And another questions which I meant to ask during the recent discussion of
spotting scopes: does anyone have any experience with compact scopes? Kowa
makes a 50mm scope (TS-9), and someone else (I've forgotten who) makes one
of similar size. I've thought of using one of these with a monopod as a
hiking/travelling scope; light enough to put in a day pack or carry-on bag,
and cheap enough that if it was damaged or stolen, it wouldn't be a major
investment lost (the Kowa was selling for $150 a couple of years ago). But
I've never met anyone who owned one, to ask if they're worth having. Any
input welcome...

Rob Saecker
Olympia