Reviews by oldbird13

Have owned these for around 10 years and recently considered the Swaro 8.5x42 Swarovision ($2,339). I took my Nikons with me when I looked through the Swaros to compare. I made several studied comparisons viewing numerous objects/birds/scenery/signs. No way would I shell out $1,500 more for the Swaros. Many nice features and in a way I was hoping to really like them more but for me personally..No WOW factor as stated by other reviewers. I have read numerous times that you MUST look through something before buying and it's best if you can compare several products. I found that VERY difficult to do whether it be Wild Birds Unlimtd, camera stores or large sporting goods stores.

Relatively new to serios birding..maybe a year. Bought the PF-80ED-A with the zoom lens ~$389. Very pleased but had read a fixed eyepiece was better. Bought the XW14 and was very impressed. Today was with several birders looking out over the water at some shorebirds and was offered a view from someone's Swarovski 65 and I must say it wasn't very impressive. The owner later looked through the Pentax and said wow..what kind/type of scope and eyepiece. Her scope yielded a view about the size of a quarter while mine yielded a view the size of a coaster. Night and day difference. Happy birding!