Hi Tweets

Richard, glad you have a good instrument to replace your previous one. A
quibble, but in discussing optics the convention is that the objective
is the main lens and the 20x, 30x or 20-60x are eyepieces. They are a
set of secondary lenses which act to magnify the image gathered by the
objective (you know - the big one on the front and the little ones on
the back). I have yet to see and instrument which is set up to switch
objectives, but you never know.

Have fun, I think you will find that the real value of the APO becomes
evident when you are looking under low light conditions. My experience
is that the brightness and contrast stay usuable then, compared to
non-APO glass.

For carrying purposes, I agree the combination of large spotting scope
and steady tripod is heavy. One solution is what is called a Tri-Pack -
it is a setup which attached to the legs of the tripod and the center
post of the tripod. It has backpack straps and can be swung onto and off
your back quite easily. Keeps your hands free for binos and distributes
the weight nicely. Usually carried in the ABA catalog.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com