From Norm in Ontario:
Subject: MINOX DEC 5.0 DIGITAL EYEPIECE CAMERA
I was about to purchase a Minox 5.0 Digital Eyepiece Camera for my Kowa TSN 822 Spotting Scope when I read that I must own a Kowa TSE-EC Eyepiece Converter to be able to use the Camera.
Does this mean that I will never be able to use the camera eyepiece unless I buy a new scope?
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Norm: Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, this is true; unless you can find the discontinued Kowa TSE-EC eyepiece converter, you are out of luck using the Minox digital eyepiece on your Kowa 822 scope. I wish I had better news, but good luck finding the converter!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Scope and porro vs. roof prism binocular questions
From Ron:
I was curious about scanning with both eyes open with a straight scope (advantage) vs. going back and forth between “gun sight” and angle lens of the angular scope trying to find your intended object to view.
Maybe there’s a better way to scan with the angular style which you could explain to me, but I haven’t figured it out yet.
I see in your Tech reviews about the difference between porro and roof prism binos. Could you give me some additional info about the differences and advantages/disadvantages? Why would there be better field of view with the porro? I have people ask me about the practical use advantages/disadvantages of each; but I can’t really find any good answers. Can you provide some?
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Ron: Thanks for your feedback.
In general, people who use scopes and are scanning with their eyes either put their head up and get used to looking back down at an angle with an angled scope, or are using binos to scan, which would require looking up anyway.
Angled scopes are more popular because they can be left lower on the tripod for stability and because people of different heights can share them more easily.
If someone is the main person using the scope, not super tall, and they want to scan easily with their eyes, we would probably recommend a straight scope.
Porro prisms in general have wider fields of view built in. As technology and market demand change, there are fewer and fewer porros available, and wider and wider fields of view are able built into roof prisms.
I would say in terms of practical different at each price point, the main things to think about are 1) someone might prefer the way barrels are set wider in a porro as far as how it feels in their hands, 2) in general, roof prisms are significantly more durable, and 3)porros tend to have farther close focusing, and nowadays, more and more roofs are built with close focusing.
If your bino feels good in your hands and has a good warranty to cover any accidental damage, you're good to go!
I was curious about scanning with both eyes open with a straight scope (advantage) vs. going back and forth between “gun sight” and angle lens of the angular scope trying to find your intended object to view.
Maybe there’s a better way to scan with the angular style which you could explain to me, but I haven’t figured it out yet.
I see in your Tech reviews about the difference between porro and roof prism binos. Could you give me some additional info about the differences and advantages/disadvantages? Why would there be better field of view with the porro? I have people ask me about the practical use advantages/disadvantages of each; but I can’t really find any good answers. Can you provide some?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron: Thanks for your feedback.
In general, people who use scopes and are scanning with their eyes either put their head up and get used to looking back down at an angle with an angled scope, or are using binos to scan, which would require looking up anyway.
Angled scopes are more popular because they can be left lower on the tripod for stability and because people of different heights can share them more easily.
If someone is the main person using the scope, not super tall, and they want to scan easily with their eyes, we would probably recommend a straight scope.
Porro prisms in general have wider fields of view built in. As technology and market demand change, there are fewer and fewer porros available, and wider and wider fields of view are able built into roof prisms.
I would say in terms of practical different at each price point, the main things to think about are 1) someone might prefer the way barrels are set wider in a porro as far as how it feels in their hands, 2) in general, roof prisms are significantly more durable, and 3)porros tend to have farther close focusing, and nowadays, more and more roofs are built with close focusing.
If your bino feels good in your hands and has a good warranty to cover any accidental damage, you're good to go!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Pentax scope eyepieces?
From Dennis:
Subject: Best eyepiece for Pentax 65 ED-A II scope
I am considering the purchase of a Pentax 65 ED-A II spotting scope. I wish to use the scope for birding. Which Pentax eyepiece would be most appropriate for this scope: the XW 14, the XW 10 or the XF 20-60x zoom? Are there any other options I should consider? Thanks in advance for your reply.
