Reviews by Seaforth87

Combined with a 20-50WA zoom this Swarovski HD scope is superb. Bright, easy to focus, reliable and sturdy and easy to clean and wipe moisture off. This scope is simply brilliant. Obviously one has to accept that its fairly big and heavy but its lighter than many of its size. Purchasing it is somewhat expensive but right now its in the top three scopes on the market and as good as there is for all round birding including seawatching and digiscoping.

I have used a Gitzo G2380 head for several years atop a Manfrotto 055 tripod. The head is very good for seawatching and raptor watching with smooth movement and its very steady for digiscoping. After many seawatches its losing its painted coating (as is the Manfrotto tripod) but it still works well. Its sturdy and durable but it is heavy. After extensive use it remains reliable. Recently a plastic quick release attachment has broken but the metal plate and fluid head are fine. Interestingly Gitzo has now introduced some new heads which look as though they will supersede the G2380 for birders..