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

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  1. J

    Removing eyecup from 20x-60x eyepiece

    All, I had a bit of a scare recently, as my Diascope hit the ground due to high winds (and carelessness on my part). Amazingly, it appears fine optically and cosmetically, with only a few barely noticeable scratches on the eyecup. By the way, I have the Zeiss neoprene case on the scope, so I...
  2. J

    Tilley Hats.. Comments please

    I have a friend who espouses their functionality, but from a 'fashion' standpoint they scream 'yuppie' and 'poseur.' Of course, there are many folks who sport Tilleys that are accomplished birders, my friend being a case-in-point. Beauty - or in this case style - is in the eye of the beholder.
  3. J

    Nikon SE 8x32 vs. Zeiss Victory FL 7x42 T* ???

    I wish to echo FrankD's sentiments regarding the Zeiss 7x42FL. I have had the good fortune to own a number of high-end optics over the last 10-15 years, including Swarovski SLC, Leica Trinovid and Ultravid, Nikon Venturer and Bushnell Elite. I have also had brief experience with friends'...
  4. J

    top 5 bins. every one please vote.

    This is very tough, as all are impressive optics. Note that I have limited experience with the Nikon EDG; however, I was impressed with the sharp and contrasty view they provided (especially to the edge of the field), as well as the solid build quality. My choices, of course, are very...
  5. J

    8x42 FL is here

    Congratulations on your acquisition of a truly fine optic. I have a pre-Lotutec 7x42FL and an 8x32FL; both were purchased on the used market, so I saved mucho dinero. When I take a gander at what these optics command brand-spanking new, I realize how fortunate I am to own these at the price I...
  6. J

    Zen ED2 7X36 available on ZEN Ray for pre order

    Open-bridge? All, Am I safe in assuming the Zen/Atlas 7x36 will be an open-bridge design?
  7. J

    Atlas Intrepid ED

    Steve, I just read your post about the Zen Ray 7x36. Looks like I'm going to need another stint in optics addiction rehab...
  8. J

    Atlas Intrepid ED

    Steve, I guess I'm so out of the loop as to be embarrassing! Well, I have read a number of posts about the Zen-Rays and how good they truly are. However, I was unaware of the Zen-Ray ED II! Dielectric coatings, eh? Now Zen-Ray (or Atlas or whomever) should jump into the 8x30/32 and/or...
  9. J

    Atlas Intrepid ED

    Fyi Eagle Optics has announced the Atlas Intrepid ED, a Chinese made optic that looks like a re-badged Zen-Ray ED. Although I'm not in the market for any new optics (I've successfully completed an optics addiction program), I would love to see what all the fanfare is about with the Zen-Rays...
  10. J

    MY VORTEX VIPER 6x32 HAS ARRIVED

    Vortex Viper musings... I was thoroughly impressed by an 8x42 Viper I viewed recently. Bright, sharp, with no noticeable chromatic aberration. And for approximately $500 U.S.! I was unable to compare it to my 7x42 Zeiss FL, but I was wowed by the performance nevertheless; the Viper seems to...
  11. J

    Are Zen Rays 8x43 ED's really that good?

    If all the superlative comments about the Zen-Ray 8x43ED are indeed true, the implications for European, and to a lesser, degree Japanese manufacturers are serious. One of the arguments I hear about the benefits of purchasing from high-end and well known manufacturers is that if the product...
  12. J

    Are Zen Rays 8x43 ED's really that good?

    Steve, I queried '8x32 Viper' and quickly found your thread. If you have anything to add about the Viper, I would appreciate it if you would do so (in your Viper thread of course).
  13. J

    Are Zen Rays 8x43 ED's really that good?

    Thank you for the quick responses to my inquiry. Your comments and insight are appreciated. I hadn't realized that Vortex released an 8x32 Viper. I went to the Eagle Optics website to check their specs and I'm impressed to say the least. Steve C, it sounds as if you're pleased with your...
  14. J

    Are Zen Rays 8x43 ED's really that good?

    I'm in the market for a second binocular as a backup to my coveted 7x42FL. I would prefer an 8x32 configuration, but an 8x42 might fit the bill, so long as it's reasonably light and compact. That said, what are the approximate dimensions of the Zen-Ray 8x42 ED? I cannot locate this...
  15. J

    Nikon ED82A and eyeglasses

    Gary, I'm an eyeglass wearer who owned a Nikon 82 ED for several years. Despite being a very good optical instrument, I decided to sell it to fund the purchase of a Zeiss 85mm. Why? I grew tired of the overall performance of the 25x-75x zoom eyepiece. It is much smaller and less...
  16. J

    Nikon ED82A and eyeglasses

    Gary, I'm an eyeglass wearer who owned a Nikon 82 ED for several years. Despite being a very good optical instrument, I decided to sell it to fund the purchase of a Zeiss 85mm. Why? I grew tired of the overall performance of the 25x-75x zoom eyepiece. It is much smaller and less...
  17. J

    Meopta 8x32

    An associate for a well known optics retailer here in the States very recently offered me an opinion of the Meopta 8x32: Fantastic ergonomics, but less than stellar optics. According to the associate, the Pentax ED offers better optics for about the same money. Of course, opinions can vary...
  18. J

    Meopta 8x32

    A recent email I received from Meopta indicated that the first shipment of 8x32s were sent to the States in July. However, I don't know of any retailers with any in stock as of yet. These bins have been advertised for many months, and with their impressive specs, one has to wonder if Meopta is...
  19. J

    Updated Bushnell Elite binoculars

    Bushnell Elite binoculars Thank you for your response, Nick. It's nice to get feedback from an Elite owner, especially good feedback! As I eluded to in my original post, it has been surprisingly difficult to obtain opinion on the Bushnell Elite binoculars. It would seem that they offer a...
  20. J

    Updated Bushnell Elite binoculars

    Bushnell has apparently given their Elite binocular line a bit of a facelift, as they now sport new rubber armor and click-stop eyecups. This binocular has always intrigued me, especially because I've never had an opportunity to draw one to my eyes. There isn't much in the way of information...
  21. J

    Hinge end-cap on FL coming off

    The previous owner of a used 7x42 FL I purchased a few years back had the same thing happen; unfortunately, he could not pop it back in prior to shipping. Upon receiving them, I made several futile attempts to pop the cap in. I then called Zeiss to request a new cap and they promptly sent...
  22. J

    New Televid 82 mm

    First off, I have always held Leica optics in very high regard. I have been fortunate to own an Ultravid and Televid APO - the viewing experiences have been nothing short of celestial. However, I'm concerned that Leica's new scopes are already behind the curve in light of: 1. Smaller aperture...
  23. J

    Birding in Chiapas -- suggestions?

    Birding Chiapas in April 2008 Francesca, I'll be in Chiapas from early-April to about the 22nd, and would love to go birding with you! My base will be San Cristobal (staying with friends), with plans to visit El Triunfo and the Pacific Coast region (Giant Wren!) My traveling companion has an...
  24. J

    Nikon Premier 8x32LXL or Swarovski 8x30SLC NEU

    Greetings, I'd like to gather opinion regarding which glass is the better optical instrument: the Nikon 8x30LXL or the Swarovski 8x30SLC. That said, I'm leaning toward the Nikon for two reasons: 1) Longer eye relief 2) Shorter close-focus However, I've always liked the optics in the EL...
  25. J

    Zeiss FL durability

    Thanks for the fast response, John. I had an 8x30 Classic serviced by Zeiss approximately 10 years ago and it seemed like an eternity for me to get them back. The repair was fine, but it appears that Zeiss serice here in the U.S. is substandard compared to Swarovski. Have they improved...
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