[gulf1263]

Hello all:
Has anyone had a chance to compare the new EDG 85 eyepieces and scope?
Just wondering how they stack up with the Kowa 88's.
Thanks
Art

[RJM]

Frankly I think the VR version offers the only significant optical improvement among all the top-end scopes and probably the ONLY reason to choose an EDG over the Kowa, Leica or Swaro. It is the only upside to what is a significantly larger/heavier scope than its piers.

[ericbowles]

I have the non VR version of the EDG 85 and the 20-60x zoom eyepiece. I can't offer a comparison with the Kowa. The EDG 85 combination is very good - bright, crisp and with little distortion. At the wide end there are no issues. At the long end you suffer a bit with distortion and a lack of light, but that is to be expected.

I found the price of the VR version hard to justify. VR is a very nice feature, but more important for digiscoping or making up for a lack of tripod support. I'm using a very robust tripod and gimbal head so that is not an issue. VR is a nice benefit - just a bit pricey.

I also have the Nikon mount zoom adapter for the EDG scope. There is a noticeable loss of light with the adapter (compared to the zoom eyepiece at the same magnification) making it difficult to use beyond 40-45x. I find a camera with a good lens is better even if I need to crop.