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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. S

    Athlon ares vs vortex viper in 65

    Hi folks, looking to get a spotting scope again. Was wondering at the two above models? The vortex viper seems to have a good rep and vortex is well represented in Australia. Than I heard the athlon ares was actually giving the vortex razor(!) a run for its money optics wise? Athlon has a...
  2. S

    Celestron Regal M2 ED Series - 2013

    The thread was started 6 years ago and I wondered what the general verdict is for the regal scopes folks? Were most of the buyers satisfied, did the scopes bought back then all last and maintain their capabilities? Interested to know what all round score this item gets if say the alpha brands...
  3. S

    Sub alpha but especially durable scopes

    Thanks Alexis, appreciate the heads up. I am very glad I ran into you on this thread. I will give them all some consideration and aim for whatever resists weather the most. As to humidity and tropics, I hear you. Bigger issue here though is the spore load. Aka proximity to paleoforest, aka...
  4. S

    Sub alpha but especially durable scopes

    Btw Alexis you wouldn't happen to know off the top of your head which are the waterproof versions of the fieldscope EdII, EDIII, Ed78ED and Ed82ED ? Seems to be some varying reports on the net. Big requirement is also good seals and purging due to being in a rainforest region with, 12-40ft of...
  5. S

    Used scope, Best value, recommendations?

    Great information on this thread! I started a thread in a similar vein yesterday. Im a big fan of older spec but good performers. More and more these days I am going back to 2000's era items for the durability and reliability, including everything from GPS, tents, rifles, range finders, velocity...
  6. S

    Sub alpha but especially durable scopes

    Thanks all. I'll look into freight, In Focus. Alexis, thanks and just found the post you made recently here on good used scopes https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=380224 I see on ebay, Japanese buyers with good reputation are selling some of the Kowa and Nikon ED later series scopes...
  7. S

    New pentax 65EDA-II eyepeice lock ring stuck.

    Thanks Gcole sounds interesting. id say they dont bring them in here either and the pentax distributor only honors warranty for units it brings in. I could never get a straight answer in advance as to who to seek international warranty from for 'grey imports'( one offs) landed in Australia...
  8. S

    New pentax 65EDA-II eyepeice lock ring stuck.

    Thanks I've owned the Pentax 65 in years past as mentioned. I wont' be buying another at this stage as I got a full refund. When checking out this fault online I noticed the reports of this scope snapping in half due to its plastic threaded midsection. No longer interested in the Pentax 65
  9. S

    Sub alpha but especially durable scopes

    Folks just wondering if there are any mid range brands particularly noted for durability and model longevity but below the alpha level price ranges. I am chasing a 65 or 80mm scope for the record. 1. I researched the celestron regal but ruled it out as checking the amazon reviews the eyepiece...
  10. S

    New pentax 65EDA-II eyepeice lock ring stuck.

    Thanks folks it was returned today. I'm in a fairly very remote region support wise so decided its easier to start over given the option.
  11. S

    New pentax 65EDA-II eyepeice lock ring stuck.

    Bought it yesterday, had enjoyed the straight angled version in the past and always wanted the angled for easier viewing along with some casual stargazing. Got it home, was unable to loosen or move the eyepiece retention or lock ring, whatever its called . I called the store who are a camera...
  12. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    just took delivery of the tripod. Wow these 055 certainly are beasts! Very impressed with the weight and general sturdiness of this my first serious tripod. Thanks again all for the suggestions, this will fit the bill nicely
  13. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Unfortunately I am not much of a DIY guy, if countersinking and drilling can't be done with a leathermans multitool I'm out of my depth.
  14. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Thanks guys, this one is the 055XPROB yes and I pulled the trigger and bought it. I am chasing pre-owned prices and it was the only one currently going, I got the price down a little as well. I'll keep an eye out for the 128 fluid head next. Thanks again everyone, and for the general theory...
  15. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Just asked the seller, its a #056 junior head which I assume is not the choice for spotting scopes but its included in the price.
  16. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    So I tracked this tripod down, its used but apparently in good shape. Manfrotto 055B pro. Can anyone tell me what the head shown is on it? Also would 95 USD be a good price for a unit in excellent condition? Thanks in advance.
  17. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Thanks for the link. I'm going to head down the local firearms range and see what they are using as apparently they loan out old olivon scopes for shooters and must be using a fairly decent but budget tabletop mount for them.
  18. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    btw folks for table top viewing, which I'd like to do from my study on occasion is the usual method to buy something like this? https://www.camerahouse.com.au/manfrotto-pixi-mtpixi-b-tripod
  19. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Thanks folks. I notice these are getting into more serious dollars but I guess you get what you pay for. 055 and the 128rc2 head sound like the way to go then.
  20. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    thanks jmepler. Its the angled version. I'm 190cm tall btw. I'd probably prefer stability more at this point, I can always make do with something lighter for hiking later on. I might look at the video head you recommended. Would this still be okay for occasional astronomical use, I am juggling a...
  21. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Folks would a manfrotto 190XDB and 804RC2 head serve the purpose? I can pick one up almost new for a steal.
  22. S

    Tripod for Pentax 65EDII

    Gents any entry level tripods recommended for the above scope. There is a dazzling array out there and I am trying to learn as much as possible to get started. My goals are I'd like something moderately stable for magnifications up to 45x but the ability to backpack it would be nice as well. Its...
  23. S

    Digiscoping magnification question

    Great post thanks!
  24. S

    Digiscoping magnification question

    Yes I keep screwing up the secret handshake I think. :-O Internet forums started as small communities, became large towns and then walled cities. Thanks for the info though folks. The bottom line as I see it is digital zoom 'can technically' increase maximum magnification with a variety of...
  25. S

    Digiscoping magnification question

    Gents is part of the parcel of digiscoping the ability to augment the magnification capabilities of the scope. Like the digital zoom on a camera past its normal zoom does? I am on very uncertain ground using these terms as I am not a photography guy. But for those of us looking to occasionally...
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