Will K
Too well-known member
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Hi all,
I'm embarking on a rather epic research project, and would very much appreciate some guidance from our optics experts!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
My aim is to exhaustively test a selection of the top-end full size spotting scopes which are on the market today in order to determine which one is the ideal scope for me.
Last year, I discovered an unsuspected passion for optics. Although I've been very much enjoying using a Vortex Razor Gen II 85mm over the last few months, I now find myself thoroughly spoilt by a pair of NL Pure binos, and looking to identify a suitable 'upgrade' which will satisfy my need for a comparably amazing optical experience at higher magnification.
When the prospective costs for this 'upgrade' run close to 3-5K, I do not intend to purchase anything without being 100% sure that it is the ideal choice for me. That means a lot of in-person testing and comparisons, in addition to online research. Unfortunately, this will not be as easy as selecting a pair of binoculars, since many of the scopes which I intend to examine are modular, with separate eyepieces and magnification extenders. The current shortlist is:
This will be a huge financial investment for me, and I will probably make the purchase to celebrate getting my next university teaching job (whenever that happens). The optics community on BirdForum has been a great source of information, support and validation for me since I started my new hobby. All my friends and family think I was crazy to buy an NL Pure, at least. I don't know what they'll say if I spend a couple more grand on something like a 115 ATX and, inevitably, a Gitzo Mountaineer or Systematic. I guess we will see.
What would be useful at the moment is some assistance with completing a little comparative specs chart I have been drafting, comparing the major features of a number of similar scopes to help me visualise the lay of the land. The chart includes not only the three scopes I am keen to test, but also a few extra scopes that I also find interesting. As we know, not all specs provided by manufacturers are universally standardised, and many are just plain misleading. If anyone can help me complete the sections in yellow, so that I can have an authoritative chart, that would be very helpful.
And, of course, testimonials, suggestions and corrections from scope users and experts are always welcome.
[Chart continually updated following feedback. Scopes added: Nikon Monarch, Kowa TSN 99]
![Scope Data 2.jpg Scope Data 2.jpg](https://www.birdforum.net/data/attachments/1435/1435708-d0089c4d49119b6e700421459c9d1187.jpg)
I'm embarking on a rather epic research project, and would very much appreciate some guidance from our optics experts!
My aim is to exhaustively test a selection of the top-end full size spotting scopes which are on the market today in order to determine which one is the ideal scope for me.
Last year, I discovered an unsuspected passion for optics. Although I've been very much enjoying using a Vortex Razor Gen II 85mm over the last few months, I now find myself thoroughly spoilt by a pair of NL Pure binos, and looking to identify a suitable 'upgrade' which will satisfy my need for a comparably amazing optical experience at higher magnification.
When the prospective costs for this 'upgrade' run close to 3-5K, I do not intend to purchase anything without being 100% sure that it is the ideal choice for me. That means a lot of in-person testing and comparisons, in addition to online research. Unfortunately, this will not be as easy as selecting a pair of binoculars, since many of the scopes which I intend to examine are modular, with separate eyepieces and magnification extenders. The current shortlist is:
- Leica APO Televid 82, with 1.8 extender
- Zeiss Harpia 95
- Swarovski ATX 95/115, with 1.7 extender
This will be a huge financial investment for me, and I will probably make the purchase to celebrate getting my next university teaching job (whenever that happens). The optics community on BirdForum has been a great source of information, support and validation for me since I started my new hobby. All my friends and family think I was crazy to buy an NL Pure, at least. I don't know what they'll say if I spend a couple more grand on something like a 115 ATX and, inevitably, a Gitzo Mountaineer or Systematic. I guess we will see.
What would be useful at the moment is some assistance with completing a little comparative specs chart I have been drafting, comparing the major features of a number of similar scopes to help me visualise the lay of the land. The chart includes not only the three scopes I am keen to test, but also a few extra scopes that I also find interesting. As we know, not all specs provided by manufacturers are universally standardised, and many are just plain misleading. If anyone can help me complete the sections in yellow, so that I can have an authoritative chart, that would be very helpful.
[Chart continually updated following feedback. Scopes added: Nikon Monarch, Kowa TSN 99]
![Scope Data 2.jpg Scope Data 2.jpg](https://www.birdforum.net/data/attachments/1435/1435708-d0089c4d49119b6e700421459c9d1187.jpg)
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