20-60X-80mm Spotting Scopes

[David P. Herne]

Gentlemen,
Some weeks ago I had an exchange with one of our own (Vince Foster) regarding my intentions to liquidate my old Leupold 12-40X-60mm Gold Ring spotting scope and upgrade all the way to a Swarovski HD 20-60X-80mm model. But Vince asked me to take a good look at the Pentax 20-60X-80mm ED model before committing. I did so, and in fact, the scope has many of the same features that make the Swarovski so desirable (e.g. very bright, high resolution optics, rubber armoured body, exceptional warranty). Of course, the big Swarovski HD unit has no real equal in terms of its resolving power, but short of this, would any of you guys still go and spend $870 more for the Swarovski. Or would you order the Pentax, never looking back?

Dave

[Brent]

Dave,

Good you asked! http://betterviewdesired.com , the bird watchers reviews have shown it to be the new Referance Standard in large spotters, no equal and is what all others are being judged by at present. It uses their astronomical eyepieces and that's a big deal. Read this wright up and tell us what you think after that. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
http://betterviewdesired.com/Pentax/index.html

[Brent]

BTW, I know a guy from the range that I saw the other day there, he had one there he said he got from a Pentax Rep..... for $600!

They want $1100 or there abouts in town for it. They are bitchin, and Don at Boondocks would have talked me into one but I wanted the 12-40 Lupy for it's compactness and low power setting. Price wasn't an issue, I would have got the Pentax had it fit my needs better. I printed the article at betterviewdesired and gave it to Don to hang on his Pentax that's for sale there. It was better than he had even heard, and from a bird watcher, that's saying something. A lot of nice reviews on that site, best I've ever seen anywhere.

[Nicholas]

I too have a Swarovski STS 80 on my want list and hopefully comming soon list. I have looked through them many times and would not consider anything else.

[David P. Herne]

Brent,
Though not quite completely convinced that the Pentax is the way to go, you may still have just made up my mind for me. All I have to do now is simply have a visit with one, up close and personal.

Thanks,
Dave

[ss8541]

I have been happy with mine so far. I can also tell you where one will only cost you 700.00 after rebate with the 20-60 eyepiece. It even comes with a full size Pentax tripod although a bogen it is not.

[Brent]

$700, with a tripod. Where at? New or used?