I have a Kowa TSN-823 80mm scope with a 20-60X zoom lens, a water-repellent cover, a Manfrotto 3175GN portable tripod, and a Tri-pack that let's you fairly handily carry it all around on your back. I purchased this set-up 5 years ago and use nearly every week. It's fine and I get along with it quite well, after using a rather inexpensive, older-model Bushnell 60mm scope for years. A modern 80mm scope like this definitely lets you reach out there farther in a big picture with more light-gathering clarity and color fidelity. But, as an 80mm, it also is a good bit more cumbersome to pack up and move around with if you tend to do that very much or very far. The newer 60-65mm scopes that have rather recently entered the market are quite improved now and very comparable in optical quality to the better 80mm scopes. So if I were doing it all over again, I'd probably also take a close look at them now, because they are handier to use and tote around. It all gets down to your budget, knowing how you'll be using it most of the time, trying out several kinds if you can, and picking one finally that "feels" best to you. If you can afford it, however, you probably wouldn't go wrong with either a Swarovski 65 or 80mm scope.

Bruce Moorhead
Port Angeles, WA
bruceb at olypen.com

"The true meaning of patriotism is allegiance to the earth
on which a nation stands. Conservation is the most
elemental form of patriotism." Richard Nelson

---- Original Message -----
From: bashafer
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 11:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Spotting Scopes


Tweeters, I am also ready to but a spotting scope of my own. Like Darren, I have been doing some research and am very interested in getting some feedback about which would be the best model to buy, where to purchase, etc. However, I do plan on doing some hiking, etc., and weight may be a factor. The new 65mm scopes might be what I should look at.
I would appreciate any suggestions, even what would be the best lens, tripod, etc. Thanks!

Barbara Shafer
Seattle, WA
Mail to: bashafer at nwfirst.com



On Thu, Jan 12, 2006 at 9:40pm Darren Curtis wrote:
> Hello. I would be interested in hearing opinions regarding spotting scopes. I have gone many years with a pair of good binoculars but no scope. Currently, I have looked at the following makes/models, but am open to other ideas:
>
> Zeiss Diascope 85 and 65 FL
> Swarovski ATS 65HD
> Kowa TSN 823
>
> Primarily, I value well made scope that holds up in the field, low image/color distortion, and can work in the Pacific Northwest's less-than-ideal light conditions. I would be using the scope a lot on tidal flats, beaches, bodies of water. Not too much hiking, so weight isn't a critical factor. From what I've read, the 80mm+ aperatures are better for light, but the Swarovski 65HD got good reviews.
>
> I am shopping both on the net and locally. Any thoughts regarding make, model, general tips, and local spots to buy would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Darren Curtis
> Seattle, WA
> Mail to: dncurtis at earthlink.net
>
>
> Darren Curtis
> Seattle, WA
> mail to: dncurtis at earthlink.net
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