Im living my 14s but my glass addiction is still pulling me in. I am looking at a Kowa 883 at what appears to be a great deal. Have you ever had a chance to look through one. I’ve never used a big spotter but I like the idea of having one. Do you feel the weight penalty of roughly 9oz is worth jumping up to the 85-88mm class from the 65mm.
The 14s on a tripod are really special. I don’t have any experience with other high powered binos but looking through the 14s is so enjoyable.
What adapter are you using for your tripod? I just pulled the trigger on the 14s today. Considering the swaro adapter, outdoorsman’s or an aziak clamp. Planning to run a front country ball head
I went with the outdoorsman. Very easy to install. I considered the Swaro but the locking mechanism seemed a bit risky, like if it was accidentally disengaged it might drop the binos. I’m sure I was overthinking it but the outdoorsman’s is cheaper and seemed more secure.
I haven’t, I use a 82mm Meopta S2. It is phenomenal, I feel the weight penalty is totally worth it for me. I’ve had 65mm and sold them and just recently sold a Swaro ATC because everytime I used it I wished I had my S2. I’ve heard great stuff about the Kowa’s.
Really debating this as well. Currently have 10x with a range finder and a kowa 773. Love the kowa, but realistically I don't need to carry it as even with both eyes open I don't like using it for searching. Have looked through the NL 8x32s are they are amazing for the field of view and compactness. Like everything there's always a compromise just have to spend the time and money to figure out what it is in the field!
I honestly love the 8s they are so stable to free hand. I don't see myself going back to 10s on my chest rig.
Same and for a lot of close up work I’ve always felt the 10’s were a little much. Archery elk and shed hunting are both areas where I’ve always felt like 10’s were too much.
Throw one of my NS rings on those 8s. I glass with mine on a tripod often it's great especially for elk.
