adampaul
I believe in God, only I spell it N.A.T.U.R.E. - F
Rec. for 1st scope for ~US$500?
Hi folks,
I'm looking to purchase a lightweight (under 2 pounds) scope, with a budget of around US$500 (give or take). In looking around at B&H and Eagle Optics, the Kowa 601 w/20-60x eyepiece at $600 looks solid, and I've liked the Kowas I've looked through (although I suspect they were quite a bit more expensive!).
The only other model I've found that looks intriguing is the Nikon ED50 w/13-30, but that's $700, which is pushing my budget pretty hard, and I'm not sure 30x will be enough to satisfy. On the other hand the ED glass sure would be nice, and I am very happy with the Nikon bins I currently have (Monarch 10x42). And the size/weight are quite attractive, but I wonder if 50mm would gather enough light on dull days - I would think it might be a bit dim.
I definitely want waterpoof/purged, which pretty much everything in this price range seems to be, and don't need a tripod (I have a good, solid CF Gitzo tripod & ballhead already), and am more interested in a zoom eyepiece.
Although I don't plan on doing so initially, I would also like the ability to attach my Canon 30D DSLR body and/or my little Panasonic FX01 P&S and do some digiscoping. It appears both the Nikon & Kowa support T-mounts, which would meet at least the SLR part of that equation. I don't know anything about digiscoping, so am not sure if the FX01 is going to be capable or not.
And lastly, I definitely want an angle scope rather than a straight one.
Any suggestions or other products to consider?
Thanks!
_Adam
Hi folks,
I'm looking to purchase a lightweight (under 2 pounds) scope, with a budget of around US$500 (give or take). In looking around at B&H and Eagle Optics, the Kowa 601 w/20-60x eyepiece at $600 looks solid, and I've liked the Kowas I've looked through (although I suspect they were quite a bit more expensive!).
The only other model I've found that looks intriguing is the Nikon ED50 w/13-30, but that's $700, which is pushing my budget pretty hard, and I'm not sure 30x will be enough to satisfy. On the other hand the ED glass sure would be nice, and I am very happy with the Nikon bins I currently have (Monarch 10x42). And the size/weight are quite attractive, but I wonder if 50mm would gather enough light on dull days - I would think it might be a bit dim.
I definitely want waterpoof/purged, which pretty much everything in this price range seems to be, and don't need a tripod (I have a good, solid CF Gitzo tripod & ballhead already), and am more interested in a zoom eyepiece.
Although I don't plan on doing so initially, I would also like the ability to attach my Canon 30D DSLR body and/or my little Panasonic FX01 P&S and do some digiscoping. It appears both the Nikon & Kowa support T-mounts, which would meet at least the SLR part of that equation. I don't know anything about digiscoping, so am not sure if the FX01 is going to be capable or not.
And lastly, I definitely want an angle scope rather than a straight one.
Any suggestions or other products to consider?
Thanks!
_Adam