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Digital Pics through a Leica spotter |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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Posted: June/03/2004 at 11:03 |
Here are a few examples of what can be done easily and quickly with a Leica spotter, camera and adapter.
These images are very low resolution dumbed down versions for the web. The actual images are amazing.
A Leica 16-48x62 straight rubber armored APO, Leica Digilux digital camera and Leica digital camera adapter were used to take these images. The adapter is just a spacer to get the camera the correct distance from the eye piece. It comes on and off in a second and is very simple to take pictures of this quality. We currently have several spotters, eye pieces and camera adapters on the samplelist.com site at discounted prices. Check 'em out. |
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tbone1
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/31/2004 Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Chris,
This seems to be the perfect place to post my question. I have been searching for the perfect spotting scope. I have done some research but have not had a chance to look through these scopes myself, so I would like your opinion and anyone else who has any information or would like to post their opinion. I have been considering a Leica APO 62, a Zeiss Diascope 65, and a Swarovski 65 STS HD.
I have come across 4 separate side by side field tests by different companies that compared these 3 as well as others in function, brightness, resolution, and color fringing. Actually 2 of the tests really compared the larger 80mm scopes and 2 compared the 65 mm by. I feel these tests were conducted as fairly as can be expected using a test panel looking at resloution charts, and testing them in low light. Based on the results in the 85 mm class the Zeiss won. The Leica 77 APO and the Swarovski 80 mm HD were closely behind it in brightness and resolution. Maybe due to the slightly larger objective who knows. In the 65 mm class the Zeiss 65 and the Leica 62 APO tied each other in brightness and resolution both being able to see the tiniest lines on the resolution chart. The Swarovski 65 HD again was slightly behind. Bottom line is that Zeiss seemed to outperform Swarovski (although only by a very slight margin) in all 4 head to head tests that I found. Not really a big deal except the fact that the standard Swarovski is nearly the same price as the Zeiss. The HD is another few hundred dollars more making it overpriced in my opinion. That is why I have eliminated the Swarovski because the Zeiss offers better performance for a better price.
So I am down to the Zeiss 65 vs. the Leica 62 APO. I still feel that the Zeiss offers a better value. Equal performance for less money because hear again Zeiss comes standard with Florite glass where the Leica is another few hundred dollars more for the APO glass. However I own a Leica Digilux. Well actually I have the Panasonic version with the Leica lenses. I have done the research and it is the exact same camera with a different label. The emailed Leica and they told me that they use the exact same adapters. So taking photos would be a nice feature that I could use some so I am willing to pay a little extra for the Leica if the performance is the same. Hunting, however is the main purpose and using on the range and taking photos would be other uses as well.
Bottom line hear is that I would like to purchase the best spotting scope regardless of the price or how little difference there is. I want the best optically. Whether it be Zeiss or Leica. I would like to get your opinion and anyone elses opinion. Have you had a chance to test these 3 scopes for yourself ? If so, do you agree with the results of the tests that I have mentioned. Based on your knowledge which would you recommend.
Thanks for your help, Sam |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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Does your camera look like that? If so get the Leica APO 16-48x62 rubber armored. The Leica and Zeiss are very similar in design and performance. Both have the fine focus and course focus (which is a necessity in my opinion). I don't use a Swarovski based on its lack of that one feature. I use the Leica over the Zeiss mainly because it fits my camera but also because Leica offers a rubber armored model and a really slick case. For packing on hunts it can't be beat (literally). It also rides better packed on plane trips with the rest of my gear. I have not been able to see a difference optically between the Zeiss and Leica when comparing them side by side. But my comparisons have been informal. I have used a Leica spotter many times on many hunts and have yet to be disappointed. |
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tbone1
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/31/2004 Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Chris, I have just finished testing my Leica APO spotter outside and all I can say is "WOW". Thanks for the recommendation. The optics are superb. I also got the ever ready case and digital adapter (it did fit my camera which is a Panasonic Lumix with Leica lense). You're right, the case is slick and the pictures are turning out awesome. Again, thanks for all the help. |
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Yojinbo
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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I'm glad that I stumbled in here. I have a Digilux 1 (great
camera) and some questions. I want to start "Digiscoping" with my
camera and I need a spotting scope too.
