I've finally bought a decent bino like this, Celestron 8x42 a few years ago and had no problem with it. But after buying Leupold Yosemite recently
Showing posts with label equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label equipment. Show all posts
Sunday, June 2, 2019
I'm not satisfied with Celestron any more
I've finally bought a decent bino like this, Celestron 8x42 a few years ago and had no problem with it. But after buying Leupold Yosemite recently
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Leupold 6x30 binocular
Now I know why DD 'ditched' this!
Optic is terrific, commands good FOV too. The problem is, the power is not good enough. 6 power just don't cut it, except for rather close observations. So probably best suited in the woods, trails(like Magee marsh boardwalk? Haven't been there, just guessing) for spotting warblers and likewise fast moving passerines. It IS not a toy, as Pete Dunne or somebody mentioned; it's rather hefty, too. But for multi-purpose all around birding, better power is advised. DD actually was touting 10x42 Canon stabilizing binocular for Hahamongna birding yesterday, and another birder was also using a 10 power one. 8 power is probably the best, since too much power destabilizes the view(hence DD using a stabilizing one).
Optic is terrific, commands good FOV too. The problem is, the power is not good enough. 6 power just don't cut it, except for rather close observations. So probably best suited in the woods, trails(like Magee marsh boardwalk? Haven't been there, just guessing) for spotting warblers and likewise fast moving passerines. It IS not a toy, as Pete Dunne or somebody mentioned; it's rather hefty, too. But for multi-purpose all around birding, better power is advised. DD actually was touting 10x42 Canon stabilizing binocular for Hahamongna birding yesterday, and another birder was also using a 10 power one. 8 power is probably the best, since too much power destabilizes the view(hence DD using a stabilizing one).
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Bino for home birding
I got to use Pentax Papilio bino on a San Bernadino Audubon field trip to Big Bear Lake area(the leaders kindly loaned me one), and it was quite good, for such a small size.
Was it this
Or this;
So I thought of buying one, and bought a cheaper UCFR for half a price.
And having used it for some time; really not bad at all, and it being so small, you can just whip it out from your jacket or hoodie pocket and do instant birding anywhere!
Of course not enough FOV, but I've spotted Townsend's and Orange-crowned warblers inside the canopy at downtown East Pasadena using it one handed! So handy.
Heartily recommend those for easy and quick birding.
Was it this
Or this;
Get it by Sat, Feb 23
FREE Shipping on eligible orders
So I thought of buying one, and bought a cheaper UCFR for half a price.
by Pentax
And having used it for some time; really not bad at all, and it being so small, you can just whip it out from your jacket or hoodie pocket and do instant birding anywhere!
Of course not enough FOV, but I've spotted Townsend's and Orange-crowned warblers inside the canopy at downtown East Pasadena using it one handed! So handy.
Heartily recommend those for easy and quick birding.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Piute/Apollo Park birding
https://www.amazon.com/Kowa-Straight-Performance-Spotting-PROMINAR/dp/B000J46CBI/ref=cm_wl_huc_item
A birder was using that one methinks and the quality was outstanding. All other birders today at Zuma beach(the Gillilands, Feenstra, Cyger) were carrying those as well! Pricey though, but $700 one is actually less than a Macbook, if you think about it! Maye 5 years later lol, I just bought that Celestron Ultima, and I'm pretty satisfied with that one by now.
Was hoping for a Black Tern, but no luck. It'll turn up from late May anyway, so looking foward to adding it to my lifelist. Already obtained a yearly permit, so good to go.
I should also visit Palmdale area again to spot that Scott's Oriole...Duran yesterday spotted it in the afternoon according to ebird; maybe I should've gone there after Apollo, but was too tired.
Never seen so many empids(mostly Pacific-slope, but at least one Hammond's) and Wilson's warbler lol. Had to comment 'yet another..Wilson's Warbler'...how many times did I repeat it? Siminski also reported at Big Morongo that it's teeming with Wilson's. Interesting. Didn't notice it last year.
Good find was a MacGillivray's, skulking in a dense bush at Apollo. Really shy. Did not know that it actually favored that kind of habitat, also checked the field guides and confirmed it.
Lesser Yellowleg was another good find. Bank Swallow was again spotted. Clark Grebe, Redhead, Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Plover, Burrowing and Great Horned Owl, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Western Wood-Pewee, Loggerhead Shrike, Le Conte's Thrasher(2nd time in a row we spotted it easily, we missed it on my first trip at Piute), Cactus Wren, Bell's Sparrow, Swainson's Thrush...all good finds.
