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secondhand scope!!!Help! (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Nadine
- Start date
As you probably know, it's a superb scope. In general, used optics are very reliable... there's not too much to go wrong and the reliability of the products from the big traditional manufacturers such as Zeiss and Leica is amazing.
I'd still recommend viewing the scope before parting with the money... looking for obvious marks on the glass, fungi, dust/debris inside, checking the smoothness and accuracy of the focus wheels....and obviously looking through the thing at a bird
I'd still recommend viewing the scope before parting with the money... looking for obvious marks on the glass, fungi, dust/debris inside, checking the smoothness and accuracy of the focus wheels....and obviously looking through the thing at a bird
scampo
Steve Campsall
I agree with all that has been said, Nadine. The Leica Apo77 is superb and the zoom, too, is first class. But... I have seen two of these offered second-hand with cloudy looking inner coating on their front 77mm elements, so do have a very good look both at it and through it before you buy. Also, look through it at 20x at a plain clear sky (or even at a white wall out of focus - the focus is irrelevant for this test) and look for marks in the field of view. Tiny bubbles and specks of dirt often only show at minimum magnification. Also make sure the focus knobs are smooth and not in any way loose.Nadine said:Ok! thanx
Yep, good point.. though i do find having the scope at minimum focus distance shows up any contaminants slightly better, but certainly at minimum on the zoom e.p.scampo said:
scampo
Steve Campsall
At least ten years. But the price is about half the new price, I think. If it's in top notch optical condition, I think the guarantee is less important as scopes tend not to break down so far as my experience tells me (but can cost quite a lot to repair if they do go wrong).
Do try to get a stay-on case with it - and don't forget you need a decent tripod to sit it on, too! Velbon are quite good, also Manfrotto 190 + 128RC or 700RC head. Get one with easy locking so when you find what you want a quick twist or two locks the tripod well.
By the way, the Leica - although one of the top three of four scopes available for birding - is also the heaviest and longest of these scopes. Think about how far you might need to carry it around and certainly buy a rubberised 'bungee' type tripod strap or you'll soon have a sore shoulder.
Do try to get a stay-on case with it - and don't forget you need a decent tripod to sit it on, too! Velbon are quite good, also Manfrotto 190 + 128RC or 700RC head. Get one with easy locking so when you find what you want a quick twist or two locks the tripod well.
By the way, the Leica - although one of the top three of four scopes available for birding - is also the heaviest and longest of these scopes. Think about how far you might need to carry it around and certainly buy a rubberised 'bungee' type tripod strap or you'll soon have a sore shoulder.
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Im confused...what should I do? They'll give me a two-year guarantee. And if I buy a new scope the'll give me 30years guarantee! The scope is in good optical condition, just a scratch on the body. Help! My budget right now will only get me the scope and the 32x ! do I wait or take it?
Nadine said:
Check the Leica Passport that should accompany the scope - you'll see how old it is and how many years of the original warranty remain (I'm not sure if the warranty is void after change of ownership - ask Leica) - if it has never been registered with Leica and the registration paperwork is there you can return the paperwork for the warranty. Also, have a look on Leica website - there is an area you can do a search on serial numbers to check providence - not sure if telescopes are up there yet, but you can ring Leica and they'll tell you - they seem to like tracking the lives of their equipment. It is an excellent scope - not very light though and rumours are a new scope is on the horizon... but the proce you are looking at is very competitive...
I'd go for it, Nadine. Sounds fine with that 2yr guarantee.
Nadine said:
My understanding is that the Leica Televid comes with a 10 year warranty when new, not 30 years. Eyepiece is 5 years.
I believe that the warranty is transferable, should you have the warranty card or Leica passport. I understand that warranties for the USA are different.
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Looking at the objective in glancing light can pick up any coating damage and scratches. Mind you, Leica use quartz coatings on the exposed surfaces so that helps reduce damage.
It sounds a good price if in decent nick, and anyway you won't lose much buying a used top end birding scope if you later decide to sell it (in a private sale of course).
I think this scope came out in the early 90's. I don't know what the expected lifetime is, but I would guess decades at least if well looked after? Maybe an occasional service (and oil change!) is required. I think the warranty only protects you against failure due to manufacturing faults?
It sounds a good price if in decent nick, and anyway you won't lose much buying a used top end birding scope if you later decide to sell it (in a private sale of course).
I think this scope came out in the early 90's. I don't know what the expected lifetime is, but I would guess decades at least if well looked after? Maybe an occasional service (and oil change!) is required. I think the warranty only protects you against failure due to manufacturing faults?
Edward woodwood
Member
buy it!
with the 32x
it is heavy but it will give you a lot of pleasure and you can always sell it on later and get something lighter if you're gonna do lots of birding. You probably wont lose much either when you do sell it on
if you have other options consider something lighter perhaps......
with the 32x
it is heavy but it will give you a lot of pleasure and you can always sell it on later and get something lighter if you're gonna do lots of birding. You probably wont lose much either when you do sell it on
if you have other options consider something lighter perhaps......
Nadine said:
Go for it - the two years will give you loads of time to find out about any problems (if there are any). It is a fantastic scope (yes a touch heavy) but you'll be very happy once it's yours.
Grousemore
Senior Member
Good news,Nadine;the only regret I ever had about scopes was not buying one sooner!
