Subject: spotting scopes
Date: Feb 21 14:24:43 1998
From: PAGODROMA at aol.com - PAGODROMA at aol.com


I am about to break down and replace my 'goldie-oldie Swift' spotting scope
which was stolen in Vancouver, BC back in November. It was time to replace it
anyway with something approaching today's high-end standards on the market of
which there are many to chose from. The vast assortment present at the recent
Skagit WOS Conference was a terrific opportunity for field test comparisons.

After all that, I'm leaning toward Leica Televid APO. The optics are superb,
crisp, color true and pure, and can yank detail out of the shadows and dim
light. Also, it's the only one that's waterproof. I also like the large
ocular which is more forgiving to eyeglass wearers and gives greater wide
field of view. Beyond all this, it's a matter of deciding on eyepiece(s).
Overall, I think I could do best with the zoom which of course as is true with
any zoom means some sacrifice in overall quality but something I could
tolerate with the advantage of having the easy versatility as needed.

The Nikon 78 might even be slightly better, but I've never seen one and am not
really considering it at this time for no really good reason I guess other
than beginning to feel overwhelmed by all that's on the market and information
available for perusal on the web. High-end Kowa and Swarovski scopes are
quite good too but for various reasons have decided against those too, maybe
for no other good reason other that a personal bias for Leica bins of which I
am extremely pleased with in every way.

One other which I'd really like to see and field test are spotting scopes by
Fujinon. Admittedly, I'm a little biased toward the proven quality of Fujinon
products that I've been blessed with in the field on countless NOAA/NMFS
ventures at sea and onshore. Namely the awesome 50lb Fujinon 25X150mm
binoculars ('big eyes') to which there is utterly *no comparison*! These open
an entirely *different* dimension and perspective to viewing seabirds and
whales light years beyond struggling and bouncing along with simple 'hand-
held' bins on a pelagic trip. Since these cost a mere $12K and mounted on a
500lb hydraulic tripod, such a set up is beyond the practical means of all but
perhaps Bill Gates whom I suppose isn't even a birder and is too busy
manufacturing and marketing 'software'.

So far, I've not found Fujinon spotting scopes sold or available in Seattle.
Does anyone know? Does anyone have one and have some comments / advice? What
about Portland or Vancouver BC? I've noted several 'tweets' in recent months
mention "Captain's Nautical" for the best in comparative variety in optics in
Seattle and I've been there to check them out. Their prices are substantially
high however. For example, I just replaced my stolen Leica bins from
"Glaziers Camera Supply" (Seattle) for $250 less than the same available at
"Captain's". This price was little more than NYC mail-order and still gets
you the full guarantees and warranties.

The ultimate website for doing homework regarding optics (binoculars and
spotting scopes is located at:

<A HREF="http://www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/birdofaq.htm">Optics for
Birding Home Page</A>
http://www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/birdofaq.htm

The amount of information and links to even more (including more than you ever
wanted to know) leaves one a bit overwhelmed.

Any comments, advice, testaments, pros & cons of one over another from anyone
would be greatly appreciated, either posted to the list or privately. Thanks.

Richard Rowlett (Pagodroma at aol.com)
47.56N, 122.13W
(Seattle/Bellevue, WA USA)