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

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    Does anybody sell tested scopes?

    As by subject: are there any sellers that order NEW scopes from a manufacturer, open the box, star test the scope, check resolution against a standard, and then (1) send back the lemons, and for the scopes that are OK (2) give said info to the buyer? I know it is a hassle, but I would pay...
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    Depth of field and f-stop of scopes

    Hello, if I look at a camera lens, it has a f-stop value (which corresponds to the largest aperture, since the lens has a diaphragm that can make the aperture smaller). A fast aperture lets a lot of light in but has a shallow depth of field (thing are out of focus if they are even slightly off...
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    Light, straight, and wide angle spotting scope

    Hello, I am looking for a light (~1kg), straight, and wide angle spotting scope. The Kowa 554 fails the wide angle, otherwise I would consider it. The closest thing to what I am looking for is a Optolyth Mini BGA/WW 25x70mm, but the optical quality (lack of ED glass), and the low light...
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    Lightes fluid head for Swaro ATX 85

    I have a Sirui VH-10, which works very well, but is heavy as a punishment. What is the lightest fluid head people recommend for a Swaro ATX 85?
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    ball heads for a scope?

    Hi, I would like to ask about ball heads for scopes. Specifically: 1) I know next to nothing about ball heads 2) My scope is a Swaro ATS 80 HD (and might move to an ATX 85) 3) My current tripod is a Sirui R-3213X with a Sirui VH-10H While I am happy with the head, and I would use it any time...
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    Rugged scopes?

    Hi All, some scopes might be better than others in terms of optics, but they might be more fragile. I hike in reasonably rugged terrain and thus durability matters to me. I admit I did not consider the issue when I got my scope (a swaro ats 80 HD) but should I ever upgrade I think I would...
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    Advice on head+tripod for ATS 80

    Hi All, I normally use a 'monopod' I made for my scoping (I know, I am a redneck), but I would like to get a tripod for my Swaro ATS 80. I am currently thinking of a Sirui R-2204 R-Series Studio + some fluid head, ideally one that would fit said tripod and would allow a quick...
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    Birding for dummies

    Hi All, as a novice birder I'd like to ask you what advice you can give to actually see the birds once one is on the ground and is actually looking for birds, such as: how to figure out where a bird that is calling/singing is where to look on trees or bushes for birds how to figure out how to...
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    Binocular servicing in or near Sheffield (UK)

    Hi, I have some Eden XP 10x56 where the dioptre adjustment needs servicing. Ideally I could have this job done in or near Sheffield (UK), but anywhere in the UK is ok. Cheers
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    ATS 80HD (bough in 2006) vs today's ATS 80 HD

    Hi All, a friend is selling his ATS 80 HD he bought in 2006 and asked me if I am interested. I am sort of but I want to know: 1) is there any brightness advantage in a ATS 80 HD bough new today compared to an ATS 80 HD bough new in 2006? 2) if the answer to (1) is that a new scope would be...
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    fixed 30x sw brightness

    Hi All, aside from birding I enjoy looking at mammals. Mammals are often crepuscular, and thus I use either 10x56 or 8x42 binoculars to observe them. I also have a Swaro STS 65 HD with the 25-50 wide zoom. My problem with the spotter is that is is nowhere as bright as the binos (which is not...
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    The Y stick

    I know I will come across as a redneck or as an uncommitted amateur, but I hate tripods, and monopods seems to be far too flimsy to be used as a walking stick. Enters the Y stick (for my STS 65). It works as a walking stick, cost me 10 euros to make, and works for the spotter. If you are in...
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