Andy Bright
2nd in command
Registered: August 2002
Location: Herts
Posts: 6399
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Review Date: Sat April 23, 2005
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 0
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A review by David Pedder
When I discovered the Opticron HR 66 GA ED scope, for which I had placed an order, was no longer available, my attention turned to the GS 66.5mm ED model that was launched in March of this year. On phoning Opticron to find out what the differences were, I was informed that the new scope offered significantly higher levels of optical clarity over preceding models. A gain in the surface area of the objective lens increased the amount of light entering the instrument which, together with new prism units, a new optical configuration and revised multi-coating resulted in “high end” performance. Furthermore, I was advised that when used with the SDL zoom eyepiece, designed to maximise the performance of ED lenses at high magnifications, the GS 665 GA ED would “perform against the very best”.
Having tried the scope outside the dealer’s shop, in the confines and poor light of a shopping arcade, I was impressed enough to take the plunge and do some serious damage to my partner’s credit card account!
So how does the scope perform in the field? The answer is simple – superbly! The first thing one notices is the weight or should I say lack of it. The scope weighs under 1100g and is protected by natural rubber armour that handles well. The central focussing wheel is also rubber armoured and is positive to operate.
Watching from a hide at Nagshead reserve, with birds at fairly close range and using a hide-clamp, the results were simply stunning! Images are pin sharp, extremely bright and with excellent natural colour rendition. Working on a Velbon Sherpa tripod, at Symonds Yat Rock, the scope really came in to its own providing outstanding definition and high colour fidelity at magnifications over 35x Those peregrine falcons are a long way away! Fine focussing at 48x magnification was a little tricky but the scope has an additional fine focus adjustment which proved effective.
The SDL eyepiece (an F24 – F8, 5 group 8 element “super” zoom) boasts superior cross-field definition at all magnifications. It is extremely comfortable to use and has a rotating eye relief cup that can be positioned to suit one’s needs. A full field of view is obtained at all magnifications with or without spectacles. On the down side, the eyepiece does not lend itself easily to camera attachment unless one wants to try one of the various “universal” adaptors on the market which I have done with little success.
In conclusion, I don’t wish to get in to a dialogue as to whether or not the GS 665 GA ED compares favourably with Leica or Swarovski. I have used both in the past but have to say neither were recent models so to comment would be fatuous. What I will say is that I cannot imagine any scope being more satisfying to use than this new model from Opticron. If you are looking for a new scope with usability, superb optical performance and value for money and are more interested in the birds than the badge, then this is the one for you! I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
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www.Digiscoped.com
also, if you're particularly bored, try www.andybright.com - mediocre aviation photography
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