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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Recent content by jcwu88

  1. J

    ED50 compared with Kowa 553 ?

    I heard MM4 is pretty good. If possible try side by side comparisons. Scopes at these prices range don’t vary too much so sometimes only side by side can tell. Everyone has different eyes and preference so find one fits you.
  2. J

    ED50 compared with Kowa 553 ?

    I am OP who asked the question. I finally bought a 553. The image of 553 is definitely an upgrade from ED50. Resolution and color is top notch. The 553 zoom eyepieces does have narrow FOV at 15x as others said. But it doesn’t bother me since I like zoom for convenience in the field. Besides 553...
  3. J

    ED82 and Astro eps?

    Second Alexis. I used to have ED82, the narrow socket is not possible for most 1.25 inch astro EP to fit and reach infinity focus. Jay
  4. J

    In praise of small scopes

    Hi Hermann, I used to have all Nikon Fieldscope WA and DS eyepieces (except 40X DS ) over 12 years. Wide eyepieces, especially 16X DS and 20x WA, are phenomenal on ED50. But I found the MC2 zoom has better optical performance regarding resolution and color saturation. Also, I like zoom for the...
  5. J

    In praise of small scopes

    Similar experience. I have ED50 with McII 13-40x zoom and compared side-by-side with 553 in the field. I would say that at the same magnification two scopes difference is “discernible “. My ED50 is a good copy which was validated over years in the field by other birders. But 553 has revealed a...
  6. J

    883

    I suggest ordering 883 from vendors with good return policy. Compare with your present scopes (if any) side by side. If you like it, keep it. Every manufacturer makes cherry and lemon products. And everyone’s eyes are different. IMO, decision is personal and subjective.
  7. J

    Any customer review of new tsn-99?

    Thank you for sharing your experience and photos! I will definitely try TE80 once I have a chance!
  8. J

    Buying a new scope (Kowa 883 or Nikon Monarch ED82)...

    My Fieldscope ED82 as sharp as Swarovski atx 85. ED82 is an amazing scope, isn’t it?
  9. J

    Any customer review of new tsn-99?

    Looks great. How is the TE80 visual observations comparing to TE-11z? Resolution and CA? Thank you
  10. J

    Buying a new scope (Kowa 883 or Nikon Monarch ED82)...

    Hi Kingfisher, I can relate your experience to my 99A. I have compared 99a to ED82. I found 99a with TE-11z at 20mm (30X) is sharper than ED82 with DS30x. Similarly I saw a bit less contrast from 11mm-8.5mm (55x-70x) as you described . Interestingly, I tested three Baader Morpheus 9mm, 12.5mm...
  11. J

    80mm vs. 100mm

    Agree. Astro scopes and spotting scopes are two different type of instruments. Spotting scopes require lightweight, compact, and waterproof. Manufacturers squeezed objective, focusing lens, image erecting prisms, and sometimes focal extender in a closed weatherproof body. The system is way more...
  12. J

    80mm vs. 100mm

    Hi, Tico, My suggestion is to try 100mm or purchase one with good return policy with side by side comparing with your current scopes. I used to have Nikon Fieldscope ED82 and upgraded to Kowa 99A. Side by side comparison would show the difference. Then it’s up to you whether the upgrade is...
  13. J

    Kowa TSN-99a TE 11 Star Tests with Rigel

    I also have a 99a and started to stargaze recently. I agree with you that the view is sharp and pinpointed stars. TE11z is an excellent zoom eyepieces on 99a. For example, double star Almach is beautiful emerald and golden. Venus is bright crescent in 99a.
  14. J

    Any customer review of new tsn-99?

    I add input to Henry test: Baader Morpheus 12.5mm can reach infinity focus; Morpheus 17.5 mm can’t reach infinity. Explore Scientific 68degrees 24mm can reach infinity. Explore Scientific all 82 degrees eyepieces can’t reach focus due to their long 1.25” tubes.
  15. J

    Kowa 99A astro experience

    I use 99A for birdwatching and natural observations. My early review is posted here: https://www.birdforum.net/threads/any-customer-review-of-new-tsn-99.414177/page-3#post-4247897 One interesting specs of 99A is it can use 1.25 inch astro eyepieces with adapter. After owning Kowa 1.25” grub...
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