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Thanks for the reply Jim.
Since posting this question I've done a lot more research and the Vortex gets some good reviews. The main difference appears to be size and weight but this is not a major concern for me.
It may be that digiscoping capabilities could influence the final decision.
I also have a Canon 40D and a number of good lenses including the 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L. Can you tell me how the quality of the photos taken through the scope compare with those from the 400L lens.
regards
John
John....to reply to your last question....Your camera plus lens will take better photo quality images, if you are going to print large images from, sell your photos etc... Digiscoping, although you can come out with some nice shots...is usually more noisy and when cropped etc...they do not hold up to a true camera plus lens image. But, the huge advantage of digiscoping is that you can get fairly close to birds with the scope plus camera. Your question also compared the scope to a L series lens.... Not fair! now if you compared it to a lesser quality, I think you would be more in the ballpark. But, that being said...you can have excellent digiscoping photos for the web, your personal use not for sale etc... No one would really know the difference.
After all....how many people really make a ton of money selling bird photos since they are a dime a dozen...so don't go into this thinking you need National Geo quality.
I always say that the advantage I have as a digiscoper is that I feel it forces me to slow down and really 'bird' as opposed to just taking a ton of shots. For some reason ...I just get the feeling I am out there to shoot a ton of images and not really understand the birds as I do when digiscoping. But to each there own as others will not agree.
When digiscoping, you will be at a disadvantage in 'light' ....regardless of the scope size. Scope plus point and shoot camera = loss of light. Given that loss of light, a 65mm is not the best size to digiscope with. A 80mm or around that works best. Swaro's is 80, Kowa's is 88 I believe but they also have a 77. The Razor is a solid size. Just don't compare the Razor 85 to the Swaro 65...the size makes the light different. Although I bet the two are more equal than we think and the Swaro is better except in low light conditions. Just a guess.
Given you might not want to go the extra $'s to move up to the Swaro 80mm, the Razor 85 is a good bet. Yes, it is heavier and that is something to take into account depending on how you are going to use it. When hiking around, pounds add up big time....the lighter you start with, the better it is. If you are going to essentially use it to pull from the car or walk short distances, than the Razor is fine. I am not sure how long the Razor is, I remember it being a tad bit longer and for me, length is not a big deal in scopes.
I want to say again....the overall package is what matters...if you are going to digiscope, yes...Vortex has accessories to use to digiscope unlike other manufacturers. But so does Swaro and Swaro's accessories (DCB or UCA) are proven winners. I looked at the Vortex swing about camera adapter and was not that impressed....way too bulky.
The package also includes weight and length and what you are comfy with as well as how does the scope feel in your hands. Do you prefer dual focus or helical? Try both, see....
Digiscoping is not easy....to me, the least number of knobs you have to focus the better (Helical design of Swaro). Same with digiscoping camera adapter. You can get adapters that simply mount the camera to the scope eyepiece and not a swing away like the Swaro DCB. But think...where is the camera when you do not have it on the scope? On the ground? In your Pocket? either way, the latter is another step you have to do (Find camera and attach) while you have the bird in focus and hope it stays there....
jim
