Views on MM3 50 non ED? (1 Viewer)

[Rich27B]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with the non-ED mm3 50?

I'm looking at a travelscope to complement my larger main scope, for car use, family holidays when space is tight, etc. I have an old HDF zoom from a previous opticron. I'm not looking to spend much money but would stretch the budget if it was worth it.

I'm not seeing many used body only mm3/4 50 EDs coming up so, looking at new, wondering if the 2x price difference for the mm4 ED is worth it over the mm3 non-ED.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[dwatsonbirder]

I'm afraid that I can't help directly with your query, only to say that the MM3 50ED is a very competent scope for its size and for the money. If you are considering a non-ED version, perhaps this may be of more interest, as due to the larger objective lens, it would likely perform better at higher magnifications. I suspect that even the non-ED versions will be decent for the money - as suggested in this review.
I hope this helps somewhat, and that somebody with direct experience will get back to you shortly!

 

[Rich27B]

Thanks for such a helpful response. Definitely some food for thought there!

 

[dipped]

Would this straight ed 50 with a zoom (which you could sell), be of interest? https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Opticron-MM3-50ED-with-HDF-T/HDF_298617.html

 

[Rich27B]

Thanks for sharing that. I had seen it and it's a good deal, but I'm an angled scope user.
Thanks again

 

[jring]

Hi,

have not tried the MM3 non-ED, but in theory it should be ok-ish at the 36x maximum magnification of the HDF zoom - or a bit below. A wide EP with 25 or 30x magnification would probably be better, but is unfortunately missing in Opticron's current lineup...

Joachim

 

[Ratal]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with the non-ED mm3 50?

I'm looking at a travelscope to complement my larger main scope, for car use, family holidays when space is tight, etc. I have an old HDF zoom from a previous opticron. I'm not looking to spend much money but would stretch the budget if it was worth it.

I'm not seeing many used body only mm3/4 50 EDs coming up so, looking at new, wondering if the 2x price difference for the mm4 ED is worth it over the mm3 non-ED.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Yes. Massively so. I have the MM4 50ED, and a fellow traveler had the non-ED MM3 version. (I use the SDL v2 zoom or 24x ww, and I cannot fault it.) From arctic Norway to the deserts of North Africa and southern USA. You will really kick yourself if you ever look between the two

 

[Rich27B]

That's really helpful, thanks everyone for the input. Looks like I'm keeping an eye for a used 50ED (unless I get an itchy tricky finger for a new one first!).
Thanks again

 

[jring]

That's really helpful, thanks everyone for the input. Looks like I'm keeping an eye for a used 50ED (unless I get an itchy tricky finger for a new one first!).
Thanks again

Hi,

or maybe stretch your budget a bit and make an offer for the angled Nikon ED 50 with 24x wide EP and stay-on case in the classifieds...

https://www.birdforum.net/threads/nikon-ed-50-for-sale.407172/#post-4178879

You could sell of the surplus HDF zoom too...

Joachim

 

[Ratal]

That's really helpful, thanks everyone for the input. Looks like I'm keeping an eye for a used 50ED (unless I get an itchy tricky finger for a new one first!).
Thanks again

Oh, and a little snippet - I use the hood of a camera lens (sigma 60mm f2.8) as a fixed hood for my scope. Screws right into the internal threads on the front of the scope. In the snow and wind blown sand, mighty handy at keeping the objective lens protected somewhat.

 

[Rich27B]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Not sure if this is of interest, no connection to the seller of course.