I couldn't post on the older similar thread so I'm starting a new one.
Just wanted to post my reflections on these two excellent scopes, both of which I now own.
The 60 is essentially an updated version of the ED2, which I owned and used hard for many years. Minor improvements in optics, but the waterproof (and therefore dustproof) aspect make it a winner.
I recently got an 82 off ebay, and all I can say is, "wow". A healthy step up in resolution and pop from the 60, and dark performance is superb. I absolutely love it - I must have gotten a good one. Of course heavy and big, but that goes with the size. For the money, considering that you can pick these up for $600 or so used, this has to be one of the great bargains in optics.
The one thing I don't like about the scope, and it is not minor (though probably not major either), is that it is imbalanced at the tripod mount point, being front heavy. Nikon saved money by sharing the body between the 60 and 82, and designed the scope to balance with the 60, not the 82. I have to crank down my Bogen fluid head mount to keep it from falling forward, to the point where it isn't very fluid. I don't like this, but I'm willing to live with it.
I am going to sell the 60 and buy a 50, as my travel/long walk setup, along with a great Bogen Junior tripod.
All this said, if I were going to have just one scope, it would probably be the 60. It is a great all rounder, and beautifully made. A true classic.
Just wanted to post my reflections on these two excellent scopes, both of which I now own.
The 60 is essentially an updated version of the ED2, which I owned and used hard for many years. Minor improvements in optics, but the waterproof (and therefore dustproof) aspect make it a winner.
I recently got an 82 off ebay, and all I can say is, "wow". A healthy step up in resolution and pop from the 60, and dark performance is superb. I absolutely love it - I must have gotten a good one. Of course heavy and big, but that goes with the size. For the money, considering that you can pick these up for $600 or so used, this has to be one of the great bargains in optics.
The one thing I don't like about the scope, and it is not minor (though probably not major either), is that it is imbalanced at the tripod mount point, being front heavy. Nikon saved money by sharing the body between the 60 and 82, and designed the scope to balance with the 60, not the 82. I have to crank down my Bogen fluid head mount to keep it from falling forward, to the point where it isn't very fluid. I don't like this, but I'm willing to live with it.
I am going to sell the 60 and buy a 50, as my travel/long walk setup, along with a great Bogen Junior tripod.
All this said, if I were going to have just one scope, it would probably be the 60. It is a great all rounder, and beautifully made. A true classic.