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

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  1. M

    PF-65EDAii Optical Alignment?

    I had missed your reply - thanks for the comment. I have not resolved the problem other than to accept, as you have, that my scope just isn't very sharp above ~30x. I did contact 2 different repair services, one told me (honestly I think) that collimation is not adjustable once it leaves the...
  2. M

    First pelagic...which binos?

    Thanks for the replies! The sea was angry that day, my friends... A mixed swell under our 53-foot vessel + 3-foot wind waves made for a lumpy sea, as grandpa used to say. Use of any binos was problematic at times. Seeing the forecast, I brought the 7x35s only. The wide field served well in...
  3. M

    First pelagic...which binos?

    I'm excited to be taking my first pelagic cruise this coming weekend, out of Half Moon Bay with Alvaro Jaramillo. Which binos should I bring? My first-string binos are Nikon 10x42 MHG, but I think with the rocking boat I'll want lower power and a larger exit pupil. I also have my old pair of...
  4. M

    SVBony SV406P 16-48x65mm

    I bought this scope somewhat on impulse, after seeing it on sale. I'm saving up for an "alpha" spotter but need something in the meantime, and SVBony has a reputation in the astronomy community for high-value accessories. With an Amazon coupon reducing the net price below US$200, and the easy...
  5. M

    PF-65EDAii Optical Alignment?

    Thanks. Pentax factory service in the USA seems to be through Precision Camera? The link I found for a Sports Optics service form doesn't work. Any pointers? I've emailed Suddarth Optics and Mountain Optics in CA too, waiting to hear back. Matt
  6. M

    PF-65EDAii Optical Alignment?

    I'm a novice/intermediate birder and bought this scope used - in excellent external condition - a year ago, as my first decent spotting scope. I chose the Pentax because I have a collection of 1.25" astronomy eyepieces to use with it. I've been enjoying it with a 13mm Baader Hyperion eyepiece -...
  7. M

    Guides in Melbourne/Otways/GOR?

    Thanks Jim. if it were me travelling alone I would enjoy meeting up with local birders, and casually exploring. That's what I'll be doing while in Sydney, in fact. Since I will be accompanied in Melbourne by my non-birding friends I thought I'd look for a professional guide who has experience...
  8. M

    Guides in Melbourne/Otways/GOR?

    Thanks for posting reports and suggestions for the Sydney area - it's been very helpful in trip planning. I'm also going to the Melbourne area from 30 October-4 November, meeting friends who now live there. They want to take a trip of 2-3 days out the Great Ocean Road. My friends are not...
  9. M

    Sydney Ferries?

    Thanks for the info, Mike. I'll take a look at your Sydney thread. Matt
  10. M

    Sydney Ferries?

    I will be in Sydney on 21 October and again on 4-6 November, at the beginning and end of my first visit to Australia. When traveling in the past, from New York to Hong Kong I have always found a ride on the public ferries to be a fun and inexpensive way to obtain a different perspective on a...
  11. M

    First visit to NSW/Victoria in Oct/Nov

    Hello again! Almost 3 months ago you replied kindly to my post about visiting Australia. As planning for my trip moves along, I'm following up to ask for those referrals you mentioned... After a week in NSW I will be arriving in Melbourne late on 29 October, and departing early on 4 November...
  12. M

    First visit to NSW/Victoria in Oct/Nov

    Thanks for the detailed comments, and offer of referrals! I have a lot of reading and homework to do as I prepare to book my trip, but will revisit this soon. Matt
  13. M

    First visit to NSW/Victoria in Oct/Nov

    I'll be taking my first trip to Australia this coming October 21 - November 5, or thereabouts. This will be my first big trip with birds as a focus, and I'd appreciate your advice! I'll be spending a couple of days in Sydney, my port of entry. With limited time, I wonder what are the one or two...
  14. M

    Novice Birder, 1st time visit to Australia

    Those spots both look exciting and accessible - thanks!
  15. M

    Novice Birder, 1st time visit to Australia

    LOL! Maybe it comes with living in California... my year list is approaching 200, and I haven't traveled 100 miles from home yet in 2022. I'd have to multiply my life list by ten to match my dad, and many of the folks I've been birding with. In that company I feel like a rank beginner.
  16. M

    Novice Birder, 1st time visit to Australia

    Hi! I live in California, and as a birder might be described as an "advanced beginner." My life list is just over 300, and I'm at the level where I'm starting to know a few birds by sound alone but am also still thrilled to see for the first time other species that are quite routine to local...
  17. M

    Hong Kong Birding Guide, Matthew Kwan

    I've mostly only lurked on Birdforum for the bino and scope reviews, so I hope it's OK to post here an unsolicited plug for a guide who my wife and I spent a morning with during our recent trip to Hong Kong. We're novice birders and while we'd been to Hong Kong before, had never left the paved...
  18. M

    New BV 8x25 BRW, Model #62059

    I've been looking for a long time for a pair of ~25mm roof binos for hiking, with long eye relief for use with eyeglasses. When I saw this new update of the BV 8x25 I thought I'd give it a try. Quick review, after a two-hour session looking at birds at my local patch, with my 7x26 Bushnell...
  19. M

    Price worthy 8x25 or 8x30?

    Do you wear eyeglasses? I do and have been searching for a pair of light birding glasses in this class for a while, with limited success. To cut to the chase: I'm currently using Cabela's Guide 8x32, which are within a whisker of the Nikon M7 8x30 in quality but have an extra mm or so of extra...
  20. M

    Review of Traveller 8x32

    Thanks for the info. Opticrons aren't seen often around here but I will have to find a way to try a pair.
  21. M

    Review of Traveller 8x32

    Is the eye relief spec on the 8x32 Traveller accurate? I've tried some other Opticron models and their actual eye relief felt like less than spec. I find I need an "honest" 18mm of eye relief for comfortable use. I've sold an M7 8x30 because the eye relief was just a little too short. Happy...
  22. M

    Bushnell 7x26 vs Terra 8x25

    I've had the Bushnells for a few years now, after comparing them to several low- and mid-priced compact roof binoculars and finding the 7x26 porro bin to be the clear winner optically. But for a compact, they are bulky. I don't carry them often, especially since I got an 8x32 that is only a few...
  23. M

    Inexpensive 2nd Scope for Car - Trailseeker?

    I'll have to try horizontal mode. At least, it could give me some functionality until I see a deal on a straight-through scope. Thanks for the suggestion, I'd never thought of it! The Trailseeker is still interesting - thanks gcole for comments. The fact that I have a box full of astronomical...
  24. M

    Inexpensive 2nd Scope for Car - Trailseeker?

    Thanks for reply. The Nikon EDii you refer to is a variant of their 60mm Fieldscope, correct? Sounds interesting. What's the eye relief with the 20x? I find I need an honest 19mm for comfortable use, and more is better.
  25. M

    Inexpensive 2nd Scope for Car - Trailseeker?

    I have a Kowa TS-611 that's meeting my needs as a tripod scope, but would like to add a second straight-through scope for use on a car window mount. On a window mount the eyepiece of the 45 degree Kowa is too high to see through out of my car. So, lightweight, probably 60mm class...
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