Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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I recently posted in reference to Roof Prism bins in the 7X32 to 10X42 range for under $250.00.
I would like to apply the same question to 6X20 to 8X25 mini bins.
Is there anything out there for under $250.00 that is worth buying? What about the $300.00 range?
I have used sub $50.00 Tasco and Bushnell 8X21's and 12X25's in the past and I would be looking for markedly better performance from the new set.
What are the options available that you guys would be happy to use and own?
Terrestrial use both day and night (work related).
WP would be a good option as well...
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   SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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I have several small reverse Porro compacts; the most comfortable to use is the 7x26 which provides a very usable 3.7mm exit pupil. I find the <3mm models tiresome to use.
The tried and true 7x26 is now called the Elite and has been modernized a few times since I got mine in the '70s.
Of course, there are many beautiful, pricey models available but IMO, the wider AFOV and comfort of an 8x30 or larger binocular just feels right most of the time.
Bushnell 7x26 Elite
BVD article
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Those are pretty nice but much thicker than I am looking for. I am looking for pocket bins for on duty work.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Those are pretty nice but much thicker than I am looking for. I am looking for pocket bins for on duty work.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Those are pretty nice but much thicker than I am looking for. I am looking for pocket bins fo on duty work.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Mark9473
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 3211
Loc: 51°N 4°E
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I'll have to report you to Kenny for once more artificially raising your post count, Scott 
I have a pair of Leica 8x20 that are exactly what you want. In my experience with other mini binoculars, over the years before I bought these, the smaller the binocular the greater the need to go for high quality.
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Mark
Leica 8x20; Vixen 8x42; Swift 8.5x44, 10x50 and 20x80; TS 7x50; Orion 15x63; Docter 15x60
WO Megrez II 80 FD + Baader 90° T2 Amici
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Thanks Mark 
Dang computers! 
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Dang the Leicas are $700.00!!!
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Mark9473
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 3211
Loc: 51°N 4°E
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That's very expensive... I bought mine about 12-14 years ago; for wat is today 350 euros. I would suspect you can find them used for about 150-200 euro, that would be about 250 USD, right?
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Mark
Leica 8x20; Vixen 8x42; Swift 8.5x44, 10x50 and 20x80; TS 7x50; Orion 15x63; Docter 15x60
WO Megrez II 80 FD + Baader 90° T2 Amici
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12895
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Scott ,
You could buy some REALLY small toy plastic ones with 10mm objective lenses .
Like most compacts , they won't be much use , but at least they'll easily fit into a shirt pocket !
If I were in serious need of good optics in less than bright conditions , I would go for a larger POCKET and a binocular of reasonable minimum size , especially for twilight and dusk situations , where your best friends are larger aperture and larger exit - pupils than any true compact can offer .
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12895
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Scott ,
You could buy some REALLY small toy plastic ones with 10mm objective lenses .
Like most compacts , they won't be much use , but at least they'll easily fit into a shirt pocket !
If I were in serious need of good optics in less than bright conditions , I would go for a larger POCKET and a binocular of reasonable minimum size , especially for twilight and dusk situations , where your best friends are larger aperture and larger exit - pupils than any true compact can offer .
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12895
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Scott ,
You could buy some REALLY small toy plastic ones with 10mm objective lenses .
Like most compacts , they won't be much use , but at least they'll easily fit into a shirt pocket !
If I were in serious need of good optics in less than bright conditions , I would go for a larger POCKET and a binocular of reasonable minimum size , especially for twilight and dusk situations , where your best friends are larger aperture and larger exit - pupils than any true compact can offer .
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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I hear ya Kenny - all three times.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Mark9473
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 3211
Loc: 51°N 4°E
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I can't say I disagree with Kenny. I take along my 8x42 roof much more often than the little 8x20. But even if only a few times a year, there are occasions when you really need something shirt pocket size.
I've been interested in the Vortex Fury 6.5x32, but haven't found specs on how large it is in storage.
Largest I have seen with a double hinge design, which is basically a requirement for minimum storage size, is the Optolyth 12x32. If only they made that as an 8x32.
Leupold have an 8x25 double-hinge model, that might be a good compromise.
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Mark
Leica 8x20; Vixen 8x42; Swift 8.5x44, 10x50 and 20x80; TS 7x50; Orion 15x63; Docter 15x60
WO Megrez II 80 FD + Baader 90° T2 Amici
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12895
Loc: Lancashire UK
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My wife's Swarovski 8 x 20 folds to even smaller than seen in this photo .
Of course one of the drawbacks of buying a higher quality mini - bin is the price .
This one cost over twice as much as the 90mm model it is perched upon !
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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Mark9473
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/21/05
Posts: 3211
Loc: 51°N 4°E
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The Minox BD 8x24 BR looks like it's a double hinge model, and it's very affordable. There's a similar 8x25 that's even waterproof. See here.
