Hi. My partner and I have enjoyed a Nikon ED50 scope w/ 27x fixed wide-angle eyepiece for several years now. It goes hiking with us in the mountains, travels near and far, and we’re overall very pleased. It was purchased after research on this forum, so thanks folks!
However, we live near an area where we can view shorebirds near to our car. There’s also a grassland area where we can scope for longspurs. In these situations, we probably “leave birds on the table” due to only 27x magnification. We’re now wondering if we need a second scope — something noticeably bigger and brighter with higher magnification. For our birding overall, this need might represent about 15% of our birding —maybe more if we’re having a better time with it though!
The Kowa 883 jumps out as a great value for what seems like an awesome scope, although where I’m not sure where to actually try one. The biggest problem, though, is the warranty. 10 years w/ NO no-fault. The ED50 has been replaced after being dropped down a trail and now has a cat harness and leash on (seriously) so I can catch it on uneven terrain. Not sure if it’s worth the Swaro price for the warranty? Or should I spend less on a Vortex w/ the warranty? FWIW, we both wear glasses, or the Nikon Monarch might be more attractive.
For those of you with a compact scope, any words of advice? Do you use the big one as much as you thought? More? Do you see and ID more birds?
And how much value should be placed on a warranty?
Thanks for your words of wisdom.
However, we live near an area where we can view shorebirds near to our car. There’s also a grassland area where we can scope for longspurs. In these situations, we probably “leave birds on the table” due to only 27x magnification. We’re now wondering if we need a second scope — something noticeably bigger and brighter with higher magnification. For our birding overall, this need might represent about 15% of our birding —maybe more if we’re having a better time with it though!
The Kowa 883 jumps out as a great value for what seems like an awesome scope, although where I’m not sure where to actually try one. The biggest problem, though, is the warranty. 10 years w/ NO no-fault. The ED50 has been replaced after being dropped down a trail and now has a cat harness and leash on (seriously) so I can catch it on uneven terrain. Not sure if it’s worth the Swaro price for the warranty? Or should I spend less on a Vortex w/ the warranty? FWIW, we both wear glasses, or the Nikon Monarch might be more attractive.
For those of you with a compact scope, any words of advice? Do you use the big one as much as you thought? More? Do you see and ID more birds?
And how much value should be placed on a warranty?
Thanks for your words of wisdom.