Gitzo GT2542 (2 Viewers)

[MiddleRiver]

Thanks all, it's great to have such a range of helpful views. I'm almost thinking that I should be looking at acquiring two separate scopes in due course - one big and one small. The question I will need to decide on is which to go for first!

I have a little Kowa 553 and love it as it fits in outer sleeve of my camera daypack. Very light, tack sharp, zero CA. Eyebox is marginal, and FOV is mediocre. But if I'm humping it 3-4 mi., it's the right scope for me (at least until I get to try the new compact Kowa . Sometimes I wish for a bigger scope, like if I'm walking short distance from car to viewing platform, or at dusk/dawn, etc. So yes, the idea of two scopes is not totally crazy... all depends on pocketbook and inteded use/needs.

 

[4 The Birds1]

+1 for a bigger scope if you are planning to use it for coastal watching.
Please don't limit your choice of scope to sizes 65mm and under just because of your tripod. We have members on here who are happily using 85 mm scopes on the gitzo 2545 traveller (which I believe is potentially less sturdy than your mountaineer series 2).
The drawback of smaller scopes is that the lights go out when you crank up the magnification.

 

[Ruff-Leg]

Thanks, that's helpful. I had been considering a Nikon ED82, but was a bit concerned by the size. I wonder whether I should perhaps add the Nikon Monarch 60ED to my list, perhaps with the MEP-38W eyepiece. It would be significantly cheaper than some of the other options, and from what I have read on this forum could be a good choice?

The Monarch ED scopes are fabulous and an incredible value. That MEP eyepiece you mentioned will be 30x on a 60mm scope.

I use the Monarch ED 82A with the 38x MEP eyepiece, and a Sirui EN 2204 /VA-5 tripod/head combo. Total package come in at 4Kg. By adjusted the graduated lower legs, I can have it at the proper level and not extend the center column, making it as stable as I can for the weight. I wouldn't take it out in a howling gale, but I might not be out birding in those conditions anyway!

 

[osh]

The Monarch ED scopes are fabulous and an incredible value. That MEP eyepiece you mentioned will be 30x on a 60mm scope.

I use the Monarch ED 82A with the 38x MEP eyepiece, and a Sirui EN 2204 /VA-5 tripod/head combo. Total package come in at 4Kg. By adjusted the graduated lower legs, I can have it at the proper level and not extend the center column, making it as stable as I can for the weight. I wouldn't take it out in a howling gale, but I might not be out birding in those conditions anyway!

Thanks. I'm still tempted by the Nikon scopes - it would be quite a bit cheaper to buy a Monarch 82ED with eyepiece than a 55/56 Swarovski or Kowa.