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

Recent content by Sandgrounder

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    Replacement rainguard for 8x33

    Thanks for the responses. I've still had no reply from Kowa - their UK after-sale support is nonexistent as I understand it so I don't think I'll be able to get anything from them (I love these binoculars but won't be buying Kowa again!). My big ugly blob of Araldite should hold until I next...
  2. S

    Replacement rainguard for 8x33

    I've broken the rainguard on my Genesis 8x33s. Has anybody here sourced a nicely-fitting replacement that they could recommend? I thought I'd just get some Opticron ones but it's not clear to me which size would fit: https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/accessories/binocular-rainguards I'm...
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    Budget 8x30 recommendations

    On the Opticron front, I was just comparing a few of their lower-priced models to choose a pair for my mother. I had the Discovery WP 8x32 in mind, but actually, the cheaper Savanna models (both WP porro and R PC roof models) are strong competitors. Although they are both slightly heavier than...
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    Win Opticron Binoculars answer two questions!

    a) In-focus at Martin Mere b) I'm in there on a regular basis for a bit of muchabout? and they're a friendly and helpful bunch even when you're not buying anything.
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    Manfrotto Tripod made for Swarovski

    I have a Swarovski-badged tripod that I believe to be a Manfrotto 190B with a 128RC Micro Fluid Video Head. Swarovski used to have two of these in the range, I think mine was called "Tripod 2" by them - it's a 3-section tripod that comes to about the right height for an angled scope (they also...
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    'Opticron ES 80 ED Waterproof'

    How significant are the differences between these models? I'm looking at picking one up, and with my budget I'm looking at whether to go for an older second hand ED model or a newer SD one.
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    Comment on 7x50mm - 420ft/yds - tasco for a beginner

    Binoculars: 8x magnification is what most birders use most of the time. 6x or 7x will give you a wider view but at lower magnification. 10x will give you higher magnification, but the image will be less bright (maybe not an issue in Iran?), the field of view will be smaller so it will take you...
  8. S

    new Papilio II

    Mine arrived this morning. I'll leave expert reviews to those who know what they are talking about, but my initial response is delight. Collimation is fine as far as I can tell, no sign of dust or of the box having previously been opened. Thank you so much, Samandag, you just saved me a...
  9. S

    new Papilio II

    Thanks! Although the price looks too good to be true, that retailer gets more good reviews than bad so I'll maybe give it a go. Any idea why the site says the RRP is £89? I'm still interested to hear if anyone has opinions on the difference between the old and new models.
  10. S

    new Papilio II

    Does anybody yet have experience of both the Papilio and Papilio II models? As Samandag points out above, the discontinued ones seem to be available for as little as £80 (compared to £180 for the new model) and the difference is significant to me. Is the new version a big step up?
  11. S

    Helping enthusiastic spouse become a better birder ...

    How much time do you spend just watching birds, versus spotting, snapping and looking for the next one? Time spent watching is, at least for me, a necessary complement to rushing about in the field and poring over field guides. I also find that leaving the camera at home can really help. Trying...
  12. S

    questions + suggestions for a lightweight tripod

    I feel that this is a perfect match for the MM3 as long as your eyepiece isn't too heavy. I tried one with the SDL2 eyepiece, and it was very tail-heavy on that head and I didn't like it. However, the scope was perfectly balanced with the HDF zoom eyepiece that it is most commonly sold with...
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    Sdl v2 vs hdf

    You're right; I only mention it in particular because it's the head I currently have so it's very familiar, but the point is that I didn't like the MM3 + SDL combination on the PH-157Q head that is the default choice for (and often bundled with) this scope. I'd love to hear from anyone who has...
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    Sdl v2 vs hdf

    Back on the original question, I have also been looking at this scope and recently had the opportunity to compare the two eyepieces. The SDL lens had, in my opinion, a much sharper image and easier view. It was also somewhat brighter in the rather dingy November light. I could pick out plumage...
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    Winner Announced; Next Drawing December 10th: Win a Pair of PRIME HD binoculars

    No birds today; a bit of good fortune might cheer me up though!
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