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Old 07-27-2007, 08:34 AM
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quiksilver
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Join Date: Feb 2003
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Default RE: Anybody have one?

Gr8 - ever since I posted that, I've been searching... I'm REALLY wanting one - BAD. It would take my scouting to a new level, really. I remember the first ones to come out hadA/V output jacks on it, and you had to hook it up to a video camera, and it ran around $1200. The prices are coming down now, and the quality (usefulness) appears to be rising fast. It's just about at a breaking point where an average consumer can afford one.

The best prices I can find are for the bushnell... Problem is, they have 2 models that look similar - one model is a .35 MP for $165 (that's a really grainy picture). http://spottingscopes.com/products/bushnell-bushnell-15-45x50-digital-imaging-spotter-31026.html

Their newer one is close to $300, but it's 2.1 MP - which is a much better picture quality. The only thing that scares me is that it looks like the camera lens is separate from the scope lens, so the magnification might not be the same. I have a pair of the digital camerabinos set up like that, and they suck. http://spottingscopes.com/products/bushnell-15-45x50-digital-imaging-spotting-scope-2-1-mp-48205.html

The one youjust posted ismodel #DTA/15-45X60,made by a Chinese company called "DONTOP"

Chongqing Dontop Optics Co. Ltd.
Tel: 0086 23 67907566
Fax: 0086 23 67911711


Anyway,they're selling them in bulk - CHEAP (inquiry pricing only). http://www.dontop.com/But, the problem is, they have an exclusive licensing agreement with Barska - who is gouging almost $500 per unit out of them to U.S. consumers. Check out the pics below - see the similarity? I even emailed Dontop to try and buy one of them, and they refuse to deal with U.S. Buyers due to their existing contract with Barska. Now, if you're a CANADIAN resident, the answer might be*ahem* different.




They did quote me some prices on their rangefinders, which were more than reasonable. So, based on that, I'd guess that Barska is getting these units for well under $200 each, and resaling them for close to $500.
http://www.spottingscopes.com/products/barska-15-45x60-naturescape-3-1-mega-pixel-digital-spotter-wtripod-57181.html
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