In a message dated 98-06-03 14:59:21 EDT, redwing1986 at mediaone.net writes:

<< At magnifications above 30-40x I could detect a slight chromatic
distortion around the circumference of the image with the zoom, but I had to
look for it. >>

This is true, but a minor matter considering the overall versatility of having
the convenience of the zoom to 60X which I kind of regard as more for
'emergency' viewing for those things that are really really distant and
perhaps more important, picking up those minute finite yet critical field
marks to in some cases establish an identification. Otherwise, I too think
the 32X WW objective is probably the best as a fixed objective and would
probably get the most general usage and yield the greatest satisfaction.
There is also the convenience of zooming down to 20X which at that power with
the 20-60X objective, the image appears to be just as bright, crisp, and true
as having a fixed 20X and I would expect most general viewing would be in the
20-32X range anyway.

Since the first real test for all this won't be until during several
tantalizing yet all too brief 3-4 day port'o'calls scattered around Central
America between late July and mid-December, I figure for now that I'd just
maximize my options all in one for the sake of convenience. I'm not sure why
I didn't just go ahead and buy the 32X objective as well as long as I was on a
rare 'spending binge', but it's never too late and I might as well toss that
one in the bag too. With the bayonet mount, the objectives can be quickly and
efficiently interchanged in a heartbeat.

As for tripods and accessories, I have gone with the Bogen 3221 tripod (black
for better concealment) with Bogen 3126 micro fluid floating head. Actually,
I got two heads, one for the tripod and one for a Bogen 3292 window clamp.
These floating heads are excellent, panning is smooth as silk, and the long
and angled pan head lever is adjustable for comfort. Add to that two Bogen
3299 quick release plates and adapters for ease and convenience of being able
to fliplock the scope from window mount to tripod. At first glance, the large
head platform that supports the small quick release plate looks like overkill
and it was initially unsettling as to just how reliable this may actually be
but I think for now it's fine. Actually, I couldn't find any other acceptable
options. A certain plus for this quick release plate is an additional locking
device which when set will prevent the scope from accidentally being knocked
off. You just have to remember to lock it though. Finally, add to the tripod
legs a set of camouflage colored padding, the whole thing looks, um... well;
pretty incredible and sturdy, and it is(!) but I'm not so sure I want to risk
taking it out of the house now :-). It's quite heavy too but still in balance
and remarkably comfortable when slung over my shoulder. [note: Studies show
that the comfort index and pain tolerance varies among individuals :-)>]

As for window mounts, I initially tried the Bushnell 78-4405 which I quickly
discovered was completely worthless. At least mine; maybe I got a 'bad' one.
I couldn't adequately tighten the fliplock device to the plate nor tighten or
lock the swivel at all. The Bogen 3292 window clamp with 3126 head setup is
heavy, sturdy, dependable, and just as excellent as the tripod.

The 3126 floating heads (for tripod & window clamp) may not seem convenient
for some since tightening the swivel and tilt requires a second hand and
fingertip turning separate wingnut knobs but something that with practice I'd
expect to become quite comfortable with and automated to. At least everything
is compatible, sturdy, reliable, and conveniently and easily interchangeable
which I feel is extremely important.

I too got the (more expensive) Leica case, and as Ruth Sullevin notes, the
Leica scope is smooth and slippery and thus the fabric case would at least
provide more confidence in gripping and likely aid in preventing the
unthinkable by having the thing slip out of your hot sweaty little hands
during the heat of the moment in addition to providing more protection for the
scope from weather and wear.

Okay, now that I've quite seriously impacted my last two months earnings on
all this stuff '''...gulp...''', I've got to go back to 'work' now :-). But
at least I'm ready to go forth and pretend now to be a 'serious' birder :-))

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