Hi,
I’m looking to buy my first scope and would love to have some advice on some specific scope: the Zeiss Diascope t fl 65 vs. the Kowa TSN883. It sounds like apples vs oranges, thus some explanation:
The use case: I’m looking for a scope I could carry around on walks (not just close to the car), even carry with me in a cycling bag (e.g. my Ortlieb back roller hanging on the rear carrier). It would complement my Kite 10x42 or maybe rather my Zeiss Pocket 8x25 (having a great compact binocular always at hand, even while cycling, and a ‘carryable’ spotting scope for longer range). Thus not too big or heavy.
My budget doesn’t reach the €2000+ budget needed for most high quality 80mm+ when bought new, but can be €1000+, or some more if(!) it really adds value (quality and portability). I’m willing to invest in something that will last, but not the highest new price range: I don’t want to be afraid carrying it either
I’m thus looking at special offers or second hand, and have found these three options:
I realize they are two different scopes, but it illustrates well my problem ;-)
Sadly enough I cannot compare them both directly hands on first :-(
They are both not the most recent versions.
The Zeiss, while discontinued, is brand new from the store (their last one,in discount),would be more compact and lightweight and I suppose also OK with a somewhat lighter tripod. Also it is much cheaper. However I’m wondering if the smaller lens wouldn’t be an issue for view comfort (eye positioning and light gathering).
A 88mm sounds huge and weighs more (I think some 400grams difference), but many say it is compact and feels light. (I wouldn’t want bigger or heavier than the 80mm Swarovski scopes from others I’ve carried around many years ago.) Also, I assume I’ll be getting a brighter view at dusk/dawn or higher magnification (not my primary use case though). It is also often praised on this forum, but often in older posts. It is more expensive though without having the more recent eyepiece.
I’ve also looked for second hand Swarovski’s ATS 80 or Leica Televid 82, but they are not cheaper than the Kowa and not lighter or more compact (on the contrary, I thought?).
Does anybody have experience with both scopes, being able to comment on the image quality and portability?
I realize I would ideally compare them both directly, but I cannot :-(
I’m looking to buy my first scope and would love to have some advice on some specific scope: the Zeiss Diascope t fl 65 vs. the Kowa TSN883. It sounds like apples vs oranges, thus some explanation:
The use case: I’m looking for a scope I could carry around on walks (not just close to the car), even carry with me in a cycling bag (e.g. my Ortlieb back roller hanging on the rear carrier). It would complement my Kite 10x42 or maybe rather my Zeiss Pocket 8x25 (having a great compact binocular always at hand, even while cycling, and a ‘carryable’ spotting scope for longer range). Thus not too big or heavy.
My budget doesn’t reach the €2000+ budget needed for most high quality 80mm+ when bought new, but can be €1000+, or some more if(!) it really adds value (quality and portability). I’m willing to invest in something that will last, but not the highest new price range: I don’t want to be afraid carrying it either
I’m thus looking at special offers or second hand, and have found these three options:
A new (with full warranty,though discontinued, black) Zeiss Diascope t fl 65mm with 20-60/15-45x for approx. €1050, or with the wide angle 20-75/15-56x for €1250. (I don’t care about the additional 15x magnification on this 65mm scope, as I think using it at 30-45x maximum is enough most of the time, but read it was a better eyepiece with wider FOV.)
A second hand (but in very good state) Kowa Prominar TSN 883 with 20-60x eyepiece and case/bag (not the wide angle 25-60x Te-11wz) for approx. €1700
I realize they are two different scopes, but it illustrates well my problem ;-)
Sadly enough I cannot compare them both directly hands on first :-(
They are both not the most recent versions.
The Zeiss, while discontinued, is brand new from the store (their last one,in discount),would be more compact and lightweight and I suppose also OK with a somewhat lighter tripod. Also it is much cheaper. However I’m wondering if the smaller lens wouldn’t be an issue for view comfort (eye positioning and light gathering).
A 88mm sounds huge and weighs more (I think some 400grams difference), but many say it is compact and feels light. (I wouldn’t want bigger or heavier than the 80mm Swarovski scopes from others I’ve carried around many years ago.) Also, I assume I’ll be getting a brighter view at dusk/dawn or higher magnification (not my primary use case though). It is also often praised on this forum, but often in older posts. It is more expensive though without having the more recent eyepiece.
I’ve also looked for second hand Swarovski’s ATS 80 or Leica Televid 82, but they are not cheaper than the Kowa and not lighter or more compact (on the contrary, I thought?).
Does anybody have experience with both scopes, being able to comment on the image quality and portability?
I realize I would ideally compare them both directly, but I cannot :-(