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Dennis: Thanks for your question. The most appropriate eyepiece for the Pentax 65 is the XF zoom, as it is smaller and more compatible with the smaller-bodied Pentax scope.
The astronomical eyepieces do fit it, but they are quite big on the back of that small scope body. Hope this helps you narrow down your options.
Subject: Best eyepiece for Pentax 65 ED-A II scope
I am considering the purchase of a Pentax 65 ED-A II spotting scope. I wish to use the scope for birding. Which Pentax eyepiece would be most appropriate for this scope: the XW 14, the XW 10 or the XF 20-60x zoom? Are there any other options I should consider? Thanks in advance for your reply.
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Dennis: Thanks for your question. The most appropriate eyepiece for the Pentax 65 is the XF zoom, as it is smaller and more compatible with the smaller-bodied Pentax scope.
The astronomical eyepieces do fit it, but they are quite big on the back of that small scope body. Hope this helps you narrow down your options.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Birding Binoculars
From: Laura
Subject: Birding Binoculars
I’m a novice birder just out of college, and I’m looking for decent binoculars at a student price. My ornithology professor in college purchased binoculars from Eagle Optics for the class, and he suggested that I look into getting a Vortex Diamondback for myself. I’m trying to compare the Nikon Monarchs to the Vortex Diamondbacks, but I’m unfamiliar with some of the terminology and measurements. Other than the difference in price between the two, is there any other great variation that I should consider, since I’m just starting out in birding?
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Thanks, Laura.
The Diamondback and Monarch are both great at their price. The main differences are that the Monarchs are a bit sharper and brighter optically and that the Diamondback will have a more comprehensive warranty coverage.
The Vortex would come to Eagle Optics if you needed service.
You would send the Monarch to Nikon for any repairs or service.
Subject: Birding Binoculars
I’m a novice birder just out of college, and I’m looking for decent binoculars at a student price. My ornithology professor in college purchased binoculars from Eagle Optics for the class, and he suggested that I look into getting a Vortex Diamondback for myself. I’m trying to compare the Nikon Monarchs to the Vortex Diamondbacks, but I’m unfamiliar with some of the terminology and measurements. Other than the difference in price between the two, is there any other great variation that I should consider, since I’m just starting out in birding?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks, Laura.
The Diamondback and Monarch are both great at their price. The main differences are that the Monarchs are a bit sharper and brighter optically and that the Diamondback will have a more comprehensive warranty coverage.
The Vortex would come to Eagle Optics if you needed service.
You would send the Monarch to Nikon for any repairs or service.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Field of view question.
From: Bruce
Subject: field of view question...
Hi,when comparing the specifications of binoculars on your Eagle Optics website, specifically the 8x42 binoculars, I notice there is quite a difference in the field of view between different brands. Some with 320 at 1000yds and some with 408 at 1000 yards, etc. What causes that difference and what's the benefit of either more or less field of view?
thanks.
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Hi Bruce, thanks for the question. The field of view of a binoculars is derived by the construction of the ocular lenses of the binocular, and ideally a wider field of view is better. A wider field of view makes it easier to find objects through the binoculars and also aids in following moving objects.
Many times, a manufacturer will not offer as wide a field of view if the optical quality isn't as good out at the very fringes of the field, so many of the binoculars with narrower fields are better at the edges than those with wider fields.
Hope this helps, thanks again.
Subject: field of view question...
Hi,when comparing the specifications of binoculars on your Eagle Optics website, specifically the 8x42 binoculars, I notice there is quite a difference in the field of view between different brands. Some with 320 at 1000yds and some with 408 at 1000 yards, etc. What causes that difference and what's the benefit of either more or less field of view?
thanks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Bruce, thanks for the question. The field of view of a binoculars is derived by the construction of the ocular lenses of the binocular, and ideally a wider field of view is better. A wider field of view makes it easier to find objects through the binoculars and also aids in following moving objects.
