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

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  1. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Those things, plus a wider FOV and better edge sharpness (amplified by an objective lens that is 10mm larger) would make me choose the Opticron over a lighter pack size. Otherwise, I'd probably be buying a Kowa TSN-501 rather than the Nikon - it's fully waterproof, costs less and is a tiny bit...
  2. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Sorry, I understood that. Having read your review and switched threads I then used the wrong word - seals instead of seams. Thanks for the clarification... hope I didn't mislead anyone.
  3. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    You mention reinforcing the Nikon seals with epoxy (because they are prone to falling apart). It was this recurring theme that decided me in favour of Opticron, but after the first flush of ownership, I do wonder if I should have just bought an inexpensive 50mm-ish scope (maybe a Hawke 9-27 x...
  4. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Really? I thought that with a like-for-like EP, a larger object lens would increase light capture. That seems to be the way bins work.
  5. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I didn't compare the 50mm to the 60mm when I got my 60mm, but it strikes me that the major benefit of the 60mm will be light capture. At those times of day when birdwatching can be most rewarding, you'll get an extra half hour or so of watching at each end of the day, especially in winter, when...
  6. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I looked at this yesterday at Minsmere and of the two, personally, I'm happy I bought the Manfrotto GT. My wife and I joined the RSPB while at Minsmere - it was worth the annual subscription just to have a bittern fly within 50ft... twice... and to see a glossy ibis! What a wonderful place. .
  7. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    There's a used MM4 60 on 'the auction site' this morning - Ace Optics... it's not on their website, but I dare say a phone call will get a 10% discount. Might not be of any use to you, Ries, with import duties. .
  8. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I would read a bit more about the SDLv3 vs the HDT-F, because some report that they can hardly, or can't even, tell the difference. That brings the price down by about £150.00. I understand the SDLv3 is more waterproof, but for my intended use I decided (hoped) the HDF would be weatherproof...
  9. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    The zoom arrived and I'd say that the FOV is the same as the 23x lens with the zoom at 15x. So first impressions, only from looking at feeders in the garden at about 50ft away, are that the fixed EP provides a more immersive experience... more magnification, but with a wider FOV. I'll keep them...
  10. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I got the Befree GT. Much better height (for me, and my tall wife), a little more stable and I can hardly tell the difference in weight. The only thing the GT doesn't have, over the Live (apart from the different head), is the self-levelling centre column; I guess this is helpful for landscaping...
  11. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I said I'd report back on the tripod. This is the Befree Live with fluid head. It's a leap in build quality from the Compact range. The head is light years better than the Compact range and I like the fluid head, the handle for which can be set as you like. Having never used twist locks before...
  12. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I bought the Manfrotto BeFree Live with the fluid head, £175.00 - will report back. As for the scope. Just arrived, but in error, with the fixed 23x EP, which I might just keep anyway (they're sending me the zoom). On first inspection, the difference between this and my old Bushnell is night...
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    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Thanks, but I can't see a BeFree with bigger diameter legs than the Compact Advanced, so I'm not sure how much better it will be. It may be that the BeFree's circular(?) legs will be more robust than the Compact legs, which are ovalised. The BeFree head will certainly be better. I might just buy...
  14. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Timely mention of slinging things over the shoulder on a tripod, Peter... Can anyone recommend a tripod for the MM4 60mm? I have an old Manfrotto 055 PRO B, which is 2.4 kg, that I used to use for architectural photography. I might be a reasonably strong and fit (touch wood) 60-something, but...
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    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    That makes sense, mechanically, thanks. I might order one tonight.
  16. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Is light transmission better with the 23x, than the zoom set at the same magnification? Is that true for any 'prime' EP over a zoom? I might buy the 23x EP.
  17. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Okay... so I bought the secondhand MM4 60 from Bass & Bligh via the link that Daniel provided. I'd never have found them otherwise, so BIG thanks. Nice people at B&B and they price-matched an EP, so the package came to a fair bit bit under £500.00. I get it tomorrow! Thanks again guys. .
  18. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    I found that stat last night - a 60mm lens has an extra 44% light capture over a 50mm. Convincing enough.
  19. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Thanks Daniel, and for the link. I was considering the Kowa 501, but the only concern I've read about appears to be eye relief, which would spoil it. But I can check one out locally. I guess if I tried that and no other I'd be perfectly happy and save £400.00 in the process. Too many choices. .
  20. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Thanks Mike. I can do that with the Opticron (today), but not with the Nikon. I've left it a bit late, as I want to take whatever I buy to Suffolk next week. The Nikon interest was simply because I saw an EP going cheap, which brought the price down to that of an MM4. Is the 60mm MM4 really...
  21. P

    New MM4 50 vs part-used Nikon ED50

    Hi, I'm trying to decide on a small spotting scope and need some advice as I'm going around in circles. 50mm vs 60mm, one brand vs another brand and so on. Nothing new I guess. I think 50mm would be best for my use - which would not be dedicated bird watching, but walking, always with my Zeiss...
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