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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jring" data-source="post: 3278280" data-attributes="member: 133897">Hi,did visit an optics dealer lately and was able to compare my opticron to the current kowa zoom for the 600/660 series and the current 30x wide. I also took the 80s vintage 20-60 zoom along.As was to be expected the vintage zoom was outclassed after a few quick looks and went back to my bag.The opticron vs the current kowa zoom was close but I decided to keep the opticron. The kowa won a point by having a bit more top magnification but the opticron was a bit wider at all magnifications, especially to the higher ones and also it is sharp to the edge - seems to have a field flattener...When comparing the 30x wide with the opticron at 30x it was almost tied - 30x wide was indeed a bit wider but soft at around 80% or so. So the sharp area roughly as large with the opticron - but for searching stuff a wider view is better - even if the edge is a bit blurry. What saved the 30x was the fact that it is a little bit brighter than the opticron (less glass in the 30x for better transmission) - so I bought the 30x too.I also was able to have a good long look through a Leica Apo Televid 82 with the Leica WA Zoom right beside my humble Kowa and have to say it was quite close... a little bit wider maybe - certainly not worth the 2200 euro the Leica body plus zoom cost more than my used body plus zoom - and my body came with a very nice tripod...The dealer remarked that a view through a 883 or and the big kowa zoom or maybe the big swaro atx versions would probably have shown some more difference but it was a friday afternoon and I didn't dare to ask him to get one out just too have a look.Joachim</blockquote>

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