Mark Scheel spotted a Tricolored Blackbird, but I missed it. Lots of Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Spotted a Sora, but Virginia Rail was also spotted, too bad I missed that one. Also plenty of Black-crowned Night-Herons.
All together, saw vastly less than other veteran members lol, about 55 species. Still glad I went.
'Master' doing his thang at Apollo, trying to detect the call of an empid to confirm if it's indeed a Hammond's Flycatcher! After listening to god knows what, he proudly announced that indeed it was!
A birder was using that one methinks and the quality was outstanding. All other birders today at Zuma beach(the Gillilands, Feenstra, Cyger) were carrying those as well! Pricey though, but $700 one is actually less than a Macbook, if you think about it! Maye 5 years later lol, I just bought that Celestron Ultima, and I'm pretty satisfied with that one by now.
Was hoping for a Black Tern, but no luck. It'll turn up from late May anyway, so looking foward to adding it to my lifelist. Already obtained a yearly permit, so good to go.
I should also visit Palmdale area again to spot that Scott's Oriole...Duran yesterday spotted it in the afternoon according to ebird; maybe I should've gone there after Apollo, but was too tired.
Never seen so many empids(mostly Pacific-slope, but at least one Hammond's) and Wilson's warbler lol. Had to comment 'yet another..Wilson's Warbler'...how many times did I repeat it? Siminski also reported at Big Morongo that it's teeming with Wilson's. Interesting. Didn't notice it last year.
Good find was a MacGillivray's, skulking in a dense bush at Apollo. Really shy. Did not know that it actually favored that kind of habitat, also checked the field guides and confirmed it.
Lesser Yellowleg was another good find. Bank Swallow was again spotted. Clark Grebe, Redhead, Red-necked Phalarope, Semipalmated Plover, Burrowing and Great Horned Owl, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Western Wood-Pewee, Loggerhead Shrike, Le Conte's Thrasher(2nd time in a row we spotted it easily, we missed it on my first trip at Piute), Cactus Wren, Bell's Sparrow, Swainson's Thrush...all good finds.
Mark Scheel spotted a Tricolored Blackbird, but I missed it. Lots of Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Spotted a Sora, but Virginia Rail was also spotted, too bad I missed that one. Also plenty of Black-crowned Night-Herons.
All together, saw vastly less than other veteran members lol, about 55 species. Still glad I went.
What were we looking for here..
Friday, April 14, 2017
Verdict on Ultima 80 (20 * 60) scope
'Test-drived' the same day it arrived at San Joaquin Marsh(nearest pond to the Audubon house, since I had little time), and very satisfied.
80 means more sunlight, and it really seemed like watching a movie in HD! Better of course in power, compared to my previous 12*36 one.
Also used at Malibu Lagoon and Peck Pit.
Now ready to do some Seabird watching!
80 means more sunlight, and it really seemed like watching a movie in HD! Better of course in power, compared to my previous 12*36 one.
Also used at Malibu Lagoon and Peck Pit.
Now ready to do some Seabird watching!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Bought Arm Sleeves
Was impressed with a tennis umpire wearing at SD, so bought it, sunscreen doesn't really seem to help. Wearing long sleeve shirts is too cumbersome(especially in this humidity, ugh), and I do want to show of my bird-themed T shirts as well lol, so..
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Birding with a scope at HCP & BC
I thought I'd be test scoping at Peck Pit, but just assembled it at HCP parking lot lol. Soon enough got the hang of it(assembly and usage was easy), and so birded with it a bit.
Very convenient, panning was easy, all around. And altogether it's SO light lol.
Optics, could be better, but really can't complain at that price.
The biggest disappointment is power; 12-36* really isn't enough for me. Maybe should've bought a scope with 20 power as a base, but again, can't complain at that price. Would recommend to novice birders.
So next time I'm buying, won't buy Ultima; as I said, I was really impressed with
Pentax PF-65ED-A II Spotting Scope w/Field Case, so will buy that one.
For now, pretty satisfied with the performance of
Celestron 52322 Landscout 12-36x60 Spotting Scope (Army Green) &
Very convenient, panning was easy, all around. And altogether it's SO light lol.
Optics, could be better, but really can't complain at that price.
The biggest disappointment is power; 12-36* really isn't enough for me. Maybe should've bought a scope with 20 power as a base, but again, can't complain at that price. Would recommend to novice birders.
