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  1. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Few pics from a Japanese friend of a friend. As I’ve been looking for another 664 I ended up with two old 613, I’ll give one to nephew. Had bit of fun attempting to align them on one tripod plate but unfortunately they’re a smidge off. If I removed the hood it *might* work. The straight version...
  2. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    To answer query , in theory Big eye 2x 66mm =68.42 cm.squared total aperture area 85BTX = 56.75 95 BTX = 70.88 115 BTX = 103.87 So the 664 Big eye should outperform the BTX85 and be around level of BTX95. It would be very interesting to compare against the BTX115 , I’d bet the difference...
  3. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    It’s the total area of the glass that is the determinant factor. 115mm will resolve more detail than two 66mm. Did some sums of popular combinations of big eyes and this should give a rough guide of what to expect note BTX despite the aperture real estate will be dimmer vs bino scopes / big...
  4. SikaSeeker

    Sold Flatline bracket for Kowa 664s ( Big Eyes)

    have these sold?
  5. SikaSeeker

    Kowa Prominar TSN-664

    For those considering the Kowa 664. I was comparing to the 823M I also own and was surprised there was barely any difference in test I carried out. In fact right at edge of view in extreme contrast situation(white bucket against green grass) I noted more CA in the 823M. Flourite controls CA but...
  6. SikaSeeker

    Do I need to upgrade my Pentax DCF WP?

    recommend buying a used porro design from Swarovski, the 10x40w is exemplary. Light transmission is ridiculous in the Habicht porro line. A brand new one is around 1K mark. You get nice 3D image rendering, bright accurate colors and superb on axis sharpness.
  7. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Have chance to purchase BTX85mm but have heard Kowa 664s are better? Has anyone compared BTX 95 or 115 to the Kowa 664s? BTX 115 vs 132(66x2) Kowa’s in terms of light gathering. Surely they wouldn’t beat Swarovski?
  8. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    Benny Wells adapter pictures in this thread , look similar to Adams Adapters https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/twin-swarovski-sts-spotters-big-eyes.271451/
  9. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    The bracket approach is ideal for this use case absolutely. I’d been reading a US Navy optical man’s ranting about collimating errors hence why that was on my mind. Would like to see pics of Wells adapter if possible. I’ve got one Kowa 664 body and 2x 30 x EPs so just need another body before I...
  10. SikaSeeker

    Everyone is being Brainwashed- Jocko Willink

    If you want to delve deeper into how actual brainwashing operates(more subtle than you imagine) look into a dude called Anthony Napoleon. He was a former PSYOP specialist , lives in La Jolla and now runs jury selection consultancy. Warning, if you enjoy sleeping soundly at night avoid his book...
  11. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    3 axis alignment in binoculars is both barrels aligned in 3 axis AND aligned with hinge. It takes fair amount of skill plus equipment to do 100% accurately. It’s not a big deal as far as I can tell if you do conditional alignment unless you’re extremely sensitive/have “bad” eyes. Friend of...
  12. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    I saw Hatchett Jacks setup in another forum, looks really beefy plate aluminium. Unsure exactly how it works and if it provides 3axis collimation vs “conditional alignment”. 3 axis basically means anyone can use the binos whereas conditional isn’t as accurate but are aligned for your personal eyes.
  13. SikaSeeker

    Alternative to the BTX.

    Monk Optics in the U.K. had a 90mm scope and Binoviewer kit released in late 90s. Spotted one for sale but lady wouldn’t ship. She wanted only $40! Actual value when new would’ve been between alpha and budget. Binoviewers for Astro are not really suited to outdoors, more of an instrument than...
  14. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    If you’re not fairly competent you’ll just cause yourself more grief with a DIY bracket. The guys who make them have ironed out the issues for you, if money is issue look out for used. Otherwise it’s a fun weekend project. I’m currently after 664 big eye bracket. I’d like to see some guys do...
  15. SikaSeeker

    Why not more DIY “big eyes”?

    The eyepiece on the highlanders is exact same as 30x one used in 66s. Incredible edge sharpness on those. I’ve got the 82mm flourite and 66 Kowa. Know a guy with broken 82mm and wondering how difficult it would be to reverse engineer the prism housing so you could “mirror” the casing and turn...
  16. SikaSeeker

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

    You probably have a very good quality example. Do they give you the option to buy the loaner? If you compare to 10 of exact same model you’ll find the one you had was very well corrected. This goes for all optics of course, Stanley Kubrick (& many big name directors) may buy 10 lenses which...
  17. SikaSeeker

    clothing made in China

    With anything you tend to get what you pay. Buy from a decent company, ideally made in US/ Europe that has standards and good warranty. I buy expensive clothes now that last easily five times longer. It takes a while for the value to show but it does show. Boots especially, spend on hand or...
  18. SikaSeeker

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

    If you look at the design you’ll notice it has a large “bump” at its base. I’m guessing that has allowed an oversized prism(compared to competitors) to be used and they get away it by cleverly combining it with a tripod socket. The old Nikon fieldscopes used oversized offset prism design that...
  19. SikaSeeker

    Glass snob question 😁

    Nikon Monarch 82mm is one of the best(if not THE best) spotters you can buy. Not sure if that extends to scopes but I’d trial it against your top choice if possible. Nikons glass is under rated by many. Leica is best colour wise if that’s important plus build quality and support are excellent...
  20. SikaSeeker

    New Kowa glass?

    Just checked and 99 was released Fall21, the 88 Fall 22 so from a “product line rollout” perspective it seems they like that time of year. If you’ve heard anything solid rumour wise it’d make sense Fall 23 will be the new 600 series.

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