CN FORUMS ARCHIVE Telescope Reviews: Re: Pentax 16x60 versus Oberwerk 20x80 Standards?

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the comparsion. You must have just received the 20X80 Standard recently. I am a bit surprised by your report of superior coating on the Oberwerk 80s. I figure the Pentax will have better built quality but the Oberwerk 20X80 S will win because of higer power, wider FOV and 77% more light collecting area. It's good to know the new Oberwerks perform so well. Look forward to a detailed comparion of the Obe 20X80S vs your favorite Fuji 16X70s.

Ray,

I have the 20X80 LW(Burgess label). I don't have the 20X80S for side-by-side comparsion but I can say you don't have to worry about poor edge performance (if mine is a typical sample). Edge sharpness of my LW is good to about 80%....much better than my $399 Orion 20X80. Center sharpness is as good or better than my $900 ProOptics 25X100.

When I purchased the LWs last year the 20X80 S was not available. It would be a tough choice if I were shopping today. The wt difference of 14 oz is not a big deal if you are mounting them but the extra few inchs in length does increase the BULK substantialy if you are packing them for travel. I also use my 80 LW for terrestrial observation in lieu of a spotting scope. The light weight, trim profile of the LW is a pleasure. I love been able to spot high flying raptors and UFOs invisible to the naked eye. Once you get used to using twin 80mm spotting scopes you may never want to go back.

Erik D

PS. Eye Relief of the 20X80 Standard is listed as 18mm, the LW 13mm. This could be a factor for those who need visual aids while observing. Eye relief of my LW seem slightly more than the listed 13mm. Kevin B told me at NEAF 2003 he like the standard model best. It would be good if you could check out both at a local scope show(WSP?)before you decide.

Edited by Erik D (02/14/04 04:52 AM)

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