I have a Kowa TS-611 that's meeting my needs as a tripod scope, but would like to add a second straight-through scope for use on a car window mount. On a window mount the eyepiece of the 45 degree Kowa is too high to see through out of my car. So, lightweight, probably 60mm class straight-through scope. Inexpensive, since this isn't a high priority in my budget. Needs >19mm eye relief for use with eyeglasses. I've been satisfied with the non-ED Kowa at the magnifications I tend to work with, 20-25x.
Among the scopes available new I'm looking at the Celestron Trailseeker 65. It takes 1.25" astronomical eyepieces of which I own several, and which would allow me to get exactly the magnification I want with the needed eye relief. But reviews are few. Anybody tried one? At less than half the price, I wonder how it compares to the Pentax PF-65EDii at 20 or 25x - assuming identical eyepieces.
Another option would be to look for a used straight-through Kowa TS-612, on which I'd be able to use the 20x Wide eyepiece I already have. But a brand new Trailseeker with warranty isn't much more expensive than a clean TS-612 from a reputable seller, and the Celestron has the much better eyepiece options.
Any other pointers or comments?
Among the scopes available new I'm looking at the Celestron Trailseeker 65. It takes 1.25" astronomical eyepieces of which I own several, and which would allow me to get exactly the magnification I want with the needed eye relief. But reviews are few. Anybody tried one? At less than half the price, I wonder how it compares to the Pentax PF-65EDii at 20 or 25x - assuming identical eyepieces.
Another option would be to look for a used straight-through Kowa TS-612, on which I'd be able to use the 20x Wide eyepiece I already have. But a brand new Trailseeker with warranty isn't much more expensive than a clean TS-612 from a reputable seller, and the Celestron has the much better eyepiece options.
Any other pointers or comments?
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