Does BTX work at all in bird watching? (1 Viewer)

[snedker]

Hello
I'm using my Btx/95 for all my birding , pro: using both eyes just like a bino and its just super 😊 cons: could be weight , volume and pricetag , fixed 35x ...... but most of my fellow birders using 30-40 .... so for me its not an issue .
Best regards
Jan

 

[Winterdune]

I live on the coast and the BTX has changed my life - it's simply amazing for seawatching on the 95 body. So relaxing, amazing view which seems way larger than x35, and no discomfort viewing for ages then suddenly switching back to binoculars.

I have a smaller scope for other things though - it's too heavy to lug around for me, though I know one person on my patch who does all the time (he's younger though 😂).

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

I live on the coast and the BTX has changed my life - it's simply amazing for seawatching on the 95 body. So relaxing, amazing view which seems way larger than x35, and no discomfort viewing for ages then suddenly switching back to binoculars.

I have a smaller scope for other things though - it's too heavy to lug around for me, though I know one person on my patch who does all the time (he's younger though 😂).

The first time I saw them in use was on local tv.
It was a coastwatch/coastguard station on our SW coast ( UK ) constantly surveying the sea watching shipping in the area.
It immediately occurred to me that for constant observation by professional bodies it is a 'must have' piece of equipment for such situations.

 

[wllmspd]

It’s nice to keep both eyes open, your brain can combine the detail and contrast from both eyes. Look at the world and then close one eye…. Not as good….

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

As someone who has a long time spent looking down microscopes, in a professional setting the monocular microscope of the classroom doesn't exist it's binocular mic's all the way. I've spent years of my life looking down them...

I wonder if we fast forward 10-15 years, the binocular adaptor to a 'scope will be the norm and we're witnessing the absolute start of a sea change in equipment?

 

[wllmspd]

Probably not, splitting the light in two means you need more aperture or running at a lower power. Bigger and more complex too, the “standard spotters” provide flexible power in a more convenient package. I am lucky I can squint for hours without much trouble, but I much preferred the 35x ultrawide Bino views at the weekend with my binoscope at slimbridge… got a few odd looks. Nice to spend time observing rather than just spotting.

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

Probably not, splitting the light in two means you need more aperture or running at a lower power. Bigger and more complex too, the “standard spotters” provide flexible power in a more convenient package. I am lucky I can squint for hours without much trouble, but I much preferred the 35x ultrawide Bino views at the weekend with my binoscope at slimbridge… got a few odd looks. Nice to spend time observing rather than just spotting.

Ah fair enough. Hadn't thought about the physics involved...

 

[DRodrigues]

...
I wonder if we fast forward 10-15 years, the binocular adaptor to a 'scope will be the norm and we're witnessing the absolute start of a sea change in equipment?

It will depend how the market evolves...
I was expecting already other producers reply to the BTX (specially Zeiss Swaro X vs. Harpia), but after almost 8 years from the release of the BTX the only BV alternative I noticed is produced in Taiwan (e.g. Omegon BV), and although not too expensive and can receive zoom eps (a pair of Baader Zooms should not vignette CN LBV), I still didn't read a review of it. I didn't tried it since is angled and has reduced aperture - I developed an alternative Swaro LTX...
Within these type of discussions, I always remember that I started with a Nikon ED60II 20-45x, during decades many birders were telling that the 80mm versions were too heavy, but nowadays I'm using a X115, that by factory can reach 120x and I can use special adaptations to go over that mags, using even 2 eyes!!!...