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Last Review Posted by Branners - posted: Tue May 21, 2013 12:39am

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Views: 41757

This is my first 'big' lens, a retirement present to myself. Because it was pricy I swithered for a couple of months before taking the plunge, but I'm so glad I did. The pro's of the optical side of this masterpiece of lens engineering has been said by people with far more experience than me. What I will say though is that I use mine with a beanbag quiet a lot and I much prefer it to using a tripod, quicker and easier to set up. I sometimes use a Slik monopod too, great for over shoulder carrying. I struggled with finding the optimum settings for a while but finally it's starting to come together. I use the Nikon TC-1.7 teleconverter and don't see a discernible difference in my images. I've not always been happy with the sharpness of some of my images though and then I read an article by Thom Hogan, one I think everyone should read if you have a VR lens: www.bythom.com/nikon-vr.htm I have one last 'word' of advice, if you're humming and arrging about buying this lens just do it, you won't regret it. Remember, we only live once and life is short. p.s. For some reason the 'indicated price' won't show, for info I paid £ 3,995. Rating: 10

Product Details: "300mm f/2.8G AF-S VR" by Andy Bright - posted: Fri May 26, 2006 - Rating: 9.67

Last Review Posted by cassowary - posted: Thu May 16, 2013 2:44am

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Views: 19560

Excellent Bins, that been around a long time. These bins have been discussed and praised a lot so the only thing I am adding is that I like the fact that they don't look pricey so they are less likely to get nicked. Rating: 10

Product Details: "8x32 Superior E" by Leif - posted: Sun January 4, 2004 - Rating: 9.42

Last Review Posted by uttampegu - posted: Tue May 7, 2013 7:30am

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Views: 46899

I have been using this lens for last 8 months and I am happy so far. Not very good lens for photographing bird in flight though. It requires little post processing for excellent result. Rating: 8

Product Details: "APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM" by Fowl Mouth - posted: Wed February 18, 2009 - Rating: 7.25

Last Review Posted by Buff1ehead - posted: Thu May 2, 2013 10:34am

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Views: 26891

I took these bins on a multi-week sea kayak expedition in Baja, and they fogged upon my return to the states. I sent them back to Zeiss, and they were refurbished and returned within two weeks in marvelous condition. I teach natural history courses at the university level, so I used my old Zeiss Night Owl 8x56 bins during the interim when the 7x42s were out for service. Until then I didn't realize how much I'd come to love the 7x42s, especially when inside forested biomes. It wasn't just about the weight; I find the 7x magnification far superior to 8x in terms of depth of field, field of view, and steadiness. I was missing small insectivors in dense cover with the 8x that I'm certain I could have followed with the 7x. None of the alpha bin manufacturers is currently offering a 7x, and I think this is a mistake. Watching to see who will step up to fill the void. Rating: 10

Product Details: "7x42 T* FL / 8X42 T* FL / 10X42 T* FL" by Andy Bright - posted: Thu July 15, 2004 - Rating: 9.85

Last Review Posted by John In Ireland - posted: Wed April 24, 2013 5:45pm

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Views: 26413

I have the 100mm version. Very good for a first scope. Study tripod needed!! Rating: 7

Product Details: "ST20-60x80A" by HarassedDad - posted: Thu March 29, 2007 - Rating: 7.33

Last Review Posted by lanx0003 - posted: Sun April 21, 2013 3:03am

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Views: 4018

The close focus distance is about 5 ft, not 4.5 ft as advertised but is considered very good in its class. It renders natural color and sharp image. We use it in the concert hall the first day we got it. Sitting far back, we could see the fingers of the pianoist very clearly. After holding the bino for a while, however, my arms are sore. I guess every ounce matters. I am thinking switching to its mini version 8x32, which only weighs 520 grams instead of 715 grams, but not sure if 8x32 is as good. Rating: 9

Product Details: "8x42 Diamondbacks" by Tantien - posted: Sun March 17, 2013 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by Martin"ice man"Smyth - posted: Sun April 7, 2013 4:01pm

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Views: 5232

Superbly clear optics, a step up from my previous brand, a joy too use, a very neutral colour balance, making object appearing sharper and reveals much better detail. Imho best Binocular in its class Rating: 10

Product Details: "Swarovision EL 10x42" by gwsudiro - posted: Tue April 3, 2012 - Rating: 9.50

Last Review Posted by c250td - posted: Wed April 3, 2013 9:04am

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Views: 23076

Best in class in Better View Desired review site. Rating: 10

Product Details: "8x32 HG" by Leif - posted: Sun January 11, 2004 - Rating: 9.23

Last Review Posted by Honolulu Walt - posted: Sun March 31, 2013 5:41pm

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Views: 6088

What are the internal dimensions? Alternatively,what are the external dimensions, along with an estimate of how much padding will be needed? I use my Tele Vue 85 primarily as a small refractor for astronomical observations. However, on occasion I use it for terrestrial observations and, wow, what a scope! Unfortunately, its relatively large size and weight (relative to dedicated spotting scopes) means that this scope is not used by me for bird watching, or any other terrestrial observing, where my scope will need to be set up any farther than 100 meters from my car. But, now I am considering the best way to plug the gap between binoculars and astronomical refractor. The most straight-forward solution would be to buy a dedicated spotting scope. I have my eye on the new 88 mm Kowa, but am open to the possibility of buying the new 82mm Lieca, or maybe even the 85mm Zeiss (which I previously owned, but traded in for the TV 85). However, a much less expensive alternative would be to find a way to transport my TV 85. This looks like a decent alternative. If my TV 85 can fit on the inside (preferred) or strapped to the outside of this product, then I could probably carry it more than the 100 meter current limit. With the diagonal removed, the scope is a bit less than 19". If I continue to use this as a spotting scope, I will use the 1 1/4 inch, Takahashi or Tele Vue 45 degree prism, or maybe the TV 60 degree mirror. This product is not inexpensive (sorry about the double negative), but at 300 pounds, it is much less expensive than a spotting scope from Zeiss, Swarovski, Lieca, or Kowa (or, any other spotting scope that would perform to the same optical and durability standards as these scopes). Hence, my question regarding the interior (preferred) or external dimensions of this product is asked.

Product Details: "Scopac Lite" by WriterCJ - posted: Thu June 14, 2012 - Rating: 8.25

Last Review Posted by Honolulu Walt - posted: Sun March 31, 2013 3:03am

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Views: 20433

Best optics I have ever used (for birding watching ships out at sea, birding, general observing etc. I traded it for credit toward a Tele Vue 85, and I am more satisfied with it. However, there are many times when the Tele Vue is too heavy to take. As much as I like the TV 85, there are many times that I wish I could have the Zeiss back again. Rating: 10

Product Details: "Diascope 85FL" by Andy Bright - posted: Sat October 25, 2003 - Rating: 9.50

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