At 02:34 PM 2/3/99 -0800, Bill Smith wrote:

> If you stick to those three, the major difference IMHO is where the
>focusing mechanism is. Which you prefer is a personal choice, as is
>whether you prefer straight-through or angled; both considerations may
>affect your enjoyment of the scope more than which of the three brands
>you choose.

Very sane advice, and much the same as the advice I give anyone
looking at high-end optics, including the infamous "Nikon or
Canon?" question.

If you buy high-end gear by big-name optics makers who have
established their reputation, it is really feel and handling
and for some folks even styling and color that is the only
real differentiator. All of the scopes mentioned are so good
that it's impossible to imagine anyone being disappointed by
them, unless they buy the one with the focus wheel in a place
they can't stand! :)


- Don Baccus, Portland OR <dhogaza at pacifier.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, and other goodies at
http://donb.photo.net