I am in the market for a spotting scope to add to my team of a Soviet (Zomz I think) 7x50 binoculars and Fujinon 16x70 FMTs. I am currently looking at either a Zeiss Dialyt or Vortex Razor 85. I’ve always wanted to own a Zeiss, but have read some horror stories about their customer service. And for a hundred or so more I get 85mm not 65mm and lifetime warranty. Any advice ? Thanks
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Spotting scope opinions please (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Rufus1401
- Start date
Mike Crawley
Emeritus President at Burnage Rugby Club
I’ve never heard complaints about Zeiss customer service.
The only thing I can suggest is that you “try before you buy”
The only thing I can suggest is that you “try before you buy”
I live in Ontario, Canada. Last year i needed to send in my Zeiss SF binoculars for focusing issues. It had to be sent to Germany. it took four months to get it back. (Covid issues ?) But the repair job was perfect. In fact, everything feels different, better, so much so, that i suspect that they sent me a brand new pair ...but i don't know ...all covered under warranty with no charge ....
Expirience with Zeiss Service bad.
In Feb 2021 sent a pair of SF's to Zeiss. I had scratched one of the eyepiece lenses and although this didn't affect the view it annoyed me and it was covered by the initial five year no fault guarantee. Don't know if it was Covid or Brexit related but it was 7 months before they were returned...
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pbjosh
missing the neotropics
I have had mixed experiences with Zeiss service. Not enough to not recognize and appreciate the quality of the products, but enough to factor potential service hassles into the "value" of the product. People love to knock Vortex but they have an impeccable customer service reputation. I don't know the Razor scope. Among the bins, personally, I don't know the Razors either but I would probably still go for Zeiss, though there would be the small asterisk next to the item in terms of hassle getting decent service should it be necessary.
Mike Crawley
Emeritus President at Burnage Rugby Club
I'll qualify this statement.
I had a Zeiss 65mm ‘scope about 20 years ago and enjoyed it, fortunately it never went wrong.
I switched to become fully "Swarovsk‘ed" and never looked back.
However, three of my good birding pals are fully committed to Zeiss - I have never heard them complain about service, etc. from Zeiss.
Hi,
my advice would be widen your search space (there are a lot of other brands making good scopes) and most importantly, try before you buy or buy from a reputable business with a no questions asked return policy.
Sample variation is very much a thing with fast refractors - we have seen quite a lot of alpha name lemons here and the least lemons are from the brand some don't regard as alpha - Nikon.
Also learning to test a scope is a necessity.
Joachim
my advice would be widen your search space (there are a lot of other brands making good scopes) and most importantly, try before you buy or buy from a reputable business with a no questions asked return policy.
Sample variation is very much a thing with fast refractors - we have seen quite a lot of alpha name lemons here and the least lemons are from the brand some don't regard as alpha - Nikon.
Also learning to test a scope is a necessity.
Joachim
Okay, something has caught my interest, so I thought I’d ask again for opinions. I was looking at either a new Zeiss Dialyt or Vortex Razor HD85. Trawling through various dealers, I have come across a second hand Swarovski AT80HD for £979 and some Zeiss 85 Diascope around the same price. What would you guys do ? New or second hand ?
Mike Crawley
Emeritus President at Burnage Rugby Club
My first 'scope was a sec hand Kowa, which I didn’t keep for long.
I have "traded in" ‘scopes (Kowa traded for ATS65 traded to fund ATS80) and also bought second hand (traded MM4 50 to fund MM4 60).
I’d like to think that my old ‘scopes were in really good condition and represented good value for money.
I was in the lucky/unlucky position of having some redundancy money to spend but I’d like to imagine a youngish birder getting a good ‘scope at a good price.
Try before you buy, if practical
I have "traded in" ‘scopes (Kowa traded for ATS65 traded to fund ATS80) and also bought second hand (traded MM4 50 to fund MM4 60).
I’d like to think that my old ‘scopes were in really good condition and represented good value for money.
I was in the lucky/unlucky position of having some redundancy money to spend but I’d like to imagine a youngish birder getting a good ‘scope at a good price.
Try before you buy, if practical
What is the warranty on the used?
Have you tried either the Zeiss or the Swaro - although both have 80mm ish objective lens, I think they focus differntly. Certainly when I tried a Zeiss it had a double speed (single knob) focus mechanism on the top of the scope as compared to a single barrell type focus on the Swaro. I couldn't get on with the Zeiss focus mechanism and didn't pursue it. I advise you give both a good try before you decide (check the return policy of the dealer before parting with any money).
Have you tried either the Zeiss or the Swaro - although both have 80mm ish objective lens, I think they focus differntly. Certainly when I tried a Zeiss it had a double speed (single knob) focus mechanism on the top of the scope as compared to a single barrell type focus on the Swaro. I couldn't get on with the Zeiss focus mechanism and didn't pursue it. I advise you give both a good try before you decide (check the return policy of the dealer before parting with any money).
Three month warranty. I’m planning a day trip to go and see them. Have to book time off first.
Sight unseen, I would likely go with the AT80HD. When I came across one I'd pick up a used ATS/STS 20-60 zoom to replace the AT zoom.
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