PF65 EDii still a contender?

[WestNE]

I bought this spotter used a year ago out so with an XW eyepiece that works in the center of the field but shows some strange aberations around the edges. I'll try to pay some images but it basically looks like glass in the eyepiece is delaminating.

I bought an Orion 7.2-21.5 zoom eyepiece with provides good views but is not waterproof. If I want waterproof I have to go to a $300 Baader Mk. IV it would appear.

The question is, with all these comparisons of Vanguard Endeavor HD's to Razors and glowing reviews of the Athlon Ares 65mm should I just sell the Pentax and move on. I don't have the ability to buy another and compare side by side.

I'm looking for a solid mid-size spotter for all around hunting and range use, should I just replace my current eyepiece is moisture is and issue or cut any possible future expense and buy a newer spotter in the $4-$600 range?

Nick

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[Decker9]

I ran the Pentax ED65 with the 20-60 eye piece for 3-4 years. Last year I upgraded to a Swarovski 65HD. In all honesty, I can’t tell any difference between the two besides that last few minutes of light.
Iv compared my Pentax side by side with my swarvo and a vortex viper 60 or 65, I can’t remember what they are. The Pentax beat the viper on all levels in my eye. But is quite par with my swarvo, and yet lighter.

 

[WestNE]

Thanks Decker. I guess it all comes down to eyepiece choice, unfortunately the preferred Pentax SMC is $400. Any hidden gems that people have first hand experience as far as lower priced 1.25" zoom eyepieces?
Nick

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[timberbuck]

Thanks Decker. I guess it all comes down to eyepiece choice, unfortunately the preferred Pentax SMC is $400. Any hidden gems that people have first hand experience as far as lower priced 1.25" zoom eyepieces?
Nick

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

I had one and it was superb with the XW14 eyepiece that yields around 30 magnification (best performance possible with the scope). Eventually i grew tired of the fixed magnification and sold it. Not impressed with the standard zoom it came with. My little Mixox 62 hd (no longer made) with standard zoom is lighter, smaller an sharp.

I would recommend the new Vortex Razor HD 65mm or a pre owned Swarovski or Zeiss 65. You are more likely to get the better deal on the Zeiss (victory TFL,black with zoom.)

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The Pentax SMC eyepiece is an excellent eyepiece. our issue with all Pentax sports optics is that when Ricoh took over Pentax a bunch of years ago the pentax Sports Optics division became a step child. They dropped all riflescopes, stopped new binocular models and cut the sports optics in house staff down to 1 person. At that time we had no choice but to stop promoting Pentax sports optics as they had really no support.
I think you'd be better served to get the Athlon Ares, have you seen this review?
Spotting Scope Review - 24hourcampfire
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