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peacewalker View Drop Down
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    Posted: June/25/2011 at 18:39
Helo yall,
 
My name is Ted and I am new to the forum. I have been a gun ethusiast for years but now I am getting into optics (scopes, night vision, binos etc).
 
I need an expert opinion. I need some super high power binoculars. For example trying to spot birds and things from LONG range. I have a pair of nice Leupold Cascades that are 10x by like 42x or somthing and they are great for the average thing but I need somthing that is 2 to 3 times as powerful methinks.
 
 
Please, any help would be greatly appreciate.
 
Thanks in advance for any help.  
 
 


Edited by Kickboxer - June/27/2011 at 17:00
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mike650 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 19:12
Why not a spotting scope?
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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peacewalker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peacewalker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 20:18

I dont know much about spotting scopes. Can you offer me any links to info on them? Also what are the advantages of them vs binos?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 22:30
Hi,
To use the upper magnification over 10x; It is highly recommended a photo tripod. So, If you do not have any tripod then look for a combo.
 
There is a ratio between tripod capacity and the weight of a binocular. If you do not use for Astronomy then the ratio will be lower. As an example: If a binocular is 5# then look for about 8 to 10 pounds weight capacity of a tripod to use for day time.
 
Look for center focus to quickly change the focus.
a 50mm aperture will be good.
a 16x magnification would be good which yield 3.13mm exit pupil. Perfect for daytime.
a 12x magnification would be ideal which yield 4.17mm exit pupil. Perfect for even twilight.
 
Again, if you go over 12x then you may need a tripod.
 
Thank you,
Jawaid 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 22:43
Quote Also what are the advantages of them vs binos?
Binocular gives you  7 to 10 times wider FOV depands on AFOV of the eyepiece uses in the binocular.
 
A sporting scope or telescope will be using as monoscope and the TFOV will be much smaller because of longer focal length. However, Using RF scope will give you somewhat bigger FOV but the colour correction will be worst and especially using in the daytime. The benefit of having a scope is to use variable magnification accoring by the subject that is being examined.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:00
The advantage of a spotting scope is that it does not have to be collimated, and it is lighter.  Quality high-power binoculars are essentially two identical spotting scopse collimated so that a single image can be rendered by the mind.  Genuinely high-quality high-power binoculars are extremely expensive.

It is certainly less straining to use binoculars compared to a spotter.  That is why birders and hunters alike often combine the use of binoculars, like your 10X42s, with a spotter.  The bins are for general viewing, while the spotter is used for long-range detail observation.
-Matt
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Bird Watcher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:01
Originally posted by peacewalker peacewalker wrote:

I need some super high power binoculars. For example trying to spot birds and things from LONG range. I have a pair of nice Leupold Cascades that are 10x by like 42x or somthing and they are great for the average thing but I need somthing that is 2 to 3 times as powerful methinks.
 
Please, any help would be greatly appreciate.
 
Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Here's 'one' of the binoculars that I have been using for long distance bird watching.
 
http://swfa.com/Pentax-20x60-PCF-WP-II-Binocular-P47962.aspx
 
If you have money to burn, this is also very, very nice:
 
http://www.docter-germany.com/en/Optics-AnalytikJenaAG-BranchEisfeld/Products/Spyglass__228/
 
Here's one more if you are made of money:
 
http://swfa.com/Kowa-High-Lander-Binoculars-C317.aspx


Edited by Bird Watcher - June/25/2011 at 23:27
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jawaid View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:16
Quote Here's 'one' of the binoculars that I have been using for long distance bird watching.
 
 
Yes, I agree with it. The pentax PCF WII  20x60mm is an  amazing binocular.
 
It uses the field flatner, and the AFOV is 40 degree which is about 2.2mm TFOV.
I have tested and it utilized full 60mm and the views are sharp, contrasy and false colour is very much controlled. Downside is the small field of view which is 2.2 degree
 
Edge
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:19
Originally posted by jawaid jawaid wrote:

[quote] 
Yes, I agree with it. The pentax PCF WII  20x60mm is an  amazing binocular.
 
