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  1. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Yes the mechanically stabilised Zeiss are a classic but absurdly expensive both new and used. The mechanism itself is ingenious, I have a Canon 15x 50 IS binocular and maybe it’s a possible alternative for some guys. They also come in 18 x 50. The image stabilisation works well and they’re...
  2. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Those Swarovski binoculars were issued to the British Army in “Northern Ireland” to observe the border area around Bandit Country. Basically they could only fly helicopters in and out due to the number of attacks on standard vehicles. Also issued to British destroyers in the Falklands. I...
  3. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Adams adapters website states the 664 setup weights 6 lbs 12 Oz which is 3kg. I pegged the individual scope at 1.3kg so this leaves the adapter around 400grams. Compare to a Kowa Highlander that weighs 6.2 kg, just a smidge over double the weight. Many users have said there is very little...
  4. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    664 = 1335grams 824 = 1630g (no tripod foot) TBS 100 = 2650g
  5. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    On the topic of weight. Recently acquired an Optolyth TBS 100 APO(flourite HD) and decided to compare. It’s a tank and though I’m waiting to get an adapter for eyepieces I used the Kowa 30x EP and there’s not a massive difference between it and the 664. Also weighed the 824.
  6. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    That’s the ultimate set up. Would like to see a detailed comparison of the Kowa wide angle zoom and how much you lose on field of view versus fixed. The magnifier just seems clunky system. Maybe it’s worth it for FOV, less light loss than zoom possibly.
  7. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    In an earlier post I shared pics from a guy in Japan who has turned various brands of scopes into big eyes and all had the offset prism. The 82mm Kowa’s have them. Ironically, the angled Swaro STC looks to have a similar design as the Nikon ED82 Schmidt prism that’s deeply(&cleverly) recessed...
  8. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Ended up with two more Kowa scopes, both 82mm. One is the 824 (red ring flourite) the other the 822(non flourite). They were reasonable money so couldn’t pass them up & I wanted to see for myself the difference between Highlander 82mm and 64mm using two eyes. I’ll look out for another 824 then...
  9. SikaSeeker

    DIY double spotter bracket?

    I’ve no idea, you’d need to line them up. There’s no barrel turn on those IIRC. You’d need create a 90* bend so the tripod shoe on each is facing out. That’s little more complex than usual arrangement but it’s been done. You’d be best with a 15x56 alpha bino as the 50s seem too small to me to...
  10. SikaSeeker

    DIY double spotter bracket?

    Redrilled holes and working much better to point I can really appreciate the difference these make to viewing. Sometimes you see something and you can stay on it in a relaxed way and figure out what it is. With a spotter this just isn’t possible to same extent. Plus field of view is fantastic...
  11. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Posted more pics in another relevant thread by mistake. One thing I learned is it’s actually fairly simple, the trick is having a setup strong enough to stay collimated when being jostled around. That’s the main reason for CNC billet aluminium setups etc, and probably what you need if you want...
  12. SikaSeeker

    DIY double spotter bracket?

    Yeah that would help with nose clearance for those who need it. The flex in this material(few mm of aluminium) is enough to throw them off.
  13. SikaSeeker

    DIY double spotter bracket?

    Finally got off my ass and cobbled together Version 1 , I had cut out little rings for front aligning but the lip prevented it mounting on my tripod head so left it out. Messed up holes to hold the tripod foot of each scope as I was hurrying. I’ll blame the pillar drill table…. To my surprise...
  14. SikaSeeker

    DIY double spotter bracket?

    I don’t doubt this but where do you get this specific measurement? Inspired to make my own, have the two scopes ready to go. Messing around over weekend but don’t have any materials or tools really suited to do a proper job. Writing up a proposal for a machinist buddy so I have all details...
  15. SikaSeeker

    New Kowa glass?

    By 600 series I mean 663/4 , just how I’ve seen them referred to when differentiating between eyepieces.
  16. SikaSeeker

    WTB Big Eye bracket for Kowa 664

    Have got two 664 spotters and considering options. Build one myself or try waters for second hand brackets. Sort of exhausted budget for time being on two scopes otherwise I’d buy Adams Adapters version. Unfortunately I’m not in US, but Ireland so this makes AAs setup even costlier (20% VAT...
  17. SikaSeeker

    WTS Flatline Kowa 66 Bracket

    Sold?
  18. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Holy Moses that was fast. DHL Express picked up in Fukushima, Japan on Wednesday, two days later it’s in Ireland. Now to get to work getting a bracket
  19. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    I queried an astronomer about this topic. Thought I’d share here, he’s a proper expert & commissioned enormous 18 inch(!) binoscope made from two Newtonian reflectors. His YouTube is “astronomy drawings” and he welcomes anyone to his home in rural Italy to have a go! His response “ The 115mm...
  20. SikaSeeker

    No BS Comparison of the Swarovski STC vs the rest of the field.

    Kowa 77 isn’t by any stretch a bad choice but if you need the space / less weight the Swaro ATS 65 HD would be angled scope I’d go for. If straight then Kowa 664M.

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