gr8fuldoug Report post Posted January 15, 2007 Hello all, I got back from the Shot Show a few hours ago. Yes, it was worth the trip. I saw a few very worthwhile new additions to the Wonderful World of Optics :cool: In no particular order (I am extremely sleep deprived as I am typing this so bear with me) Nikon's new Trailblazer Waterproof ATB Binocular in 8x42 and 10x50. Nice roof prism binocular, waterproof (it's right there in the name) smooth focus, nice and crisp (No, not a best in show, but I would say best in or near its price point) @ less than $200.00, which is awesome for a quality roof prism. The Zeiss Classic Riflescopes and their new RapidZ Ballistic Reticles. Zeiss also showed the new DC4 Digiscope eyepiece for their Spotting Scopes. Very cool It is an all in one eyepiece and digital camera. Takes all the setup and complications out of Digiscoping. Remove your existing eyepiece and replace it with this DC4 and you are ready to take pictures. Way cool. (Keep in mind I am a camera gearhead) *IMO, Best at Show* Swarovski Z6 Riflescopes. Wow. Sharp as all get out, bright, even clarity edge to edge and 6x zoom. Not a bad thing to say about it unless we start talking price and if you expected it to not be at the basic "I am looking at a Swarovski" price point then just skip on to the next mfg . 1-6x24 1.7-10x42 (Splendid) 2-12x50 $1449.00 - $1769.00 Also available with mounting rail and also in illuminated versions (of course for more money :crazy:). Pentax has a new binocular that they put out to compete with the Euros. It is their DCF ED series. Nice, very nice as a matter of fact. I'll have to do some stack tests when they come in, but after looking thru them at the show I ordered a bunch. Great higher end glass without crashing thru the $1000.00 mark . They also showed the new PF63 Zoom Spotting Scope. A welcome addition to the world of spotting scopes. A waterproof and nitrogen filled body with a very handy side focus knob for very user friendly focusing and it zooms from 20x-50x, with a full rubber armoring and under $350.00. This definitely fills a void that has been in the scope market. I had a chance to spend some time over at the Vortex booth playing with their offerings. They had some worthwhile glass at very favorable prices. I looked for rugged build, smooth focus, edge to edge sharpness and how they felt in my hands. Overall I think they are trying hard to become a player and are under pricing their line in order to make it more appealing. More to come on them. Leica has introduced the CRF 900. Looks and acts just as the CRF 1200 but with less distance and a bit smaller price tag. Those of you who want the best small (put it in your pocket) laser rangefinder that is truly waterproof, not just water resistant can now choose the CRF 1200 or if you don't need that much distance save a couple of bucks and go with the CRF 900. I am looking forward to the next week or two as I expect to be getting huge shipments of demo/samples arriving from this show. As they come in I will post them here as we always do. If I can answer anything for anyone just let me know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 15, 2007 It will be interesting to hear how the Pentax DCF ED and Vortex's best stack up against the Minox HGs. Doug~RR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stanley Report post Posted January 16, 2007 I would agree Doug (RR). Being the cheap-skate that I am, I have yet to make the leap to the 'BIG GLASS' names..... I have some Pentax 10x42 DCF WPs that I LOVE. Maybe these would be a nice step-up for me on my way to the Swaros? Doug (grtful), are the EDs going to be available in the higher powers (15+)? S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted January 16, 2007 Pentax already had some ED glass binos (The SP's) and they are awesome. I wonder what the improvements are? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daryl_s Report post Posted January 16, 2007 Will you be getting any of the Pentax PF63 Zoom Spotting Scopes? From what you had to say about them it sounds like something I would be interested in. Thanks, Daryl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gr8fuldoug Report post Posted January 17, 2007 In reply to all of the above. The biggest option in the new DCF ED will be a 10x50. The DCF SP series do not have ED glass, however, they do have hydrophobic external lens coatings. Yes, we ordered the PF63 spotter as we feel it is a fantastic value in a quality optic. I will do a post when they arrive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
