How do you rank the SDLv2 ? (1 Viewer)

[Torview]

I currently use a MM3 50ED with the SDLv2, I`m looking to add a larger scope, 65 or 80mm class, yet to decide, but if 65 then I`ll probably not keep the MM3.

How well do you feel the SDLv2 stacks up against Kowa, Leica or Swaro eyepieces, I am quite prepared to pay for a scope from one of these three, but will happily hang on tho the SDL if it can compete well enough on a 66 or 80mm HR GA ed from Opticron.

Any comments are welcome, especially from those who have compared the SDL to the Alpha brands.

John.

 

[Ratal]

The HR66 GA ED is an absolute gem of a scope.

You'd not regret going that path at all.

Having compared the 66 opticron and 65 swaro HD, there's nothing in it. Neck and neck, and I preferred the Opticron focus.

 

[Torview]

Thanks Ratal, I had a feeling the top Opticrons punch above their weight, the MM3 is amazing for a 50mm I think.

 

[giosblue]

The SDLv2 zoom is ok. It's nothing special though. A poor relation to the Kowa 25x60, but then most are.
I had three Opticron scopes on home demo. HR80ED. HR66ED and and ES80ED all with the SDLv2 zoom. I also had a Kowa TNS883 at the same time. The Kowa zoom is a definite step up from the Opticron and from the Baader which I also have. Optically I preferred the Baader, but the Baader is not weatherproof and it's build quality is not has good as the Opticron. but it does have a wider FoV.

 

[jring]

How well do you feel the SDLv2 stacks up against Kowa, Leica or Swaro eyepieces, I am quite prepared to pay for a scope from one of these three, but will happily hang on tho the SDL if it can compete well enough on a 66 or 80mm HR GA ed from Opticron.

Hi,

it's a great EP - I have not felt a lack of sharpness on my old Kowa body with it yet, even in direct comparison to alpha glass (have had a closer look through a Leica 82 in a store which I didn't like and a fellow birders Swaro ATX95 which was great but not enough to justify shelling out 3.5k€ - still waiting to meet sb with the big Kowa).

The main difference is the field of view which is quite a bit narrower than with the top dogs at the lower magnification end - their EP flanges are wider and thus can accommodate EPs with a wider field stop.
The SDLv2 on the ED80 has 30/1000m at 24x and all the top dogs are 40+. On the high mag end it's a bit different since all except for the ATX95 top out at 60x or below (Leica) while ATX95 and the ED80 are tied at 19/1000m at 70x and 18/1000m at 72x.

I'd certainly recommend to have a look through the 80ED with SDLv2 and let us know how it performs at 72x ;-)

Joachim, currently content with the old Kowa and SDLv2.

 

[giosblue]

I can tell you that Joachim , not that good. To be fair though, it's a big ask, 72x on an 80mm scope.
Zooms are alright until you look though a quality fixed ep. Then you relalise what you've been missing

 

[Torview]

Fov is something I really appreciate, and I know this is an area where the SDL is a step behind, but its a compromise I can live with if the resolution is top drawer.

 

[jring]

I can tell you that Joachim , not that good. To be fair though, it's a big ask, 72x on an 80mm scope.
Zooms are alright until you look though a quality fixed ep. Then you relalise what you've been missing

Well, I'm content with my SDLv2 and I have the Baader for astro to compare - the fov on the Baader is grossly overstated at the long end.
Regarding magnification - 120x through my ED80 is just fine when the light is ok, be it Baader Zoom & barlow or Nagler 5mm.

Joachim

 

[FrankD]

Torview,

If we are discounting field of view differences between the SDL V2 and the wide angle zooms then I don't think there is any practical difference in other optical performance areas. There certainly is no difference in apparent resolution. I had plenty of time this past weekend when I attended a local optics festival to compare the Opticron scopes (HR 80, MM3 60 mm and MM3 50 mm) against a variety of other scopes including the ones in question.

Just out of curiosity, what are you looking for by adding to or replacing your MM3 50 mm? The obvious answer would be magnification. If that is the case and you aren't dead set on 60x + then I am surprised you aren't considering the MM3 60 mm. All you would have to do is buy the scope body since you already have the eyepiece. That would increase your magnification range to 15-45x.

Just a thought.

 

[Torview]

Thanks Frank,

Good to hear the SDLv2 ranks with the best resolution wise.

I`m actually after more aperture to extend the useable Birding day, and a higher mag starting point, the 12x on the MM3 50 is of very limited use. I want to hang on to the 50 to be honest, its such a performer on the days I would`nt take a large scope, but the SDL is rather cumbersome on the small body making the whole feel unbalanced.

The 60 is a contender, but I`m unsure its enough of an improvement overall to justify the cost. I am considering the HR66.

I do like the idea of the Leica Apo 65, the wide 25-50 zoom would be perfect for my tastes, its a big outlay but I`m 55 now, I don`t imagine my zeal for Birding will wane in the coming years, and a scope of this quality would probably last me a very long time.

But, if the HR66 ED with the SDLv2 is all but as good fov excepted, well, I don`t like spending more than I need to.

 

[jring]

Hi John,

sounds like you should find an Opticron dealer and test an HR66 ED with HR 40931 and SDLv2 EPs.
If you like it try to get a nice package deal for the HR66 body plus HR 40931 EP and you have got your HR66 with zoom plus a tiny 20x wide EP for your MM3.

Joachim

 

[Torview]

Thanks Joachim,

This is something I`v pondered, I shall take my time and try the HR66 against the Leica if I can.