 pounds budget including the tripod and everything else

    Enjoy it, it’s a great little scope.
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    Give me some suggestions about the telescope? 1100 pounds budget including the tripod and everything else

    The MM3 GA is an entry-level product that does not have ED glass, so will suffer from chromatic aberrations at higher magnifications. (Just to confuse things, there is an older version of the MM3 that does have ED glass - these are only available on the used market.) The MM4 is the one to get if...
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    Zeiss Conquest v Leica Trinovid 10x32

    I had the same problem as Viewerinsweden with the Conquest eyecups. I sent the bins back for a replacement, but when the replacement pair suffered from exactly the same issue, I gave up on the Conquests. I somewhat regret not persevering with them, as the view was fantastic.
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    Fixed mag EP with shorter focal length than 40831

    For what it’s worth, I have both the 23x (40831) and the discontinued 32x (40858), and I actually prefer the 23x on the MM4 60. The greater depth of field makes it easier to use, and it is less susceptible to shake in breezier conditions.
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    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I highly recommend the Sirui VA-5 fluid head- it's a perfect match for the MM4 60, compact and light. Finding the right tripod is more complicated. I think I've found the perfect match in the discontinued Gitzo GT2531, but even used it cost me twice your stated budget. I think the Manfrotto...
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    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Congratulations on your purchase, I'm sure you'll be happy with it! No, the zoom will have the same size exit pupil at 23x as the fixed eyepiece, so light transmission will be broadly the same. The main difference optically is the much wider field of view of the fixed eyepiece, which really...
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    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Peregrine, I chose the Opticron for the reasons already mentioned in this thread. As you have found out, it is impossible to try the Nikon in the UK as optics retailers do not stock it. More importantly, Opticron have excellent customer service; from what I hear, this is not the case with...
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    Advice wanted!

    I also recommend the Opticron MM4 series. I have a Kowa 823 and an MM4 60; although the big Kowa is clearly superior optically, I very rarely use it as the Opticron is just so much more comfortable to carry around.
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    G80 to G9 worthwhile upgrade?

    I’ve asked myself the same question, but decided against the G9 because of its larger size and weight. Although the G9 is only 150g heavier than the G80, when carrying a scope, binoculars, camera and food/water, I feel that every gram counts. Earlier this year I picked up a used GX8 as I...
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    SDL v3 Eyepiece Now Shipping

    Swn74, many thanks for taking the time to post this information - this is really helpful. I’ve interpreted the table in the same way as Eitan. I must admit the figures don’t mean much to me in themselves, but from what you say, the difference is actually very noticeable in practise. This will...
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    SDL v3 Eyepiece Now Shipping

    Yes, I thought this might be the case - I knew that the eyepiece needed some kind of adaptation to work on the Kowa. Thanks for trying, anyway. When I have the opportunity I'll go to my nearest optics store and compare the eyepieces side by side.
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    I would like some food for thought please?

    This is exactly how I use my two scopes (MM4 60 & 82mm Kowa). I end up using the small scope the majority of the time, but when I go to see a particular bird or in windy or murky conditions, the heavier scope/tripod/head really come into their own. I think a two scope solution is ideal, but if...
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    I would like some food for thought please?

    Yes, it’s the MM4 77, but it’s quite a bit more expensive - over £900. Mark, given that the Celestron scope you are considering weighs 1889g, I assume that low weight is not a major priority for you. In that case, an excellent choice for £700 would be this used Opticron HR80...
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    SDL v3 Eyepiece Now Shipping

    You may well find that is the case. I also have a large Kowa (TSN-823), but rarely use it nowadays. Optically it is clearly superior to my MM4 60, especially in low light, but most of the time I find that the Opticron is more than good enough, and so much easier to carry around over long...
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    Best camera bag for Canon 7D with zoom

    Gijs van Ginkel, Yes, I can see that a hip bag would be better for strenuous walks. My shoulder does start to ache a bit after using a Blackrapid for a few hours, and I have to steady the camera with my hand to stop it swinging about, which makes walking less efficient.
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    Best camera bag for Canon 7D with zoom

    Most people I know use a sling, such as a Blackrapid strap. This frees up your hands and allows you to wear binoculars around your neck. It is best to attach the strap to the lens tripod mount rather than the camera to avoid straining the lens mount. In case of rain, I use one of these...
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