[gcole]

I am trying to advise a family member whether the Opticron or Pentax optically is the better scope. I have been looking at the current prices. Due to Pre-Friday sales a Pentax PF-EDAII 65 with the XW14 or XW20 eyepieces and the Opticron MM4 60 angled with the HDF T 40810 or 40831 fixed power eyepieces can now be purchased for about the same price from some authorized dealers here in the USA. I am leaning to advise her to purchase the Pentax based on my experience with the Pentax using both of the XW eyepieces. She is not interested with any zoom option. Size/weight with the Opticron being a tad smaller, with the differences being so small ..... size will not be a deciding factor. I have owned the Opticron MM3 50 but have never owned or handled a MM4 60. I’d appreciate if we could keep this discussion to only these two scopes with the eyepieces mentioned. I know many members here have owned and used the Pentax with both of the XW eyepieces. I am hopeful that some of these members have also handled or now own the Opticron MM4 60 can respond with their opinions.

[gcole]

Originally Posted by gcole

I am trying to advise a family member whether the Opticron or Pentax optically is the better scope. I have been looking at the current prices. Due to Pre-Friday sales a Pentax PF-EDAII 65 with the XW14 or XW20 eyepieces and the Opticron MM4 60 angled with the HDF T 40810 or 40831 fixed power eyepieces can now be purchased for about the same price from some authorized dealers here in the USA. I am leaning to advise her to purchase the Pentax based on my experience with the Pentax using both of the XW eyepieces. She is not interested with any zoom option. Size/weight with the Opticron being a tad smaller, with the differences being so small ..... size will not be a deciding factor. I have owned the Opticron MM3 50 but have never owned or handled a MM4 60. I’d appreciate if we could keep this discussion to only these two scopes with the eyepieces mentioned. I know many members here have owned and used the Pentax with both of the XW eyepieces. I am hopeful that some of these members have also handled or now own the Opticron MM4 60 can respond with their opinions.

In case anyone is interested ProudPapa56(Gordon) has quoted us the best price on the Opticron MM4 60 with eyepiece if we decide to go with the Opticron.

[Boogieshrew]

Personally, having owned the Pentax and tried the opticron, I think the Pentax has the better view. Purely judging from memory, not side by side. The opticron I have only tried with the SDL zoom though.
I have owned other opticron eps on other opticron scoped. They all seem a bit cold or colourless (I may mean washed out but that’s putting it too strongly I don’t want to put the mm4 down, it’s a nice scope).

I still wish I had the Pentax now and then. I don’t feel the need to own the mm4.

Also Astro eps on the Pentax offer future improvement as the fov offered just get wider and wider.

[gcole]

Originally Posted by Boogieshrew

Personally, having owned the Pentax and tried the opticron, I think the Pentax has the better view. Purely judging from memory, not side by side. The opticron I have only tried with the SDL zoom though.
I have owned other opticron eps on other opticron scoped. They all seem a bit cold or colourless (I may mean washed out but that’s putting it too strongly I don’t want to put the mm4 down, it’s a nice scope).

I still wish I had the Pentax now and then. I don’t feel the need to own the mm4.

Also Astro eps on the Pentax offer future improvement as the fov offered just get wider and wider.

Thanks Martin for your opinion. Every Pentax 65 ED scope I have ever handled whether being used with either the Pentax XW14 or XW20 eyepieces provided one heck of a view. I have tried other eyepieces but the XW’s really take a very good scope like the little Pentax 65 ED right up to that Alpha grade “ optically ” in that low to medium power range. Obviously the Pentax does not have that Alpha quality build like my Nikon EDG 65 or the other top tier 65mm scopes but having the ability to have the option to use so many different types of 1.25” eyepieces really is a definite plus that the others do not have. I know some here have stated having breakage problems with their little Pentax but I never experienced any such problems. Getting back to the Opticron MM4 60, I have had the urge to handle one but since this purchase is not my decision I probably will not have that opportunity. If I were younger with healthy eyes, given the great deal Gordon offered us I would tell my cousin to purchase the Opticron just so I could take a peek Due to medical issues I even offered to sell my EDG to her, she thought the view was amazing but to heavy for her.

[bcskr]

Many years ago I owned the 65 ED with both XW EPs and thought it outstanding at low to mid range, but eventually sought the greater reach at higher power of the swarovski scopes. Additionally I currently own the opticron 60 and a lightweight tripod that I can comfortably carry in the field all day. My suggestion having owned both Pentax and opticron scopes is to buy the Pentax.

[gcole]

Originally Posted by bcskr

Many years ago I owned the 65 ED with both XW EPs and thought it outstanding at low to mid range, but eventually sought the greater reach at higher power of the swarovski scopes. Additionally I currently own the opticron 60 and a lightweight tripod that I can comfortably carry in the field all day. My suggestion having owned both Pentax and opticron scopes is to buy the Pentax.

Thanks for your opinion. The one thing that rings strongly over these years since the little Pentax first arrived on the scene is .... most users praised the Pentax 65 PF-ED with having a Alpha like view when used with either of the XW14 or XW20 eyepieces. My cousin got a chance to experience that view with the XW20 eyepiece with a used Pentax 65 in a local camera store a few days ago. As a result she has placed a new order for the Pentax along with the XW20 eyepiece.

[Boogieshrew]

Good choice ��

[giosblue]

I have a PF65 and I use it with the XW20 and a couple of other eps The 15mm BST gives a superb view, pin sharp, highly recommend and for £50 a bargain. I also use couple of Opticron eps. a16mm and a12mm, the are also excellent and unlike the BST, weather proof.
I've just bought a Baader MK 1V zoom, you have to tape the adapter to the zoom body and that also works a treat and easily reaches infinity focus.
I think Opticron make great scopes, but for me the screw thread is a non starter. The 1.25 pop in Astra fitting is boon. Don't know why more manufactures don't use it. They might not sell as many eps, but I'm sure they would sell a lot mote scope body’s.