PAGODROMA writes:

>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.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The Swarovski scopes are all waterproof, dunk-able, hose-able. I think the
new Kowa may be too.

>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.

No doubt about it, the Televid is by far the most attractive scope I've seen.
It also has the advantage of having fine and course focus knobs near the
eyepiece. This means you can focus easily while the unit is still in its soft
case (if you use the soft case). The Swarovski focuses using a ring a the
center of the scope. It allows for extremely steady focusing but is harder to
get at with a soft case on.

>For example, I just replaced my stolen Leica bins from "Glazers 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.

I've always been under the impression that mail-order purchases include
warranties. Mine did. Is this not always the case?

It sounds like you have already decided that fluorite glass is the way to go.
I recommend it highly. It's truely amzing the level of detail you can get in
low light conditions using fluorite lens.

Tom Benedict
tbenz at halcyon.com