Mighty Midget 2

We have had our MM2 ED with HDF 12 x 36 zoom since late 2007.

Although we recently aquired a Nikon ed82 the MM2 is still used frequently including on a monopod while walking to and from prime bird watching areas and it serves us jolly well. The view through the ED glass is very good and having a steadyish monopod means higher magnifications can be used.

Problems with the MM2 to date -

When the lens cap is removed the rubber eyepad thingy keeps moving and it has to be pushed back each time

The adjustable eye relief securing screw worked loose once. Opticron sent another screw which I fitted but now it has worked loose again and I fear the thread has now worn because of the loosening screws. The thread on the screw is very small and not very long and the metal the screw goes into is not very thick. A weak point on the HDF zooms surely?

I made a modification as I disliked the drawtube operation. A sleeve of plastic was sliced to fit into the extending section. It is secured by very small nyloc cable ties. This negates the need for the scope to be opened in damp conditions and reduces the possibilty of allowing moist air into the internals everytime the scope is extended.

A good purchase although as I have the Nikon I now wish I had bought the Nikon ED50 so I could swap lens now and then.

Looked through one of these 2 years ago but wasn't impressed.Last year tried a Nikon ED50-dearer but much better and waterproof.

A very handy lightweight, portable scope and good value for money. My eyepiece assembly literally fell from off the end of the scope and is at present away for repair under warranty. Nevertheless as a lightweight go anywhere scope I would still recommend it until you have saved up for something better, and this will inevitably cost a lot more.