Those looking for such a case may want to consider the Vortex Diamondback 60mm case (VD60, $49).
I've just acquired the scope (w/HDF zoom) and was looking for a stay-on case. Initial reviews of the Opticron case had fairly dismal opinions. Despite that I ordered the Opticron ($79) case, scoured the 'net looking for a back-up and found VD60 case.
Of the two I'm keeping the Vortex, although it's not perfect. The biggest fit issue is that it's about 1.5 inches too long (past the objective end). Other than that the fit is fairly good. It doesn't provide as much protection as the Opticron, it's just a neoprene fabric skin and there's no coverage of the focus knobs. However the VD60 case should be going to be easier to use in the field. Especially with a few tweaks I have planned, like attaching some velcro to 2-3 spots to improve securing the lens and eyepiece cover while in use, and maybe trimming off the extra length. Attaching a 3rd party hard cap to the inside of the objective cover is in the works also.
From online photos I thought the Opticron was just an overpriced, loose fitting cordura case. I was surprised when I actually had it in hand. It is well made of fine, sturdy material and has more padding than most. Unfortunately, 2-3 design elements just completely doom it. The worst is probably the large flap protecting the focus knobs. It is huge, stiff, unwieldly and...just plain awful. The objective cover is also stiff and difficult to secure to the body while using the scope. Letting case parts flutter in the wind usually results in jittery viewing, I won't stand for a case that has dangly bits. Granted, on such a small scope the real estate on which to place velcro on the body is limited, but a little more thought should have come up with some better implementation. Also using snap buttons to secure the objective and eyepiece covers adds to the difficulty. Velcro was used in other areas, it should of been used in place of the snap buttons.
I've just acquired the scope (w/HDF zoom) and was looking for a stay-on case. Initial reviews of the Opticron case had fairly dismal opinions. Despite that I ordered the Opticron ($79) case, scoured the 'net looking for a back-up and found VD60 case.
Of the two I'm keeping the Vortex, although it's not perfect. The biggest fit issue is that it's about 1.5 inches too long (past the objective end). Other than that the fit is fairly good. It doesn't provide as much protection as the Opticron, it's just a neoprene fabric skin and there's no coverage of the focus knobs. However the VD60 case should be going to be easier to use in the field. Especially with a few tweaks I have planned, like attaching some velcro to 2-3 spots to improve securing the lens and eyepiece cover while in use, and maybe trimming off the extra length. Attaching a 3rd party hard cap to the inside of the objective cover is in the works also.
From online photos I thought the Opticron was just an overpriced, loose fitting cordura case. I was surprised when I actually had it in hand. It is well made of fine, sturdy material and has more padding than most. Unfortunately, 2-3 design elements just completely doom it. The worst is probably the large flap protecting the focus knobs. It is huge, stiff, unwieldly and...just plain awful. The objective cover is also stiff and difficult to secure to the body while using the scope. Letting case parts flutter in the wind usually results in jittery viewing, I won't stand for a case that has dangly bits. Granted, on such a small scope the real estate on which to place velcro on the body is limited, but a little more thought should have come up with some better implementation. Also using snap buttons to secure the objective and eyepiece covers adds to the difficulty. Velcro was used in other areas, it should of been used in place of the snap buttons.
