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

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  1. F

    8x30 Monarch M7 comparisons

    I own a M7 8x30, Monarch HG 8x42 and a Vortex Diamondback HD 8x32. The M7 is definitely much better than the Diamondback and a great glass. I don’t know if you got a lemon or too high expectations.
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    Travelcase for MM4 60mm w. SDLv3

    That was quick, thank you. I have the thin soft pouch of my Sirui VA5 video head but I’m always worried of damaging the double focus.
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    Travelcase for MM4 60mm w. SDLv3

    Hello Birdwatchers, do you have any good recommendations for a case for my MM4 60mm with the SDLv3? Something like a pelicase but a bit cheaper? In the end I will buy a random case that fits but maybe another user got a good idea?
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    In praise of small scopes

    I'm using the MM4 60mm on a Sirui VA5 with an Benro TMA27C, the setup weights about 3kg. My previous tripod was an 055XPROB and the whole package was 3.7kg. Its "only" 0.7kg but thats a lot carrying the weight on your shoulder. I carried it over my shoulder yesterday on a 10km walk and i would...
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    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I took a similar route and used my old 055XPROB with the MM4 60 and SDLv3, just bought the Siriu VA5 head and was happy. Now, owning a benro TMA27C it’s like night and day. I much more prefer the twist lock, touching carbon is a much warmer and softer feeling and the tripod seems to be more...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    Short update: Got the Benro TMA27C today and so far I’m happy. It’s lightweight and very stable because it only got two sections that extend. It is too large for my backpack but there is no stable tripod that would extend to about 140cm and pack smaller than 45cm.
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    Cleaning and lubricant

    As far as I know the HG eyecups are not removable by unscrewing them. I think they are glued..
  8. F

    Cleaning and lubricant

    Thank you for your helpful advice.
  9. F

    Cleaning and lubricant

    Hello optics fellows, last week I was at the sea with my Monarch HG 8x42 for the first time. Today I noticed that the eyecups are very grainy/scratchy when I turn them. There seems to be sand inside the twisting mechanism. I already tried to clean it with the following steps: 1. Blow of the...
  10. F

    Compact but stable travel scope tripod?

    What about the Benro TMA27C (3 sections) or TMA28C (4 sections)? I do need a tripod for my Opticron 60mm and both Benro tripods are my number one choice right now. A little bit heavier than the 1545T but cheaper and i bet the quality is fine. It comes with a short column and should be stable...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    Another day at the ocean, caught some common ringed plover building a pyramid. Observed with x45 a few meters away.
  12. F

    Next step: I need a scope

    Wow.. I don’t want to be jealous BUT :D Great setup, hope you enjoy it as much as I do from only reading about it :D
  13. F

    Next step: I need a scope

    Those fixed lenses catchend my attention. The x32 would be perfect but I can’t find a used one. If anyone on here would sell one, please send me a message :)
  14. F

    Next step: I need a scope

    Which scope do you guys use as a „main“ scope when this one is your travel scope? I always see myself carrying lighter gear. Today I made a walk on the coast and initially grabbed the M7 8x30 instead of my HG 8x42, same yesterday. I guess I would have to challenge myself to carry a bigger scope...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    For all of you considering the MM4/60 - it’s great, definitely lightweight, packs easily and I‘m looking forward to buy the Benro TMA28C. Most of the time it’s hard to get a good view at x45 in the distance because heat and so on. In the close distance x45 is super sharp and great to use...
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    Nikon HG 8x30 dissection

    Even the new M7 8x30 are so good. I own the HG 8x42 and wanted to like the HG 8x30 but sadly I couldn’t get a pleasant view without blackouts. Now that the new M7 8x30 we’re out I tried them and can’t be happier. Perfect view, nice and sharp and not a lot to give up compared to the HG 8x42...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    Had another hours of research and found one that is similar to the Gitzo GT1545T - just cheaper. Its a Tiltall Aluminium Tripod for about 170€ also available in CF for 300€. Its about 1.5kg for aluminium and 1.1kg for carbon fiber. I wont find an aluminium one with about 1kg, thats for sure. But...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    Would the manfrotto Befree advanced be too unstable? I had this one in mind: Befree Any other recommendations? There are great tripods made by gitzo but i don't wanna pay half the price of my scope for the tripod if thats possible. I saw the benro tripods but they seem to be larger when...
  19. F

    could use some help refining my spotting scope choice

    Hahah thank you - i only saw the 80mm version.. This may be a good and cheap alternative to the MM4/60. Maybe i will give it a try just for fun.
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    could use some help refining my spotting scope choice

    I'm really impressed by the pictures and quality of the scope! It's just a little too heavy for my taste. This in a 60-70mm version would be great!
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    could use some help refining my spotting scope choice

    You possibly saw my thread and my way to a spotting scope. I own the Opticron MM4/60 since three days and tested it today so I’m still in the honeymoon phase but I really can recommend to try it. Your budget is high enough for the small Kowa but the MM4/60 is about 1000€ with the great SDLv3...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    First test out in the field was good! It’s a great and clear view up to about x35. Hitting the x45 makes it a bit harder to focus, especially in darker areas. It was mixed weather today, clouds, rain and sun and I barley had the desire of more light. I saw some common teals which I wouldn’t been...
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    Next step: I need a scope

    I really like your last sentence. Sometimes i struggle to appreciate what i already own and tend to look for the next "better" option. For me being "movable" and "lightweight" is the key - i guess.
  24. F

    Next step: I need a scope

    Hi Joachim, as far as I see the TSN-3 isn't that heavy and it's great to hear that it's fine for you to carry with a mulepack. I see myself packing the spotter in my usual clamshell opening pack. When I'm out in the field i hike and watch so the spotter will get umpacked on smaller lakes and...
  25. F

    Next step: I need a scope

    Haha it’s a bad virus :D Thank you for your offer, I will test the mm4/60 this weekend to see if it fits my needs and possibly come back to your offer - too kind. Which scopes do you own? Could you be happy with „just“ mm4/60?
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