So next time I'm buying, won't buy Ultima; as I said, I was really impressed with
Pentax PF-65ED-A II Spotting Scope w/Field Case, so will buy that one.
For now, pretty satisfied with the performance of
Celestron 52322 Landscout 12-36x60 Spotting Scope (Army Green) &
But will it be sufficient for birding pelagic species? Let's hope so.
P.S. But of course, Ultima costs a 'mere' $180(80mm one), and has 20 power as a base. Who knows I'll buy it too in case my Landscout isn't sufficient for watching seabirds...lol.
P.S. But of course, Ultima costs a 'mere' $180(80mm one), and has 20 power as a base. Who knows I'll buy it too in case my Landscout isn't sufficient for watching seabirds...lol.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
scope or camera?
I'm not sure I've ever seen birders bring two of those at the same time.
Not a small camera like mine. A big professional camera, which costs at least $1k.
Which would you prefer? Me, not sure lol. Sure scope is great, but camera is very useful as well. And that kind of expensive ones can zoom and shoot quickly(unlike mine lol, I have to zoom it first and it takes ages!). I've actually carried only my camera some times after I broke my cheap bino and before finally relenting and buying Celestron DX Nature bino. Sure I love it, but I'm not sure it was essential..maybe my small zoom camera + scope combo might've been adequate enough.
Not a small camera like mine. A big professional camera, which costs at least $1k.
Which would you prefer? Me, not sure lol. Sure scope is great, but camera is very useful as well. And that kind of expensive ones can zoom and shoot quickly(unlike mine lol, I have to zoom it first and it takes ages!). I've actually carried only my camera some times after I broke my cheap bino and before finally relenting and buying Celestron DX Nature bino. Sure I love it, but I'm not sure it was essential..maybe my small zoom camera + scope combo might've been adequate enough.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Kowa Prominar and Swarovski, etc.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/scope-quest-2008-our-review-of-spotting-scopes/#_ga=1.26920765.1045626795.1436888418
At Bolsa Chica some elderly birders were all using that scope, should've tried it.
Today tried some scopes including Swarovski; not impressed.
If those expensive scopes aren't so good...what of my cheap Celestron...??!! Dreading of the poor performance lol. What if the power is too low? We'll see in a few days, when it arrives..!
At Bolsa Chica some elderly birders were all using that scope, should've tried it.
Today tried some scopes including Swarovski; not impressed.
If those expensive scopes aren't so good...what of my cheap Celestron...??!! Dreading of the poor performance lol. What if the power is too low? We'll see in a few days, when it arrives..!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Finally, bought a scope
After prolonged agony, lol, dood it;
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-52322-Landscout-12-36x60-Spotting/dp/B00B7LQ2EO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439518387&sr=8-1&keywords=celestron+landscout+12-36x60+spotting+scope
Along with a tripod
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-82050-TrailSeeker-Tripod-Black/dp/B00K8U2EBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439518432&sr=8-1&keywords=celestron+trailseeker+tripod
Lol, tripod costs more, but investing in good tripod is a must; in case I upgrade to better heavier scopes. If the scope wobbles, what's the use lol.
Some say scope under $100 isn't worth buying, but was intrigued with a positive review, and since I can't really spend more, bought it. It's even cheaper than now discontinued Yukon! Will be interesting about the optic quality.
Surely will try at Pecks Pit first, to scan the farther shore. Also seabird watching, but not sure this scope will be that good. I needed a scope when there was a feeding frenzy involving various gulls, Pelicans and Dolphins just offshore at Tijuana..lol. Maybe there were some shearwaters around, who knows. Zoomed camera couldn't really tell(poor pics).
Anyway, since it's pretty light, might slug with me anywhere I go birding. I've seen veteran birders do exactly that, from shores to hills. You never know what you'll encounter, so..
Quite excited, hope it's not a bust.
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-52322-Landscout-12-36x60-Spotting/dp/B00B7LQ2EO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439518387&sr=8-1&keywords=celestron+landscout+12-36x60+spotting+scope
Along with a tripod
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-82050-TrailSeeker-Tripod-Black/dp/B00K8U2EBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439518432&sr=8-1&keywords=celestron+trailseeker+tripod
Lol, tripod costs more, but investing in good tripod is a must; in case I upgrade to better heavier scopes. If the scope wobbles, what's the use lol.
