Henry link , a subject matter expert, who has owned all the alpha optics says the Monarch ED82 is best in class. Caveat as Kowa is 88 mm so you can't directly compare. The 20-60 zoom on nikon isn't as good as the 30-60 however.
The nikon is made in China, which is astonishing and probably will...
Great deal for a Highlander seems to have sold.
The weight is the big issue but the quality is without question. I do some astronomy with Highlander which is part of its intended design purpose. Read accounts of top astronomy guys comparing it to Takahashi telescope setups that are in the $15k...
Swarovski would have edge, basically due to waterproof/ more solid build. Never had chance to compare side by side, I have those Nikons and they're excellent plus got them for around half of what Japanese sellers want for them. Theyre very very rare to come by.
50 x eyepieces for the Highlander definitely make a difference, in fact was a bit amazed. Just last night there was mist on far away hill(5 miles). Below that is the house of a guy I know who has a van with his business name on it. I could clearly read the business name printed on the side of...
Finally got a good clear night, was blown away by a double star cluster(in Perseus aka Caldwell 14). I stumbled on this scanning the sky then confirmed via maps. Reading cloudy Nights forum (astronomy) I came across this review of the Highlander and have to agree. The black sky was properly...
Managed to obtain a set of Highlanders, I’d also considered the 884 paired but that’s on the long finger for another day.
The highlander eyepiece eyecup is compatible with other kowa eyepieces , I had to replace the rubber pieces as they’d went a bit gummy. I’d hazard a guess UV exposure did...
Anyone compared the 40/80/500 non ED to the 40x ED? Specifically the 40 angle eyepiece as it looks slightly different.
Zeiss made the previous old gen eyepiece I've discovered which has 90 degree AFOV. the newer version is 84 degree and superior tech, edge sharp etc.
I’d agree on Nikon warranty however from reports they’re extremely well built and due to classic design should be easy to service. Fujinon similar story. Japanese corporates really shoot them selves in foot in this regard.
Binoculars mounted is what you want. Do you have a porch or will they be indoors ? I’d suggest Fujinon 10x70 /16 x 70 (FMTRSX2) or Nikon Astroluxe 18 x 70(red ring version) These should fall into $800-1200 range and May need to be imported depending on dealers local to you. The fujinon are...
How does adjusting IPD work for twin 884? looks Locked in place?
im exploring converting the 883 to a 884, as the rear housing is cracked and that section can be removed.