New Kite spotting scope: SP 85 HD and KSP 80 HD (2) (1 Viewer)

[mbb]

Kite Optics appears to have released 2 new scopes this year. Strangely enough, it seems to have remained unnoticed here and I only noticed it 'by accident' on their website:

The SP 85 HD with a 30-60x zoom eyepiece

https://kiteoptics.com/product/outdoor/spotting-scopes/sp-85-hd-30-60x/

It seems to replace the former SP 82 ED, which had a (narrow fov) 20-60x as well as a wide angle 25-50x and was compatible with Swarovski eyepieces. I don't know if this newer one is too. It seems to be priced lower than the previous model, which is quite unusual these days, I'd say. Its specs say it is quite heavy though (2130g).

Their flagship KSP 80 HD (2) with a 25-50x eyepiece

https://kiteoptics.com/product/other/telescopes/ksp-80-hd/

It seems to replace the previous model of the same name, with at least some new exterior housing. I'm not sure if anything else changed (optics?).

Has anyone here had the chance to try them out yet?

 

[John Cantelo]

... and a third - see Kite APC 60 17-35x WA stabilised spotting scope

 

[mbb]

Well, thát is interesting!

 

[Rotherbirder]

The 85mm looks to all intents & purposes like the Zeiss Gavia while the 80mm has shades of the Nikon Monarch 82. Kamakura clones or similar? Not doubting they'll probably be pretty good instruments.

RB

 

[henry link]

Actually it's the Kite KSP 80 HD that is part of a family of close sibling scopes made by Kamakura that includes the Gavia, the current Votex Razor, the discontinued Brunton ICON, a Maven scope and one or two others I've forgotten. I've tested the Brunton and Gavia, both of which have some serious flaws. The Monarch 82 is a design unique to Nikon and did far better in my tests than either the Gavia or the ICON.