Best 'scope?

[Colin Key]

This might be old news to some, but I just came across this and found it both interesting and well written. It confirms Brian and Andy's opinion that the new Kowa is the "bee's knees", but am pleased that the Swaro stands up well in second place:

http://www.livingbird.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=272

Colin :smile:

[SzimiStyle]

No question KOWA is well ahead of the ex prime scopes, like Leica. Amazing stuff. I loved my Swaro but time to change to KOWA ;)

Thanks for sharing the link.

Szimi :certifiable:

[Colin Key]

Hi Szimi,

If you get one, let us know what you think of it. I am currently waiting to see a "side by side" review of the Kowa and the new Leica.

Regards,

Colin :smile:

[SzimiStyle]

I don't have one but tried it and I was really impressed. I had worked with several other scope before I looked through of a 883. Image quality is outstanding. Unfortunately I had no chance to try it side by side with other top players. Maybe on the next BBF there will be a chance.

Szimi

[MichaelF]

Bit worrying that they consider 'Budget' to be "anything below $1,000" - I'd say that anything above £200 (~ $300) was definitely NOT 'budget'!

[john c]

I swapped my old scope (an Optolyth 30x75) a few years back for a 62mm Leica. Whilst the Leica isn't a bad scope, I confess I'm somewhat disappointed with it and wish I'd stuck with a larger OG scope - perhaps my model is under par. I think the smaller Swarovski is optically better, but can't get on with "whole barrel" focusing. A friend has one of the new Kowa and I thought it very good indeed. If I had the dosh I'd be seriously tempted by either of the new the 77/88mm models. Given the substantially greater cost of the Leica, I doubt whether and increase in optical quality will be cost effective,
John

[Colin Key]

Unfortunately, although I could afford to buy any 'scope I wanted, my rate of macular degeneration means that what I have (in terms of artificial optics) will last me the rest of my life and putting up "more dosh" will not produce any improvement to my viewing pleasure.

Colin :no:

[SzimiStyle]

I am currently waiting to see a "side by side" review of the Kowa and the new Leica.

Any progress on it Colin? :smile:

Szimi

[Colin Key]

Any progress on it Colin? :smile:

Szimi

Hello Szimi,

I have not had the chance to see or use the new Leica. However, a friend of mine in the U.K. (who uses both the Swaro 80 HD and the Zeiss Diascope 85mm) who has had a chance to try the new Leica says it is THE BEST (and he has also used the new Kowa). Apparently the zoom eyepiece of the new Leica is excellent.

We need to wait and see what the reviews say when this 'scope goes on general release. Until then it is just a "guessing game".

Regards,

Colin

[SzimiStyle]

What about the BirdFair? Will they display it there?

Szimi

[michael23]

I would imagine so, infact i would hope so, i wont be able to buy one, but will be looking to get an opinion of it, i will be going to the rutland birdfair on the saturday, something to save my pennies for!
:beer:

[Y Gylfinir]

This might be old news to some, but I just came across this and found it both interesting and well written. It confirms Brian and Andy's opinion that the new Kowa is the "bee's knees", but am pleased that the Swaro stands up well in second place:

http://www.livingbird.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=272

Colin :smile:

Hello Colin,Brian"The Curlew" again.
Just took delivery today of my Kowa Prominar TSN 883.Spent over 2hrs trying the insrument at my local shop.
Set off straight away for my local reserve Succinio in Brittany.
This scope is quite simply "stunning"
I'll post a more detailed report on the forum.
Best wishes.
Brian.:smile: