Re: Moving from Used to New...


Kevin Cunningham wrote:
If I were in your place I would look long and hard at both the Nikon 50i and
the BX-41 Olympus. Nikon has some real advantages but either 'scope is
sooooo good that it all evens out. The real point is who would you buy
from? A good dealer or factory rep is what you need. Who ever can give you
the time you need to decide is the person you want to go with.

Kevin,

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the models you mentioned.

Another poster recommended the Olympus BX-51. I downloaded the data
*** from Olympus' web site and it looks like the 51 is a much higher
end model than the 41. Are the prices of the 51 still in my price range
given a reasonable initial configuration? I think the PLN series or
UPLFLN-PH series objectives will suit my needs without getting into the
expense of APO objectives, which I really don't need.

On another note, I can't seem to find price lists for any of the big
four anywhere on the Internet. Do the manufacturers hold prices that
close to the vest? I'd like to evaluate whether I can reasonably afford
things like DIC before I call a dealer.

How to find a good dealer? Are there any out there who will even give
the time of day to an amateur wanting to buy just one scope (as opposed
to a buyer from a medical school looking to equip a whole lab)?

.