WILDLIFE OBSERVATION IN CANADA
CLOSE UP: THE MINOX MD80 ZR
I come from a flat area characterised by forests and cultivated landscapes, which is why I have had little experience with spotting scopes until coming to Canada. A spotting scope is very useful, yet necessary, here. The decision to use the MD80 ZR has helped me immensely in two sectors:
1. observing and targeting game from long distances
2. use as a spotter for long-range shooting
First impression
The MD80 ZR makes a solid and high-quality impression. Much to my delight, the scope came with a protective cover, which can be closed with a zipper and remain on the spotting scope even when used with a tripod. The weight is comparable to other spotting scopes of this size and everything appeared sharp on first inspection. The focus and zoom are easy to adjust, but not too smooth, so that accidental adjustment is avoided.
Use as a spotter
Over the next few months, I would like to dive more into the subject of long-range shooting. A spotting scope is handy here, if you don't intent on working on your and long distance runs at the same time. I hope that the MR2 reticle will help me to correct our sights quickly and easily.
Animal observation
Not only did my address change when I moved to Canada, but also the nature around me. The landscape here offers unimagined challenges. The open expanses and rugged mountains demand the right equipment for hunting.
The native game here is a size larger than what I know from Germany and Europe, and these animals travel very long distances in the often unspoiled countryside. In addition, widespread predators such as grizzlies, black bears, wolves, and cougars make the game more cautious.
With these aspects in mind, it is advantageous and sometimes essential to be able to approach and observe safely from a greater distance. With its continuously adjustable 20-60x zoom, the MD80 ZR offers a wide range of applications and also provides good and clear images at close range. The field of view at 1000 m is around 40 m, which provides a good overview of the scenery, but brings the objects close enough at the same time. The lens diameter of 80 mm and the high-quality glass provide a sharp, bright, and clear image. The MR2 reticle helps to estimate distances. I am very satisfied with my new hunting companion so far.
Katharina Aldenhoff
I grew up with hunting and passed my hunting test in 2011 at the age of 15. Hunting has always been part of my life and is simply part of a sustainable lifestyle for me. I have been living in Canada since 2023 and am now able to get to know the differences and parallels between the two continents.
Equipment:
Mauser 98 with RS-4 2.5-10x42
MINOX X-HD 8x56
MINOX MD80ZR spotting scope
MINOX X-range 10x42