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zeiss 65mm (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Bill A
- Start date
scampo
Steve Campsall
There has been plenty recently posted on this - do a search and you'll see plenty of comments. If the scope is with the zoom eyepiece, you have a good combination for sure. The Zeiss zoom gives a far wider view than any other competing scope. Basically, if you think that price is good, and the scope's optical quality is perfect, you'll not go wrong. The Zeiss is up there with the very best.
nightheron28
Exterminate! Exterminate! Exxxtttteeeerrrrmmmiinat
scampo said:
Just want to say that I have this scope and like already stated it gives a nice wide field of view, especially compared to the other top brands in its class. Something that is invaluable in my opinion.
Also people have been complaining about a slight yellow cast, unoticable in my humble opinion.
Only cons, is that I feel it is not quite razor sharp enough at the maximum extent of its zoom considering what one pays for this scope.
However it definitely compares nicely the the other bad boys in its league.
I.E. Leica 62mm, Nikon FSIIIED, Swaro 65mm.
HTH.
scampo
Steve Campsall
That's interesting what you say about sharpness. I have my zoom with the 85mm scope and it is razor sharp at maximum magnification; that said, at that magnification, the amount of haze and pollution in the atmosphere can seem to make the view less contrasty or sharp than at lower magnifications. In a well-respected test on the scope, the zoom was considered the sharpest available at that magnification:nightheron28 said:
"...the Zeiss provided an image of such quality that we would gladly have tried it with greater magnifications than the presently available eyepieces allow."
http://www.alula.fi/GB/index.htm
pduxon
Quacked up Member
scampo said:
From the Alula website on the 65
"However, a relatively broad area of the field edge has rather poor image quality, especially at low magnifications, where the edges appear acceptably sharp only if you place your eye closer to the eyepiece than is optimal for easy viewing of the centre of the field. Starting with about 30x magnification, the edges begin to look quite good, although even with high magnifications the Zeiss’s edge quality is distinctly below that offered by the Swarovski zoom. In birding, however, a wide field of view, even if the image is soft at the edges, is much more useful than a narrow one which is sharp to the edge. "
Kimmo must be pleased to see how well we read his reviews!!
The quoted price is rather good though.
I just ordered the thing. I'll post a review after it arrives, although I am no expert, and my review will seem very amateurish compared to many I've seen here.
When I compared the little Zeiss to the other scopes I could get for the price, the decision was easy. I'd rather have bought the Swaro 65mm HD, but it would have cost me twice as much.
Thanks for the advice.
Bill
p.s. Opinions on a good tripod for it?
When I compared the little Zeiss to the other scopes I could get for the price, the decision was easy. I'd rather have bought the Swaro 65mm HD, but it would have cost me twice as much.
Thanks for the advice.
Bill
p.s. Opinions on a good tripod for it?
scampo
Steve Campsall
You won't niss much... the Swaro zoom is about 50% narrower in field of view, Bill - but what view you get is a delight.Bill A said:
Tripod? Manfrotto 055 US Bogen equivalent if you're tall, 190 if you're not. Head 700RC2? Also, Velbon make somewhat less good, but perfectly fine tripods.
nightheron28
Exterminate! Exterminate! Exxxtttteeeerrrrmmmiinat
scampo said:
Well I think it may have been the weather. Both times I have tested the scope it has been in overcast weather. Today was sunny and it proved very sharp at 45x. I think to that it might be my tripod, it is somewhat unsteady.
Anyway overall I love this scope, and today I especially loved looking at 2 new lifers for me. Buff-Breasted and Baird's Sandpiper!
nightheron28
Exterminate! Exterminate! Exxxtttteeeerrrrmmmiinat
Sorry everyone not to get off topic too much but,
Bill that is where I saw it! The Gooding Sod Farm! Although I heard someone found 4 at the Waltz Sod Farm! Where do you live? If its taking too long, and your afraid your going to miss the birds I need to go back to the Waltz Sod farm to try and get the American Golden Plover. Anyway we could meet up and I would be more then happy to let you share my scope.
Bill that is where I saw it! The Gooding Sod Farm! Although I heard someone found 4 at the Waltz Sod Farm! Where do you live? If its taking too long, and your afraid your going to miss the birds I need to go back to the Waltz Sod farm to try and get the American Golden Plover. Anyway we could meet up and I would be more then happy to let you share my scope.
