Spotting scopes.

[laowho]

We have some quality astronomy binos in 12x50 and 20x60. They weren't powerful enough. Tried some of our bino-telescope eyepieces--a Nagler type 6 11mm and the Explore Scientific 4.7mm--in a cheap 60mm refractor, but the exit pupil was insufficient (not enough light). Ordered this KonuSpot in 20-60x80

http://www.amazon.com/Konus-7120-20x-60x...B001DX7Q8W

and can snag some recessed nuts in a basketball backboard at over 200 yards. We're used to good optics (our binocular telescope has custom ground Terry Ostahowski matching 12.5" mirrors), and this spotting scope must be the best deal out there. We just lay a sandbag over the tripod spreaders.

[Old Jim]

Laowho,
the sandbag always works pretty good. Years ago I even took an old camera tripod apart and filled the lower leg sections with lead bars. Helped a lot!

[laowho]

Thanks Old Jim, That's my project for today. Hadn't thought of that. Will have it ready for tomorrow's big day (the wife shoots holy black for the 1st time). Always lookin for sum tinkering.

[alfajim]

   

I looked through this Binocular last year and I think this is the way to go. I forgot about ordering one for Carol to use instead of the Kowa.
It's a little on the large side but it is easy on eye fatigue using both eyes and it has a better field of view.
It seems to have some very good reviews.

http://www.binoculars.com/products/zhume...minum-case

How about using these as binoculars for a spotting scope? Tha's my grandson looking thru them onboard the Carl Vinson CVN-72 in June's tiger cruise.

[Old Jim]

Jim,

It may prove a little tough to get the Carl Vinson towed into position at the match !

[alfajim]

Jim,

It may prove a little tough to get the Carl Vinson towed into position at the match !

Yea they might object to hijacking the bino's off the island too! They definitely bring the object up close thou.

Jim

[Rbertalotto]

First choice...Kowa....Second Choice....Kowa....Third choice Kowa.......and if you can't find a good deal on a used Kowa....I'd buy a new Kowa. I've looked through a bunch of scopes over the years and for the money, nothing beats a Kowa.

[Lumpy Grits]

First choice...Kowa....Second Choice....Kowa....Third choice Kowa.......and if you can't find a good deal on a used Kowa....I'd buy a new Kowa. I've looked through a bunch of scopes over the years and for the money, nothing beats a Kowa.

Only IF you can afford the $$$$ for high end glass. Even then, Kowa would not be my first pick.
IMHO-Swarovski is the leader.
After I win the Lotto-I'm buy'n this one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/88...tting.html

Gary

[laowho]

Here's a decent comparo review

http://www.6mmbr.com/spotterreview.html

Alas, only a footnote mention of Kowa (they only accept Kowa EPs)--just Zeiss/Pentax/Swarovski. (Pentax/Nikon are often bang-for-buck winners, and why our astronomy binos are Pentax.)

[Lumpy Grits]

That was done over 11 yrs ago(2005 copyright).
Lots of changes since then.
Gary