The Optisan PL 80 bundle is a standout choice for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, compact, and high-performance spotting scope. This package, showcased by Southwest Optics in Torbay, impresses with a combination of innovative design elements and premium components, making it an exceptional tool for both amateur and professional users.
This blog post explores the key features and benefits of the Optisan PL 80, detailing its optical quality, ergonomic design, focusing capabilities, and the included carbon fibre tripod, all of which contribute to an outstanding birdwatching experience.
Lightweight and Compact Form Factor
One of the most attractive attributes of the Optisan PL 80 is its lightweight design. Weighing only approximately 1.85 kilograms, this scope is easier to carry compared to typical spotting scopes with similar objective sizes.
The physical length - 400 millimetres from the objective to the eyepiece, ensures the device remains compact and portable. This size convenience enables you to fit the scope comfortably in your rucksack or kit bag without excessive bulk.
High-Quality Hoya Objective Lens System
At the heart of the PL 80’s optical performance is its premium Hoya objective lens. Renowned for their Japanese craftsmanship, Hoya lenses are famous for:
For photographers and birdwatchers alike, this results in more accurate and vivid colour reproduction, making the viewed subjects appear true to life in various lighting conditions.
Precision Central Barrel Focus Mechanism
The Optisan PL 80 features a central barrel focusing system with an impressive 720° rotation capability. This wide rotational degree allows super fine focusing adjustments, especially crucial when operating at the maximum magnification.
Having this feature optimizes the scope for both low and high-power viewing, enabling seamless transitions between detailed telescopic views and broad landscape observations.
Wide Magnification Range and Superior Eye Relief
The scope’s magnification range is versatile, shifting from a minimum of 15x power to a maximum of 60x power. This wide range caters to various birding scenarios:
Moreover, the PL 80 Spotting Scope offers an excellent eye relief of over 22 millimetres at lower powers. For spectacle wearers, this means greater comfort without needing to remove their glasses, facilitating long observation sessions without eye strain.
Introduction to the LS365 Carbon Fibre Tripod
The bundle includes the prestigious LS365 carbon fibre tripod, crafted with ten-layer Toray carbon fibre. This tripod brings several advantages:
The Camo PG1 Skeletonized Head
Completing the setup is the Camo PG1 skeletonized head, normally valued at nearly £500 when sold separately. Its design provides:
Together, the tripod and head system elevate the practicality and performance of the entire spotting scope package.
Value and Price: A Perfect Balance for Serious Birdwatchers
The combined value of the Optisan PL 80 Spotting Scope and the LS365 carbon fibre tripod with the Camo PG1 head reaches well over £2,200 based on individual retail prices. However, at Southwest Optics, this full bundle is available for only £1,199 while stocks last, representing a significant saving without compromising quality.
This price point makes the scope and tripod combination an affordable, professional-grade option suitable for:
Birdwatching demands clarity, precision, and durability, all qualities that the Optisan PL 80 delivers seamlessly. The scope’s combination of lightweight portability, premium optics, and user-friendly features makes it a perfect match for users who hunt for a blend of compactness and high magnification.
Its durability and high optical fidelity enable comfortable all-day usage, while the customizable focusing and zoom options adapt excellently to diverse viewing conditions.
Additional Considerations for Photography and Observation
Thanks to the high-grade Hoya lenses, bird photographers can count on the PL 80 to boost image sharpness and colour accuracy across various lighting scenarios. The scope’s smooth focus system also aids in capturing crisp images at high magnification, which is often challenging with less refined optics.
The tripod ensures stability essential for long exposure shots or detailed observation without the interference of shake or vibration.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approximately 1.85 kg |
| Length | 400 mm (objective lens to eyepiece) |
| Objective Lens | Premium Japanese Hoya glass |
| Focus System | Central barrel focus with 720° rotation |
| Magnification Range | 15x to 60x |
| Eye Relief | Over 22 mm, suitable for spectacle wearers |
| Tripod | LS365 Carbon Fibre, 10-layer Toray carbon fibre construction |
| Tripod Head | Camo PG1 skeletonised head, approximately £500 value |
| Price | £1,199 (bundle price at Southwest Optics) |
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a passionate birdwatcher or a professional field observer, the Optisan PL 80 paired with the LS365 carbon fibre tripod offers an unbeatable combination of performance, portability, and value. Its premium materials and precision engineering make it a dependable choice, while the affordable bundle price presents an excellent investment opportunity for superior optics without breaking the bank.
For those seeking to upgrade their birdwatching setup, visit Southwest Optics to experience first hand this remarkable package and take advantage of limited stock availability.
What makes the Hoya lenses special in the Optisan PL 80?
Hoya lenses are renowned for their precision craftsmanship and colour fidelity, providing exceptional clarity and colour accuracy essential for detailed birdwatching.
Can I use the Optisan PL 80 comfortably with glasses?
Yes, the scope offers over 22 millimetres of eye relief at lower magnification, making it very comfortable for spectacle wearers.
How does the carbon fibre tripod enhance the spotting experience?
The LS365 tripod reduces vibrations and provides a stable base, ensuring clear images and ease of use even during extended observation sessions.
Is this scope suitable for photography?
Absolutely. Its premium optics and smooth focusing system are ideal for capturing sharp, detailed images at various zoom levels.