Some say scope under $100 isn't worth buying, but was intrigued with a positive review, and since I can't really spend more, bought it. It's even cheaper than now discontinued Yukon! Will be interesting about the optic quality.
Surely will try at Pecks Pit first, to scan the farther shore. Also seabird watching, but not sure this scope will be that good. I needed a scope when there was a feeding frenzy involving various gulls, Pelicans and Dolphins just offshore at Tijuana..lol. Maybe there were some shearwaters around, who knows. Zoomed camera couldn't really tell(poor pics).
Anyway, since it's pretty light, might slug with me anywhere I go birding. I've seen veteran birders do exactly that, from shores to hills. You never know what you'll encounter, so..
Quite excited, hope it's not a bust.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Seriously considering buying a scope
http://featheredgeoptics.org/petespick-scopes.htm
It's shorebirds migration season. And I've seen veteran birders use it literally everywhere lol, even using to view a bird on an overhead tree lol(for example at Apollo Park).
And, should be useful for seabird watching as well, such as Point. Vicente and Loma, etc.
I envied a walk leader(was it Sepulveda or Hansen?)'s brilliant scope
Pentax PF-65ED-A II Spotting Scope
This had such a clear view, and nice FOV as well, and I've used a lot of scopes participating on many field trips. But at $500, a bit too expensive for me.
Luckily, there's a fine scope recommended by many birding sites, which is similar in price to binoculars!
Celestron 52248 65mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope
Lighter the better, so 65mm is fine by me. And 45 degree one should be more useful for birds overhead and such(but it's $30 more expensive than the straight one, ugh).
AND you need to buy a sturdy but light tripod as well.
Still, debating...lol.
Yukon FireFall 12-36x50 AE Spotting Scope
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjACahUKEwiYw8mws6LHAhXFlYgKHSepA90&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdwatching.com%2Foptics%2F2009scopes_mid%2Fyukon_firefall12-36X50.html&ei=gKLKVZiDE8WrogSn0o7oDQ&usg=AFQjCNHL7W0H9uz_dulZyna7GzMt0YhU0A&sig2=mWjNqlvfpReyk0Lv8DIfKg
This is even cheaper! But can't find it
It's shorebirds migration season. And I've seen veteran birders use it literally everywhere lol, even using to view a bird on an overhead tree lol(for example at Apollo Park).
And, should be useful for seabird watching as well, such as Point. Vicente and Loma, etc.
I envied a walk leader(was it Sepulveda or Hansen?)'s brilliant scope
Pentax PF-65ED-A II Spotting Scope
This had such a clear view, and nice FOV as well, and I've used a lot of scopes participating on many field trips. But at $500, a bit too expensive for me.
Luckily, there's a fine scope recommended by many birding sites, which is similar in price to binoculars!
Celestron 52248 65mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope
Lighter the better, so 65mm is fine by me. And 45 degree one should be more useful for birds overhead and such(but it's $30 more expensive than the straight one, ugh).
AND you need to buy a sturdy but light tripod as well.
Still, debating...lol.
Yukon FireFall 12-36x50 AE Spotting Scope
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjACahUKEwiYw8mws6LHAhXFlYgKHSepA90&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdwatching.com%2Foptics%2F2009scopes_mid%2Fyukon_firefall12-36X50.html&ei=gKLKVZiDE8WrogSn0o7oDQ&usg=AFQjCNHL7W0H9uz_dulZyna7GzMt0YhU0A&sig2=mWjNqlvfpReyk0Lv8DIfKg
This is even cheaper! But can't find it
Thursday, July 23, 2015
After using Celestron bino for a bit
Not bad at all, crisp view, and even 3D effect.
A bit heavy but that was to be expected(so actually ordered a much lighter and cheaper
, but having some delivery problem at Amazon and the seller).
Disappointing is FOV; I thought 388 ft would be respectable, but not that satisfying compared to Papilio 6.5 *21. Generally don't have problem tracking fast bird movement though, but that maybe just my skill lol.
LER, not bad. Focus wheel, not bad either.
A bit heavy but that was to be expected(so actually ordered a much lighter and cheaper
Pentax 8x21 UCF R Binoculars
, but having some delivery problem at Amazon and the seller).
Disappointing is FOV; I thought 388 ft would be respectable, but not that satisfying compared to Papilio 6.5 *21. Generally don't have problem tracking fast bird movement though, but that maybe just my skill lol.
LER, not bad. Focus wheel, not bad either.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)