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ED spotting scope FPL-51 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter pluton
- Start date
Pluton,
Apart from Kowa, who use calcium fluoride crystal in the objectives of the 550 and 880 scopes, most spotting scope manufacturers don't reveal what glasses they use. Important is the end result and that is determined by the optical design and manufacturing quality.
Ohara FPL-53 has an Abbe No. around 95 vs. 82 for FPL-51 so for similar focal ratios would allow better correction of chromatic aberration.
FPL-53 is however more expensive.
John
Apart from Kowa, who use calcium fluoride crystal in the objectives of the 550 and 880 scopes, most spotting scope manufacturers don't reveal what glasses they use. Important is the end result and that is determined by the optical design and manufacturing quality.
Ohara FPL-53 has an Abbe No. around 95 vs. 82 for FPL-51 so for similar focal ratios would allow better correction of chromatic aberration.
FPL-53 is however more expensive.
John
My Svbony 406P claims to have ED glass. At its price point (US$250-300) it is unlikely to be using FPL-53. It may be using FPL-51 or (more likely) FK-61.
As John noted, what matters is the result. I am very happy with its visual performance. For digiscoping, blue birds and insects can show a bit of CA but (i) I am primarily a visual observer and (ii) for the price I doubt there is anything available brand new that is better.
A big thing for me with the SV406P is the ability to use 1.25" astronomical eyepieces, so I am not limited to the stock zoom (which IS good but having options is nice).
Short answer: Raise the twist-up eyecup.
Long answer: I wear eyeglasses to observe, and have never had blackout problems. I tried removing my eyeglasses: if the eyecup is all the way down, I get blackouts if I go too near. If I raise the eyecup, no blackouts.
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I read these Svbony 406P scope discussions out of curiosity. The body style reminds me of the Zen Ray , when first introduced many here on this Forum were quite positive and very enthusiastic about purchasing these. I wonder if the SVBONY SV406P is the exact scope with a new armor wardrobe change ?
I just checked their prices on Ebay, a few hundred dollars less than the original Zen Ray with a different Zoom. ED glass … these Svbony would be a better deal if they are the clone of the Zen Ray price wise.