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Mark
Leica 8x20; Vixen 8x42; Swift 8.5x44, 10x50 and 20x80; TS 7x50; Orion 15x63; Docter 15x60
WO Megrez II 80 FD + Baader 90° T2 Amici
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medinabrit
professor emeritus
Reged: 10/27/04
Posts: 648
Loc: medina ohio USA.
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I got my girlfriend the BD 8 x 25 BRW version a couple of years ago & she loves em.
Cameraland NY has the 8x24 for $175 & the 8x25 for $199.
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CESDewar
GorillAstronomer
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 2069
Loc: Morganton, GA, USA
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Quote:
That's very expensive... I bought mine about 12-14 years ago; for wat is today 350 euros. I would suspect you can find them used for about 150-200 euro, that would be about 250 USD, right?
That would be far too optimistic for a used price. There's a pair on A-Mart for around $575 used right now and that was a price-drop from original posting of around $595. Also the person had filled out the warranty card and says he doesn't know if it's transferable (Leica warranties are typically never transferable).
$575 is still too high - they should be selling for around 70-75% of original cost in this down market - that would be around $490-$525.
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CESDewar
GorillAstronomer
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 2069
Loc: Morganton, GA, USA
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Quote:
The Minox BD 8x24 BR looks like it's a double hinge model, and it's very affordable.
Yes, but look at that TFOV - 5.2° 
that's awfully low for a pair of 8x binos - corresponds to a soda-straw 41° AFOV. Compare that for example with the Swarovski's with a more reasonable 52° AFOV. Another pair to look at would be the Zeiss 8x20 B T* Victory Compact Binoculars - I've seen those quite recently on eBay for as little as $399, and these are in the same league as the Leica and Swarovski's vis-a-vis size/weight/optics.
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Thanks everyone. 
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Robert A.
sage
Reged: 01/21/05
Posts: 293
Loc: Milwaukee, WI Northern USA
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I have tried an assortment of mini bins. The ones I like the clear bright view are the Bushnell Custom 7x26, the Minolta 10x25 Activa FM, a discontinued Minox 8x reverse porro. The Celestron Regal 10x25 is pretty good. There is one for sale here on Ebay.
Also, the Pentax Papilio 6.5x is very special. It is useful in museums and also at botanical gardens! It is also helpful in retail stores for things inside glass showcases. I have not tried a Nikon Prostaff. It is hard to find them used and cheap...
The total reflection in Porro prisims makes the reverse Porro among the brightest. I wish the manufacturers would raise the game in the construction!
For some reason, the Pentax 8x32 SP is not as good as the reverse Porros. It is heavy too.
So far the guys have gone to the best of the best. Yes, they are the ones that the manufacturers have done what was necessary to make them good. I keep looking for cheaper ones. In this rainy day of the economy, I have seen those expensive ones go for half or less used! I saw a Nikon 10x25 LXL go for around 250.
Rob.
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Rick
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/12/05
Posts: 3045
Loc: Tokyo, Japan
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Scott I think the Pentax 9x28 DCF LV is your ticket,
http://www.adorama.com/PX928LV.html
If you search using the Bing Cashback engine you can save a little more too.
I was quite impressed with these when I was testing in the store last week.
cheers,
Rick
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www.japanastro.com
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12895
Loc: Lancashire UK
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< I saw a Nikon 10x25 LXL go for around 250. >
$250 US for a Nikon 10 x 25 LXL is the best bargain I've heard of for a top drawer true compact bin .
That's less than half the price you'd get a compact bin of that quality for in the UK .
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Rick those 9X28 Pentax bins are looking really good right now.
I will run a few searches for reviews on them.
Thanks to everyone who has replied and if you have new suggestions please keep them coming.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Not much info on their performance, but they look like they will fit my needs. If not, they can be sold and I can always find a new option later.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4938
Loc: MA
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Comparing 8x20 Swaro, Zeiss, Leica, and Nikon LXL, I chose Nikon.
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17.5" f/5 Dob. IM-715 MCT. 120ED. Lunt 60mm Ha.
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell bins
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12895
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Scott ,
The Pentax 9 x 28 is out of stock at Amazon .
Eagle Optics have them in stock , but at $219.
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Adorama had them out of stock at $169.00. Dang LOL
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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mooreorless
Just worried
Reged: 07/05/05
Posts: 1824
Loc: Cornpropst Mills,Huntingdon,Pa
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Hi Scott, Here is some information I found. I forgot I had posted about this on BF.:-) Good luck finding what you want.
Regards,Steve
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Regards,Steve M
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Thanks Steve. Good info.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
|
EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 14731
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I liked, but sold, a pair of Leupold Yosemite 6x30
I bought them for $89 new.
I also like, but have sent out on loan (for more than a year now) pentax papillio 6.5x21. Very compact. Paid $95 new.
Although certainly doable, I wouldn't consider them astronomy binoculars.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37199
Loc: Frederick, MD
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Thanks Ed. Another case of too many options.
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SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
|
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