Scope Dilemma (urgent) (1 Viewer)

Hi,
I am agonizing over a scope purchase and need to decide in next few days. I sold my trusty Kowa 821 a while ago, and need a new scope. Looking for something similar in quality, perhaps a bit smaller. Budget is 500 pounds for scope and eyepiece. Ideally I would prefer a 60/66 not an 80. I am aware of all the advice about stretching to an ED/fluorite scope, and you get what you pay for etc. However reality bites. Really all I am looking for is a "good" scope for general birding for the price, and paying several hundred pounds extra for a few percent better quality will not add extra value for me.

The decision is proving surprisingly difficult. I have spoken with various specialist birding optics retailers but they all seem to have their biased favourites, presumably because of their supply chains. Also the recent Birdwatching magazine article on small scopes was confusing and low on detail. Initially I was going for a Kowa 661, but when I called various shops to get prices I was usually pushed away from it and encouraged to go a few hundred pounds more up the price list (usually to a Leica or Swarovski... or to another ED glass scope like the Fieldscope III ED).

I really liked the size of the Kowa 661, and having been happy with an 821, thought it would fit the bill. I cannot find any reviews of the 661 (as opposed to the 663 which is out of my budget). I would be interested to hear from anyone with a 661 as to what it is like optically.

In my budget, the possibles seem to be:

Kowa 661, Opticron HR66 (non ED), Nikon Fieldscope III (non ED)

(I would prefer a 60/66 for compactness, but see also in the 80s that there is also the choice of a Kowa 821M or Opticron ES80)

Surely at the 500 pounds price point my dilemma must be fairly common. I would be interested to hear if people have recently gone through the same process, and also if opinions on the above scopes could be provided.

I have of course read much of the same discussion on other threads, and apologies if this is a rehash. But much of those threads lead on to recommending higher spec models and a couple or few hundred pounds more. Most of us are not in that league, but are good birders and want a fairly good scope for the price. Is there a decent scope and eyepiece to be had around the 500 pounds pricepoint ?

Many thanks
Niall

niall instead of upgrading to a new scope, for the money you have to spend ,why dont you have a look at the excellent second hand scopes that the dealears have to offer
John

I would have to concur with John about second hand. I just purshased an ST 80 with zoom that I cannot tell from new except for some marks on the bottom of the tripod mount. It cost just a bit above your limit. The trick is looking and waiting for the right one to become available.

Aatos

iebirdie.
Sorry to make it simple. Go into a shop and ask to look at models which are priced at the level, that YOU want to pay. Check them all out, ideally not on a bright day, and see which one YOU get on with.
Try a fixed mag eyepiece, and also a variable eyepiece, take a close look at the image and clarity of the variable eyepiece at its highest magnification. Does it give you a large enough exit pupil to see anything. Good luck.

What about a Kowa 613. Lightweight, fluorite and still available new from at least 2 UK retailers?

Dave

Thanks for replies. Not much opportunity for comparisons over in Ireland as there is really only one retailer, and his stock is limited....
As it happens, planning to be in London in a couple of weeks, and thinking of doing the comparison thingy at either In Focus (Barnes) or Kay Optical (Morden). Any feedback on these retailers ? Feel free to email me off forum ([email protected]) if you prefer.
thanks!
Niall

From a quick look at their web pages, it seems to me it's your l-u-c-k-y day:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/specials/binos.html#minoxspot


I haven't seen anything near these prices - and they have the Nikon you want.

Hi Niall,there is really no comparison between the two retailers in my opinion
I tried both and whereas In Focus only had 2 Kowas,no Leica or Swaro,Kay Optical had them all in stock along with the range of eyepieces.
To be safe,telephone first and check they have what you want to try.
I spent nearly three hours trying and deliberating and found Kay Optical as friendly and helpful as you could wish.
Good Luck!

I have had excellent dealings with Ace optics in Bath - if you kow what you want their service (thank you Andy!) is superb and all arrives next day.

I have just bought my wife the ATS65HD, Manfrotto carbon Fibre Tripod and 128RC head and saved over £400 on the most expensive quote.

I am just ordering this week the ATS80HD, and same tripod/head and Manfotto hide clamp from them and they couldn't have been more helpful.

I am not connected etc usual disclaimer - just felt if you know what you want (we chose ours at the Birdfair) then they are the best in the country to my mind for price and service.

just my thoughts

Doug

Thanks for that. As it happens my London trip looks like it is not happening. However, Ryanair.com are having a seat sale and I saw a 0.02 cent (yes, 2 cent = about 1.38 pence Sterling) return airfare Dublin - Bristol (with tax it comes to Euro 30, which is Sterling£20 return - but still amazing value). So anyway I booked it, and am taking myself for a spin in a couple of weeks to Bath via Bristol airport and train to Bath (which I understand is just a short commute), and will visit the world renowned Ace Optics myself ! I know their "field" conditions are nothing compared to a reserve (although I look forward to discussing the plumage of that stuffed owl with forum members in due course after I have had multiple squints), but by all accounts their advice is impartial and good, which counts for a lot, not to mention their prices which are far more competitive to Ireland even with the exchange rate to Euro...

Will let you know how I get on !
cheers
Niall

Niall
Ive used Kays on a few occasoins and found him good also he price matches other dealers if you go armed with the cheapest price he will match it .They also have used scopes dont forget to haggle over the price , cash may be worth a try good luck.