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  1. M

    Recommendation please

    Hi @Linda1LovesBirds , Does the following appear reasonable? Scope: Opticron 60/77mm (A discussion here: Next step: I need a scope). Eyepiece: I know people use both SDLv or the HDF versions. (A discussion here: Opticron HDF T and SDL v3 Zoom FOV) Tripod: A basic Sirui 2 series tripod. A search...
  2. M

    Nikon Monarch HG 10x42

    Wowowow @Upland! :-) Kodachromes and Ektachromes! :-) :-) Love it! I wish the prices on these come down a bit. Pretty steep, and my Minolta X570 has still not had a chance to feel them! :-) :-) Sorry to add a useless post to this thread, but just wanted to applaud @Upland's creativity in these...
  3. M

    Where's the Love- Kowa Genesis vs The Rest $1000 Bins

    I didn't choose the Genesis 8.5s because of the narrow field of view, weight/heft/bulk, ergonomics and price. I think I feel too strongly about it :), that I shy away from recommending it. Kowa's colors are gorgeous though - I did consider the 8x33 for a while, but ultimately went with another...
  4. M

    Lee Thickett (Troubador) - R.I.P.

    Very sad to hear this. My prayers are with the family. Thank you Beth for letting us know. Kumar
  5. M

    Blackouts looking at edge of FOV with Noctivid 8x

    My sincere apologies @hopster. Hope the thread catches more attention from other optics experts here, and that they are able to offer some clarity! Good luck with the research!
  6. M

    Blackouts looking at edge of FOV with Noctivid 8x

    Hi @hopster, I used to have the issues you note before with pretty much all binoculars. :-) This video helped me immensely in setting up the IPD and eye relief : . One other point: as far as I understand, binoculars are designed to be looked at the center of the FoV. So if something on the...
  7. M

    Product Review: The Oberwerk Sports ED 8 x 42

    Thanks for the review Neil. I had a chance to check these out, but unfortunately, the copy failed to impress from an optical standpoint (sharpness, glare, CA and distortion control). Oberwerks are certainly great for beginners as they are guaranteed for collimation out of the box from the...
  8. M

    A KamaTech flub, a Tract Toric Schott HT review, and my 10x42 quest...

    Love the writing Eitan!
  9. M

    New spotting scope from KOWA

    It appears that we are finally able to use a better Zoom eye piece on the 66! Objective lens improvements and dual focus are also very welcome.
  10. M

    Meopta Meostar B2?

    All, just clicked on the link shared by John. News | Meopta :: Better view of the world The company has now been sold to Carlyle, an investment firm. Rausnitz family will be minority shareholders, and in their statement, they describe this as a partnership.
  11. M

    In praise of small scopes

    Hi Josh, I too felt the same until I did my hawk watches last fall. After working with my usual ball head (Gitzo) the first couple of days, tried my fluid pan/tilt head (128RC) and found the latter to work way better really ( aiming, following and keeping on the bird until an ID is made ). Since...
  12. M

    Is a travel scope worthwhile for a first-time scope buyer?

    Yes, travel scope is a great place to start. Like @Boogieshrew above, Opticron 60 + SDLV3 would me my recommendation. Portrability, including air travel is not a problem. (I have carried a bigger 66mm scope in my backpack without any issues.) Good luck!
  13. M

    Kowa 88A star test

    Great effort on these @mauhler31! Where is Joachim when we need him ! :) @jring
  14. M

    Kowa 88A star test

    Good job @mauhler31 and thanks for sharing! I too look forward to hearing from the experts on this one. - I wonder if the outside images were obtained after de-focussing for more than 4-5 rings? - If you can, please try at longer distances (>30m) and try to have not more than 5 rings of...
  15. M

    Mini review of the Opticron MM4 60

    Thanks for taking the time @LucaPCP !
  16. M

    Extender for Swarovski 80mm ats scope

    Before making the extender sway your decision one way or the other, I would recommend that if you can, try the 773 with and without extender, against the ATS you are considering. Also if you can, try to get a sense of the utility of the extender with the 773 under the general atmospheric...
  17. M

    Advice on Opticron MM4 60 w SDLv3 vs Kowa 553

    Great work and good to know everything is working as well as you had hoped! On the 60/77 question: packability and size with extra 1lb wt is definitely a subjective decision I think. If you find yourself trying a 77mm against the 60mm, please post your feedback on those as well. Cheers!
  18. M

    Advice on Opticron MM4 60 w SDLv3 vs Kowa 553

    I think you have found the right words to explain this. Yes! Thanks!
  19. M

    Which one to upgrade first, binoculars or spotting scope?

    @Passakorn, great work! Trying is the best way to figure things out. Your thoughts on the EL and SLC mirror my experience. I wonder if Kahles Helia remade the SLC with a better focus wheel. If the Opticron Aurora is a possibility for you ($1K range), I would certainly recommend reading on it and...
  20. M

    Which one to upgrade first, binoculars or spotting scope?

    You mention birding and photographing in dense forests with interests in carrying both birding and photography equipment. It seems to me you are better off considering an upgrade with an improved field of view, brightness, and viewing comfort within the constraints posed by the size and weight...
  21. M

    Advice on Opticron MM4 60 w SDLv3 vs Kowa 553

    Congratulations! Please share your experiences after you have had a chance to use it, and any other scopes you might have had a chance to compare to. Cheers!
  22. M

    Advice on Opticron MM4 60 w SDLv3 vs Kowa 553

    For me (I don't wear glasses), (1) the EP is quite uncomfortable with extreme eye relief fluctuations : 20X is relaxed, quickly drops to being very low in the range of 30-35X, then very very slowly recovers the ER upto 60 but never as comfortable a view as it was at 20X. (2) And at 20X, we are...
  23. M

    Advice on Opticron MM4 60 w SDLv3 vs Kowa 553

    On the Kowa 663: I wouldn't recommend the 20-60X to anyone without them having a chance to try first. It is an uncomfortable mess. Like many others who have switched to the 30X, I am now evaluating if I can live with the 30X EP. Or just switch to some other scope altogether. Good luck with your...
  24. M

    Next step: I need a scope

    Congrats on a great scope and on one that you personally found a joy to use! Have great fun with it!
  25. M

    Any customer review of new tsn-99?

    Wow, thanks Henry! Great experiment too! Looking forward to your findings with the other scope and copy too! Can't wait!
    • mskb
    • Post #126
    • Forum: Kowa
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