LOMO vs Swaro

CC1 · Guest

I'm a bit skeptical, but a friend of mine insists his LOMO A1330 Astele 70, Zoom Spotting Scope/Telescope, is every bit as good optically as his brothers Swarovski ATS65 HD High Definition Spotting Scope.

I find it hard to believe, as there is such a difference in price, but since he is not prone to BS, I thought i'd check it out here.

DO they even come *close* in performance?

The purpose woudl be long range wildlife viewing in alpine areas.

I usderstand that those scopes are now discontinued, but I'd like to know for future reference.

Thanks

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject:

Hi

Not in my tests. On a resolution chart under exactly the same conditions, the Swarovski 65HD scored several grades higher for resolution, contrast and brightness than the LOMO 70. In fact, I have yet to test a better 65mm class scope than the Swarovski, though there are others that are in its class, including the Kowa 663, Leica APO, Nikon Fieldscope ED, and the Zeiss.

The LOMO is a good scope and may suit your brothers needs perfectly, but it is not a Swarovski.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

Guest · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 1:00 pm Post subject:

Wow! thanks for the quick reply.

Could you tell me what other scopes compare more closely to the LOMO?
From what I understand, these scopes are very good, especially as they are usually very competivily priced.

The Kowa I don't know much about, how are they compared to the other scopes you mentioned?

I'm not afraid to spend $$ on good optics, I am just looking to maximize my $ Very Happy

Is the resolution chart that you mentioned posted on your website anywhere?

Thanks again.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:50 pm Post subject:

Hi

I don't post scores because they are based on test conditions that could not easily be duplicated by other testers and because numbers can create the impression of differences that are not really there. The real value of any optical test is the relative ranking of one model to another. In that sense, the Kowa ED or Fluorite models are definitely premium grade scopes, even allowing for some personal bias on my part. Kowa needs to do a better job of marketing and pormotion, but they are doing a great job on their spotting scopes.

Maksutovs (Maks) such as the LOMO are wonderful scopes, but I still have yet to test one that has the resolution and performance of a high grade refractor (most common design for a spotting scope). You could make an argument for the Questar, but you could probably buy two good ED spotting scopes for the price of that one. As for the LOMO, it tested as well as any other nominally priced Mak, including the Meade ETX and much better than the Chinese Maks from Celestron or Konus. It is at least as good as a quality 60mm scope and better than any 60mm scope in it's price range. The LOMO is optically a great scope for the money and is also built like a tank. Sad to say, LOMO is no longer in the telescope business and all the LOMO scopes, except the 60, are gone. Tell your friend to hang on to his.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

CC1 · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

Thanks

I guess I am going to look a little more closely at the KOWA scopes. They seem to be a littl eless $ than the Ziess and Swaro scopes, for similar quality.

WOuld that be a fair assesment?

Thanks again

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:53 am Post subject:

Hi

Yes, I'd say that was an accurate statement. The difference in price reflects the fact that the Swarovski and Zeiss are made in Europe and the Kowa made in Japan.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

Guest · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 4:53 am Post subject:

Regarding the LOMO, I have the Astele 60 and I find its quite good up to around 100x using a 10mm 1.25" fixed eye piece (I also have a Tasco 4.5" Reflector that uses 1.25" eye pieces). The Astele comes with a 8-24mm zoom eye piece that is not bad and that will also fit in 1.25" sockets of other compatible scopes but a fixed 10mm or 20mm eye piece gives slightly more clarity with the LOMO. As stated, that LOMO is very sturdy, has an easy to use tripod, and a nice carrying case.

It does take a bit of practice to aim it since there is no aimer on it and your looking downward at 45 degrees into the eyepiece.This makes it rather impractical for tracking moving objects like aircraft (I like to watch planes), this is where binoculars or a straight spotter scope are far easier to use.

Most economical spotting scopes though dont go above 60x at the 60mm objective lense size. The LOMO is capable of up to around 150x but 100x is a good mid-range zoom for closer views and good clarity.

The LOMO is also a perfect beginner scope for kids getting into astronomy or just terestial hobby scoping due to its ease of use, rigid construction, and portability. Take it on a top of a building and you can get some very nice views of far away objects. Its small and lightweight enough that you can also hand aim it at an object but obviously a tripod will be a lot more stable and allows for easier aiming. A nice 5' tripod is also a good idea if you wish to aim at higher angles for astronomy use.

Overall, for the money, the LOMO is a very good buy IMHO. Lots of fun to use, simple to operate, a little practice and you can learn to aim it, very good construction, good optics, good zoom eye piece, 50-150x maginification, day and night use, and interchangeable with standard eye pieces.. not bad for a scope that is less then $150.

Thanks.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:25 am Post subject:

Thanks for the post. You are right on the money about the LOMO being a great value. Just like to add that LOMO has gotten out of the telescope business and the only LOMOs left are the 60s. Anyone wanting one better grab one now, because once they are gone, there will be no replacement unless LOMO decides to start production again.
_________________
----------------------
Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820