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

Recent content by nwphil

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    Swarovski ATC: which lightweight tripod?

    I heard about that brand, but they seem cater more to hunters/shooters - not to say their gear is bad; quite the opposite as either has to rely heavily in their gear, so it won't be a preferred brand if known to fail. I would stick with photographic gear companies, well reputed brands that will...
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    Swarovski ATC: which lightweight tripod?

    You gain nothing getting a branded Swarovski - they are made my Gitzo, and their fluid heads are nothing special. start here please: https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/ I would recommend RRS, PMG, Gitzo, Feisol, Induro... and few more, but some of those brands might be accessible in your...
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    Alternative to Swarovski tripod head

    that's a nice case - I have the Marsupialgear case but does not fit well with the long plate attached. otoh, it's less voluminous - meaning fits like something between the SOC and that case/bag PMG makes nice plates too indeed btw, this plate seems to a good support and fit for the BTX combo -...
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    Alternative to Swarovski tripod head

    I have the 85mm on the swaro rail, and the 95mm with a Kirk long rail plate (6" or so I believe). Truth to be told, the Kirk is indeed a better plate, as it is more adjustable, lighter and cheaper. Has also a supplied stop/anti-twist bar and a QR hook-up Mounting it on a gimbal head makes...
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    Dancing blue Heron

    Caught this guy doing this...dance? around sunset
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    comfortable neck strap for Leica Ultravid 10x25 - need help finding replacement

    That Opticron should do it indeed - they are in NC, but not all online-able stores carry that specific strap...last resort they can still take orders. Thanks - going to do some searching
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    comfortable neck strap for Leica Ultravid 10x25 - need help finding replacement

    Thanks - the problem is that those quick connectors wires won't allow for the rear caps to stay connected in the same loop - see how they attach in pic
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    comfortable neck strap for Leica Ultravid 10x25 - need help finding replacement

    The flimsy 1/4" wide webbing strap they come with are uncomfortable - to me ofcourse - and I can't find any 1/4" wide webbing neck strap for them. Been searching everywhere, even local stores. I would prefer neoprene padding, and rear caps have to somehow stay in the same run, Thanks in advance...
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    Anyone got a atx or btx 115?

    I do have a 95mm (and 85) and both btx and stx - if you use and like the zoom feature often, well... there is no way around with the btx - only a 1.7x increase, but still fixed. However the viewing experience is quite more relaxed and pleasant. Not sure with the new 115, but I find that the 95...
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    Need help selecting tripod/head - Zeiss Harpia

    The second part of the equation is repairs and warranty. Promediagear, FLM, Berlebach, Ries, Induro, Feisol, Oben, Gitzo (not the best customer service for the US), all brands one can rely on (yes, there are a few more). Old saying: buy once and cry once
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    Swarovski Spotting Scope Backpack in USA..?

    https://www.swarovskioptik.com/us/en/birding/products/gear/bags-all/bags/backpack/5598805 there is literally not much of useful info in the website - this vendor actually shows more pictures: https://redstartbirding.com/products/swarovski-bp-backpack-30 do a web search and you will find more...
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    Need help selecting tripod/head - Zeiss Harpia

    Made in China it's not the same as made by China - yes, they can manufacture good products in special regards to QC supervised by international companies, but....there are a lot of knock-offs, aka copycats - read stolen design property, made with cheaper components and standards, that will not...
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    Need help selecting tripod/head - Zeiss Harpia

    Gitzo tripods are great, but parts and customer service/warranty service not so much.... At this price point might as well look at Really Right Stuff. Induro, FLM, ProMedia Gear, Feisol are well worthy to consider. I would stay away from any Chinese knock-offs.... Manfrotto, Peak Design, Benro...
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    Extender1.7x storage when not used

    I have a cloth pouch for it - reused from something else, but fits right and has a draw-string to keep it closed. Had it previously in a neoprene pouch, but was a bit too snug; the pouch is just easier ofcourse.
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    ATX/STX rumor

    Hi Berg, Indeed more reviews and if possible a hands-on viewing are a must - getting it to a suitable place will be more difficult, as the local retailers I know of, are in very urban areas, and even bringing a scope outside the store might not be feasible. Then we have the down-sampling image...
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