Quick advice requested: Nikon ED 82mm w/30X DS EP (1 Viewer)

Hello,

I have been vacillating between the Pentax 65 and the Nikon 82. Right now I have the opportunity to purchase the Nikon 82 bundled with a 30x DS eyepiece for just under $800 USD.

I know its a stellar deal, but I'm not sure whether the DS makes for good general use. I do want to do some digiscoping in the future, but I think 80% of my use for it will be general wildlife and bird observation (and a little astronomy).

I don't need to be convinced that the 30 fixed is better (for me) than the zoom, but I am wondering if it would be foolish to buy this based on the savings but then wind up hating the EP so much I go buy the 30x MC EP anyway.

Does the 30x DS have a twist up eyecup? I have those on my Nikon Monarch on binoculars and I really like them. I do wear glasses but plan to do most viewing with contact lenses.


In an entirely separate purchase, I am considering the Manfrotto 055 aluminum with a 701RC2 Fluid Head. Adorama sells it for $278. Is that a good match? Of course I want the usual light weight yet stable, but also have a premium on it operating quietly. I don't want to spend $100 more for carbon fiber only to see 1/2 pound in weight reduction.

Thank you for any help you provide!:clap:

Justin,

this sounds like a very good deal. The 30x DS EP has no twist up eyecup. If you wear eye glasses that doesn´t matter in most cases but without it could be bothersome. Optical this EP is of very good quality, though. Regarding your tripod question the combination you mentioned isn´t sturdy enough IMO. I would recommend the 701RC2 only for smaller scopes of up to 65mm Objective size. But on that topic you can find tons of information more at the tripod/head section.

Steve

Hi Justin, I got an ED82 in January and agree with Hinnark....you won´t be disappointed. I bought it with the 30x DS eyeypiece, but didn´t like the eyecup, found it messy to move in and out. I changed it for the MC version, which is the twist-up type. I don´t do digiscoping so didn´t have a need for the specialised eyecup on the DS. That´s just my experience though, and I´m a bit "particular". The DS might do you fine, you really need to have a look at one. I don´t wear my glasses when birding. Best of Luck, tell us how you like the ED82 if you get it!

Justin,

I have to correct myself because I confused the 700RC2 with the 701RC2 Manfrotto head. I think the 701 is ok. For the tripod I would suggest to take also a look at Gitzo Basalt and Berlebach wood tripods.

Regards

Steve

I have the binocular Nikon Monarch 8x42s. I just called Nikon and the rep said that the eyecup on the 30x DS EP is similar to that of the Monarch's. I agree that they seem a little flimsy in use, but they do lock into place at their furthest extended position and that's good enough for me--esp with all the cash I'm saving.

I think I'm going to go with the MF 055V + 701RC2 head.

Thanks, Sancho and Hinnark!

Justin USA said:

I have the binocular Nikon Monarch 8x42s. I just called Nikon and the rep said that the eyecup on the 30x DS EP is similar to that of the Monarch's. I agree that they seem a little flimsy in use, but they do lock into place at their furthest extended position and that's good enough for me--esp with all the cash I'm saving.

I think I'm going to go with the MF 055V + 701RC2 head.

Thanks, Sancho and Hinnark!

Click to expand...

Enjoy that scope, Justin!!:t:

Justin USA said:

I have the binocular Nikon Monarch 8x42s. I just called Nikon and the rep said that the eyecup on the 30x DS EP is similar to that of the Monarch's. I agree that they seem a little flimsy in use, but they do lock into place at their furthest extended position and that's good enough for me--esp with all the cash I'm saving.

I think I'm going to go with the MF 055V + 701RC2 head.

Thanks, Sancho and Hinnark!

Click to expand...

The rep is wrong! The Monarchs have a twist-up EP, the DS eyepiece has a rubber rollup/roll down EP.

Dave