Many times, a manufacturer will not offer as wide a field of view if the optical quality isn't as good out at the very fringes of the field, so many of the binoculars with narrower fields are better at the edges than those with wider fields.
Hope this helps, thanks again.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hunting Binoculars
From: Kevin
Subject: Hunting Binos
Hello, My name is Kevin and I need some help/recommendations. I’m planning a moose hunting trip to Newfoundland next year and my wife has agreed to buy me a new set of binoculars for X-mas. I would like to stay under the $500 mark and of course I want the most bang for my buck. I have been looking at the Nikon Monarch 10x42 as they seem to very popular with hunters and get a lot of good binocular reviews. I was also looking at the Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 10x42 as they also get very good reviews. I also noticed the Vortex Viper 10x42 though they are a little over my budget. I would be willing to consider them if the performance over the other options is worth it. I am also open to other suggestions as I have never owned a decent set of binoculars in my life.
If you could offer some advice or recommendations I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, Kevin
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Hi Kevin, thanks for the email. The Rangers and the Monarchs are essentially the same binoculars, just slightly different body styles, so the Nikon's are the better value. The Vipers are a step up form the other two models, especially noticeable in low-lighting conditions where the Viper image will be a bit sharper, and with less color fringing, than the Ranger or Monarch. Another one to look at that is very similar optical quality but a bit better price is the Burris Signature Select 10x42. The Signature Select are very close to the Vipers, but are a bit better value, though many people like the Vortex warranty that Burris can't really touch, though they do have good customer service generally.
Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.
Subject: Hunting Binos
Hello, My name is Kevin and I need some help/recommendations. I’m planning a moose hunting trip to Newfoundland next year and my wife has agreed to buy me a new set of binoculars for X-mas. I would like to stay under the $500 mark and of course I want the most bang for my buck. I have been looking at the Nikon Monarch 10x42 as they seem to very popular with hunters and get a lot of good binocular reviews. I was also looking at the Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 10x42 as they also get very good reviews. I also noticed the Vortex Viper 10x42 though they are a little over my budget. I would be willing to consider them if the performance over the other options is worth it. I am also open to other suggestions as I have never owned a decent set of binoculars in my life.
If you could offer some advice or recommendations I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, Kevin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Kevin, thanks for the email. The Rangers and the Monarchs are essentially the same binoculars, just slightly different body styles, so the Nikon's are the better value. The Vipers are a step up form the other two models, especially noticeable in low-lighting conditions where the Viper image will be a bit sharper, and with less color fringing, than the Ranger or Monarch. Another one to look at that is very similar optical quality but a bit better price is the Burris Signature Select 10x42. The Signature Select are very close to the Vipers, but are a bit better value, though many people like the Vortex warranty that Burris can't really touch, though they do have good customer service generally.
Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Lightest tripod legs?
From: Dwayne
Subject: Lightest tripod legs?
What are some of the lightest tripod legs that you have available?
I prefer a tripod that has 3 leg sections, it will be used with a Swarovski ATS-80HD spotting scope and some occasional digiscoping.
Thanks, Dwayne
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Hi Dwayne, thanks for the email. Some of the lightest tripod legs available are made by Gitzo, most notably are the Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod legs.
As you can see, they are not cheap, but they are very lightweight and still amazingly rigid. Another, more economical tripod to look at would be the Manfrotto 055CX3 Tripod legs, which are about a pound heavier but substantially less expensive than the Gitzo tripods.
Subject: Lightest tripod legs?
What are some of the lightest tripod legs that you have available?
I prefer a tripod that has 3 leg sections, it will be used with a Swarovski ATS-80HD spotting scope and some occasional digiscoping.
Thanks, Dwayne
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Dwayne, thanks for the email. Some of the lightest tripod legs available are made by Gitzo, most notably are the Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod legs.
As you can see, they are not cheap, but they are very lightweight and still amazingly rigid. Another, more economical tripod to look at would be the Manfrotto 055CX3 Tripod legs, which are about a pound heavier but substantially less expensive than the Gitzo tripods.
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