Downside is the small field of view which is 2.2 degree.
It's not a "downside" for long distance birding. Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:23
If you have money dedicated for a good pair of binocular then WO 22x70 ED will be the choice. Read  in-depth report at CN in binocular section.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:29
Originally posted by jawaid jawaid wrote:

If you have money dedicated for a good pair of binocular then WO 22x70 ED will be the choice. Read  in-depth report at CN in binocular section.
 
The downside of the 22x70 is its price, very large size, AND, a tripod with pan head would cost almost as much as the binocular. Bandito

Edited by Bird Watcher - June/25/2011 at 23:44
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:45
Yes. but  WO 22x70 (discontinued) is now xxx(if you find on online retail)
Use Orion XHD tripod which is xxx\
competitor link removed by moderator 
I dedicated or allocated for my setup around $2500 but I completed my setup just under $2000. Now, it gives me true pleasure to use it at night especially at the dark site.
 


Edited by Kickboxer - June/26/2011 at 09:07
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/25/2011 at 23:51
Yep,
they are hunters and I just told them about astronomy :)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 00:12
Originally posted by jawaid jawaid wrote:

Yep,
they are hunters and I just told them about astronomy :)
Jawaid,
 
With all due respect to you, this is NOT an astronomy forum.
Please be respectful towards those individuals who have been here L O N G before you arrived.
 
Also, the website you posted is not permissible under the Rules of Engagement, it is not in the USA, and it expired in 2009.
 
Thanks.


Edited by Bird Watcher - June/26/2011 at 00:23
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peacewalker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peacewalker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 00:49
Hey thanks to everyone especially Bird Watcher for the links. I am not quite sure I have definetly found what I am hoping for yet though. The Pentax PCF is pretty close and definetly a candidate. I am not spending 2k and up though for any binoculars unless they have night vision gen 3  includedBig Grin
 
But I was really looking for 30x binoculars. I mean I have a nice pair of 10x that are crystal clear- almost perfect. So they are great for all the normal stuff. But I wanted a pair for LONG long range. And i am not interested in a tripod.
 
So I guess my questions now become "are 20x enough?" And do they make anything in 30x very similar to the Pentax? 
 
Thanks again to all for the help!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 01:28
Stan,
I was trying to assist and I do not disrespect anyone. I was making a point that the "original Poster" was seeking a high power but compact enough to use it for birding. If it is only for hunting only then using 20x without tripod is sure possible and that is why I agreed with you about Pentax 20x60PCFWP because it is not only light weight but also fog proof.
 
I guess, You mis-understood that I am pushing astronomy binoculars in hunting Smile
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jawaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 04:25
PeaceWalker,
Are you looking for 60mm or less aperture?
Most mid and high quality binocular do not have more then 20x (up to  70mm range). If you go for 30x then they are available in 80-110mm.
 
There is another approch like one of the OT user post earlier about sporting scope.
Here is the link:
competitor link removed by moderator
 


Edited by Kickboxer - June/26/2011 at 09:00
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 08:39
Yikes jawaid!

Read the forum rules again.

It seems like you have a fresh look on optics for this forum, and I hope you are able to stay around!
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 08:57
Originally posted by peacewalker peacewalker wrote:

But I was really looking for 30x binoculars.
But I wanted a pair for LONG long range.
And i am not interested in a tripod.
 
So I guess my questions now become "are 20x enough?"
And do they make anything in 30x very similar to the Pentax? 
 
Thanks again to all for the help!
 
1. There are very, very, few binoculars of 30x that are of any quality.
2. A good quality 30x is going to be expensive, large in size, and heavy, not hand holdable.
3. It is impossible to use 30x without a "tripod & pan head" for steady viewing, which is also expensive.
4. You can always try the 20x60 and if it is not enough magnification you can return it within a certain period of time.


Edited by Bird Watcher - June/26/2011 at 09:11
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peacewalker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote peacewalker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/26/2011 at 11:39
Bird Watcher,
 
Thanks for the last comment. I just might try the 20x Pentax that you recommended. Also I am trying to hunt down an old Steiner Miniscope 
or an equivalent.
 
I is a nice small folding monocular I have been wanting for a LONG time. I tried to post a WTB in the trade section but I am not allowed to post there yet.
 
Can anyone offer me some help/advice on that one?
 
Thanks again, truly, to all who have offered help.
 
Edit: removed link to competitor


Edited by RifleDude - June/27/2011 at 15:02
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