WRL
Well-known member
According to what I had read (i.e. almost everything what was available on the net, and specifically in this forum) about the TSN-55x series before actually buying one recently, I should have been careful. Some (partly frequent) negative verdicts (in my words, though):
"Too expensive". - "No change-/removeable eyepiece". - "Eyepiece of outdated design." - "Zoom eyepiece!" - "(Too) small field of view." - "High-end expensive glass not necessary". - "Plastic body."
Some of those comments are factually true. But im my opinion it is not straight forward/clear what their practical consequences are. Other comments are quite subjective or represent personal preferences.
However, qualities had also been frankly admitted: Very high optical performance, relatively low weight and small size.
As I wanted a supplemental, smaller and lighter scope to my TSN-883 for hiking and traveling, I finally decided for a TSN-554. Deciding reasons were: Small and light. Still having 55 mm objective. Optical quality. Same focusing system as my 883 (fine focus with a "fingertip", I love it). Why straight? I can use it easier (compared to the angled version) while sitting in my car (even better with a beanbag in the lowered window). Handholding and aiming (leaning on a tree or similar) is also possible.
In my field practice: So far I never had the wish to change the eyepiece or have a different one. The magnification range (15x - 45x) fits my ID needs. For scanning or coarse "target aquisition" I am having my bino(s) (preferred stabilized).
Before finally spending my money, I had tried the TSN-50x and the Celestron Hummingbird 56 mm. 50x: too stiff zoom (I tried two specimens), Hummingbird: relatively stiff focus wheel and inconveniently to operate (see my comment on the Kowa focus system above).
So, am I the dimwit who paid too much for too less? Can't really believe that. The guy in the shop where I bought it (and the 883 some years before) told me that they are selling the 55x series quite well. Mostly as the straight version.
Regards,
Werner
"Too expensive". - "No change-/removeable eyepiece". - "Eyepiece of outdated design." - "Zoom eyepiece!" - "(Too) small field of view." - "High-end expensive glass not necessary". - "Plastic body."
Some of those comments are factually true. But im my opinion it is not straight forward/clear what their practical consequences are. Other comments are quite subjective or represent personal preferences.
However, qualities had also been frankly admitted: Very high optical performance, relatively low weight and small size.
As I wanted a supplemental, smaller and lighter scope to my TSN-883 for hiking and traveling, I finally decided for a TSN-554. Deciding reasons were: Small and light. Still having 55 mm objective. Optical quality. Same focusing system as my 883 (fine focus with a "fingertip", I love it). Why straight? I can use it easier (compared to the angled version) while sitting in my car (even better with a beanbag in the lowered window). Handholding and aiming (leaning on a tree or similar) is also possible.
In my field practice: So far I never had the wish to change the eyepiece or have a different one. The magnification range (15x - 45x) fits my ID needs. For scanning or coarse "target aquisition" I am having my bino(s) (preferred stabilized).
Before finally spending my money, I had tried the TSN-50x and the Celestron Hummingbird 56 mm. 50x: too stiff zoom (I tried two specimens), Hummingbird: relatively stiff focus wheel and inconveniently to operate (see my comment on the Kowa focus system above).
So, am I the dimwit who paid too much for too less? Can't really believe that. The guy in the shop where I bought it (and the 883 some years before) told me that they are selling the 55x series quite well. Mostly as the straight version.
Regards,
Werner