Final Selection

Ronnie R · Guest

This is my first scope.
I will use my spotting scope for nature viewing and digital photos.
I like to work in early and late when shadows are prominent and wildlife is active. Size is a consideration, but performance is utmost.
Most top brand 77 & 80's are out of my budget ($1000).
I have narrowed my choice:

Vixen Geoma Pro 82A ED GLH-48 Zoom
Pentax 20-60x80 ED II
Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 ED
Kowa TNS 661 20-40 Zoom
Bushnell Elite 20-60x80 ED

And purchasing a 20x WX for photos later.
Is there a noticeable difference in the high quality 60MM and the cheaper 80mm's?

Are top brand optics like Kowa's standard lenses, as good as lesser priced ED's (i.e. Vixen or Vortex)?
Your web site has been very helpful.
Many thanks

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Of those you listed, the Pentax 20-60x80 ED is the best choice, but note that it is sold as body only (no eyepiece) or as a zoom kit (eyepiece included). The zoomkit version will run over $1000.

I would go for the Elite or the Skyline ED, next.

The Kowa is a great scope, but you'll need the ED version to keep up with the PF80ED. Do not get the 20-40x zoom. Get it with the much better 20-60 zoom.
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Ronnnie r · Guest

I have seen comments from Pentax users that they are not that enthusiastic about Pentax zoom lenses. Some recommend Vixen. Any other suggestions?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

That depends on the zoom in question. The XW zoom on the PF80 is excellent. The XF zoom ont he 65 is mediocre by comparison.
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Ronnnie r · Guest

Since the Pentax uses eyepieces size 1.25 (I think), what other manufacturers make eyepieces this size. Can you comment on the quality of other eyepieces this size.
Thanks,

Ronnie r · Guest

Is the XF 20-60 Zoom a practical eyepiece for digiscoping?
I assumed that about 30x was about max.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

Fixed power wide angle spotting scope eyepieces produce less vignetting (darkening at the edge of the field) and have wider fields of view than zoom eyepieces, which translates to less editing and cropping when processing in your photo software. However, you can use zooms for digiscoping. Just a matter of more editing and careful framing of the subject. However, the best zooms are models with long eye relief. These produce the least vignetting. In this respect, the XF is lacking. Expect a lot of vignetting.
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Ronnie R · Guest

Do you think I would be satisfied using the XF 20-60 Zoom, for digiscoping at 20-40 x?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

No, I do not recommend the XF zoom for digiscoping. That scope deserves a better eyepiece than the XF zoom. Go with a fixed power XF or, better yet, a fixed power XW.
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