Reference spotting scopes>>>>>>>>>


At 12:27 AM 10/20/97 EDT, you wrote:
>Good used binocs and spotting scopes are often advertised in "Winging It"
>(newsletter of the ABA) and other birding magazines. I do not know if the
>following is appropriate to post on Tweeters although I would not mind
>hearing about used optics for sale by fellow birders. I guess I'll find
>out! I plan to advertise in "Winging It" my like new (purchased 6
>months ago) KOWA TSN-2 with 20 x 60 zoom lens and case for $500 if anyone
>is interested. Cornell University rates it as one of the best buys in
>optics for that price range and we have been very satisfied and pleased
>with it. We two wing-nuts plan to go deeper in debt by purchasing
>something in a higher price range. If interested contact me at
>two.wing-nuts at juno.com
>Hans Krauss, Spokane, WA
>IT'S BETTER TO BE A WING-NUT THAN A DEAD-BOLT
> ~^~ ~^~
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> ~^~ ~^~
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>



Just saw the comments about spotting scopes and would say that the Kowa is
an excellent scope. I have used and abused one (I even carry it on jungle
trails and get good looks at stuff nobody else sees! That's what makes a
scope indispensable.) for about four years worldwide and only have a couple
of negative comments. Both correctible by the owner!! The 20 X 60 is the
same eyepiece that I have. I like it at 20X (Wife likes it at 45X or more
which I can't handle --- go figure). My first choice of eyepieces were I
to do it over again is the 30X wideangle (but I would still want the 20 to
60X. You'll add about one extra species for every four you see now because
of the range and definition. (It will also resolve some of those
spectacular sightings into the common and well known. Including the "This
is an interesting bird. Wow!! Oh, it's a plastic bag. Which has happened
to me more than once. But at least you leave knowing what it was and not
frustrated with looking at something at only 7, 8 or 10X)

At coffee this AM I also noticed that there is an ad in the Seattle Times
for a Nikon Fieldscope II with 20 - 45X, 15X and 60X eyepieces and misc
for $700. under the camera section. (206) 725-3358.

If you are buying 'used' check anything carefully but a good look through
it will usually tell you waht you are getting.

Good Luck and enjoy the shorebirds up closer and the Black-crested Coquette
visiting flowers across the Rio Gonzales.

Bob
taylorrt at geocities.com