Hi Gang, I happened upon a second hand 65mm ATX in very good condition. I was primarily set on the ATX 25-60 zoom but I am much more comfortable using both eyes for extended viewing so I left the shop with a BTX module giving me a fixed 30X magnification.
I know the 65mm isn't the "best" companion for the BTX but so far I really like it. I am mostly a day time / fine weather observer. I did briefly try the ATX zoom in shop and thought the eye relief was great but I did feel like the BTX was more comfortable once set up, not to mention the experience of bino viewing which is very immersive with the BTX.
I would like some input from anyone who has used (or have) both and input on whether I should get the ATX further down the road - instead of returning the BTX for an ATX during the return period.
My line of reasoning is:
I like the BTX. I would not mind a zoom option though it is not the top priority.
The BTX makes for a more bulky package considering the 65mm module itself is pretty small. Weight is no concern for me. The bulk is manageable. But, compared to the ATX module the BTX is quite a bit larger. If I dedicate a bag/insert for it I think I will not think about it too much.
Getting an ATX eyepiece would get me considerably smaller package though. I could probably easily fit the ATX eyepiece in the field kit or choose to go lightweight and bring a smaller bino and the ATX/65mm on outings to keep size to a minimum.
Open question is:
For those of you that have the BTX - what are your thoughts on getting an ATX? Worthwhile?
If anyone has both - do you change between them frequently, bring them both on field excursions or do you not bother to bring both?
I know usage and preferences are highly subjective but I welcome any input.
For sure, I know I would like to add the ATX zoom but at the moment I can't neither afford it nor justify it.
I have a Meopta S2 / 82mm with the 20-70 eye piece as a loaner and the optics are superb but I find the eyepiece on the small side for my eyes and glasses compared to the recent offerings from Swarovski. Comparing the two side by side there are advantages to both and quite frankly I think the Meopta is a little bit better optically though I prefer the BTX viewing overall.
I know the 65mm isn't the "best" companion for the BTX but so far I really like it. I am mostly a day time / fine weather observer. I did briefly try the ATX zoom in shop and thought the eye relief was great but I did feel like the BTX was more comfortable once set up, not to mention the experience of bino viewing which is very immersive with the BTX.
I would like some input from anyone who has used (or have) both and input on whether I should get the ATX further down the road - instead of returning the BTX for an ATX during the return period.
My line of reasoning is:
I like the BTX. I would not mind a zoom option though it is not the top priority.
The BTX makes for a more bulky package considering the 65mm module itself is pretty small. Weight is no concern for me. The bulk is manageable. But, compared to the ATX module the BTX is quite a bit larger. If I dedicate a bag/insert for it I think I will not think about it too much.
Getting an ATX eyepiece would get me considerably smaller package though. I could probably easily fit the ATX eyepiece in the field kit or choose to go lightweight and bring a smaller bino and the ATX/65mm on outings to keep size to a minimum.
Open question is:
For those of you that have the BTX - what are your thoughts on getting an ATX? Worthwhile?
If anyone has both - do you change between them frequently, bring them both on field excursions or do you not bother to bring both?
I know usage and preferences are highly subjective but I welcome any input.
For sure, I know I would like to add the ATX zoom but at the moment I can't neither afford it nor justify it.
I have a Meopta S2 / 82mm with the 20-70 eye piece as a loaner and the optics are superb but I find the eyepiece on the small side for my eyes and glasses compared to the recent offerings from Swarovski. Comparing the two side by side there are advantages to both and quite frankly I think the Meopta is a little bit better optically though I prefer the BTX viewing overall.