My Questions: The Leica website indicates that I need adaptor PN:42302 to hook a Digilux 1 up to a Leica scope. http://www.leica-camera.com/digitalekameras/digilux1/zubehoe r/index_e.html Further, the SWFA site makes me think I need PN: 42300. This looks like a much more expensive part (that I hope I don't need). Do I need this? http://www.riflescopes.com/products/42300/leica_televid_ad apter.htm However, it sounds like I need a eyepeice too (not just a scope body and adaptor). Is that right? I'm probably going to be fine with the 62; My photos will be 100m or less and most of my hunting is varmiting prarrie dogs in the Oklahoma panhandle. Unlike tbone1, I'm all about the money on this one. I have been waiting to get a scope for years becase I can't abide low quality. I would be happy with one of your demo scopes. Thank you! |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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That was a mistake on our site. You need the 42302 only.
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tbone1
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/31/2004 Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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I got the adapter off the samplelist for $44.95. Look at item # 3079. This is the only adapter that I needed. You can also save money on the scope and eyepiece off the samplelist as well. Every demo I have ever bought from there has always been in mint condition. |
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Yojinbo
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Thank you both fo the reply.
Whew, I am glad that I was wrong about needing the expensive part. Does the adaptor attach to the scope body or to an eyepiece? In other words, do I only need an eyepiece if (when) I intend to use the scope alone? (I'm trying to ease the $$ shock for the wife here). |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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The digital camera attaches to the eye piece and looks through the spotter just as you would with your eye.
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Yojinbo
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Thanks again, I will make her dinner tonight (this MAY help). Now if only I could cook...
Edited by Yojinbo |
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Yojinbo
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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I'm on the phone placeing an order right now. Thank you both for
all of your help. I will try and get a picture of that eagle that
circles over my pasture this weekend and let all know how it goes.
Thanks again! Edited by Yojinbo |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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If you can combine two digital pictures into one, you should take a picture of your new spotter with the camera attached and take a picture of the eagle and combine them as a contest entry. You would have a chance at one of the $20,000.00 worth of prizes.
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Yojinbo
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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I actually thought of that! I may enlist my 8-year-old son's
assistance here. But I'm making him hold the camera, not the
scope+camera (althought he is A LOT more photogenic then I am).
Now I'm off to solve Manuel's BLITS mount STANAG ring delema - (I kind of like that BLITS mount idea - but not for a bolt). |
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Yojinbo
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/29/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Got it and I'm very impressed so far. I snapped a few quick pics of the horses across the pasture and it's amazing.
1. Do you guys use the LCD sun shield outdoors (the plasitc screeen that covers the back of the camera)? 2. Do you guys mount the tripod on the scope and let the camera "hang"? Thanks for all the help, Chrs. JW was super to work with on the phone by the way. |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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Yes, use the shield for sure and mount the spotter body to the tripod.
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chasseur106
Optics Journeyman Joined: March/12/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 137 |
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Chris, As I am still holding off on the purchase of newer optics at this time I would like to solicit opinions regarding the use of a collimated binocular over the use of a one eye spotter. Right now my use would be for range work and long distance varmint hunting. I was particularly keen on the idea of buying the Steiner 15X 56mm Bighorn, but I do not see them posted on your website. Perhaps they were only available through Cabela's (?) So I have looked at the Steiner's in 20X 80mm format, or another(?) Have you ever heard of Oberwerks collimated telescopes? which in effect is a large, heavy binocular.... 26 #'s + tripod. I have come to the realization that my optics choices from this point on will have to be carefully evaluated, as I need to invest in other areas of my life, of a more urgent nature. Thanks, Chasseur |
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Chris Farris
TEAM SWFA - Admin swfa.com Joined: October/01/2003 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 8024 |
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We do have the 15x56 Bighorn from Steiner for $598.99. They work great as do the 25x80's. You have to mount them to a tripod obviously. You can take some good digital pictures with these as well, you simply align the camera with the eye piece of the binocular and take your shot. The ultimate is two spotting scopes side by side. Check out this photo of one of our customers.
Tom Argyros Edited by Chris |
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