[obestevens]

Hi,
I currently using an opticron es80 gasd with a hdf x32 ww eye piece.
I want to upgrade possibly to a zoom eye piece and also use the scope for digi scoping.
can anyone tell me if it is worth upgrading to a zoom lens ?
and also which camera would be best and easiest to connect for use with my scope ?

thanks

obe

[Malcolm Stewart]

I'd recommend getting to an outlet where you can compare different eyepieces on your 'scope. In Focus at Martin Mere were very helpful when asked a similar question - more so than Opticron in Luton who were helpful but didn't solve my problem.

[DRodrigues]

A SDL zoom is what you are looking for.

David

[rozinante]

Originally Posted by DRodrigues

A SDL zoom is what you are looking for.

David

Aren't we all at £229!

I notice that the specs quote mag for 50, 60 & 70 mm scopes but don't mention 80mm?

Magnification [50] 12-36x
Magnification [60]
15-45x
Magnification [70] 16-48x
Field/1000m [50] 54/30
Field/1000m [60] 48/24
Field/1000m [70] 36/23
Price £ inc.VAT 229

Do you have one of these yourself David? My own non ED zoom is such a dissapointment compared with my HDx20w that I hardly use it.

Can you persuade me that this is worth £229?

[postcardcv]

Originally Posted by rozinante

Aren't we all at £229!

I notice that the specs quote mag for 50, 60 & 70 mm scopes but don't mention 80mm?

I think the spec you are quoting is for use with the IS range of scopes. On a scope like the ES80 it is a 20-60X zoom (I think it works out at 23-70 on an HR80). The HDF zoom gives the same range and is also excellent quality, but costs a bit less at £179. As has already been suggetsed getting along to a dealer and checking them out for yourself is the only way to see if it is worth you buying one.

[DRodrigues]

I used the SDL on the ES100. I changed it by a HR zoom because I wanted more magnifications - the SDL result on 20-60x on the ES80 and the HR on 23-69x, also on the ES80. The HR image is also good (and cheaper 139£) but there is a difference on the viewing, specially if you have eye-glasses : on the SDL you have a "window" view, on the HR you have more "look through an hole" view... As I told first, I have now the HR since is better for cr-birding, because it increases more. If you want to use it for digiscopy choose the SDL or the HDF since you want low magnifications.

David