What binoculars do you guys use?

I'm looking to buy a pair of qulity binos and have been reading all the birding forums. What I'm trying to do is figure out where the "sweet spot" is, in terms of quality and value for money.

So for those of who you who carry binos to the field - what do you carry, why did you select it and what have you compared it with?

Vandit

I carry Zeiss 8X32 Victory glass. The high quality optics offset the lower absolute brightness number to some degree, and they're relatively light compared to the 8X42 model. The only peer for these binocs is Swarovski, and I thought I got more for my money going with Zeiss. I've been an avid birder since I was a teenager ('bout 35 years) and I've tried numerous binocs along the way; Nikon, Swift, Pentax, Audubon, etc. None compare to Zeiss and Swarovski. Be sure you're sitting down when you see the price tag (think Canon "L" glass).

Yeah, my leading candidates are the Zeiss Victory 10x42 and the Canon 10x41L IS, and I've gotten over the sticker shock (sort of). While I am willing to go into that price league, I am still not sure whether it would be worth it. Given that $200 bins are "high end" around here, I dont think I'll be able to try any out either.

Hhow much of an upgrade in real world usage was it, going with the top gun binos? Does it simply mean more enjoyable birding, or can you actually see more details in the bird's plumage and markings?

Buying glass is easy. This is painful!

Vandit

For Leica to not be included in the top tier is a huge mistake. Leica and Swarovski share the top slots with Zeiss again knocking on the door after recent years of producing lesser products. I wish one was clearly better so that I wouldn't have to carry so many! In the 8x32 I prefer the Leica for it's smallest size and at just over a pound it's the binocular of choice to go along with carying lots of camera gear for me. I carry over 50 different models of binoculars in my shop and I'd have to say the sweet spot is hard to pin down as it's in a different place depending on your wallet. Having said that I'd say that decent quality begins in the $250 to $350 range with many that fit in there that I could use myself without always thinking "I wish I had my Leica's with me". One thing is for sure... you can get a lot more binocular for you buck today than you could even 10 or 15 years ago when you couldn't get anything approaching the quality you can today in that range.

I have a pair of Zeiss 8 x 30 Diafun binoculars. They are a no-nonsense, light pair of binoculars that only cost $249.00. Compared to other binoculars in this price range, the Zeiss are much more clear and have better contrast, even when viewing into the sun.

Yup, Leica is top shelf as well. Do you see a huge difference in high-end binocs versus the less expensive (under $1000) varieties? I do. Better clarity. Better color. Less distortion. Usually better eye relief for glasses wearers. Hey, there is a close rival for about $600. Check out the Pentax 8X43 DCF SP. I know a couple of locals here that use them and think very highly of them.

I tend to go "cheap" on binoculars, and keep several pair of them laying around at home, in my truck, for my canoe/kayaks, etc. I use the Bushnell 1325's and have been well pleased with them. I bought my original pair for only $49 at Walmart, and have picked up several more on Ebay for $15-25. They're small, light weight, and decent quality, and If I tear them up, drop in the water, etc. I'm not out much! I don't think Bushnell makes them anymore, but I'm sure they make a similar model.

Tom, I'd agree. I have a pair of 10 X 30 Zeiss Diafun and they are high quality at a reasonable price.

For dedicated birding I use the Zeiss 10x42's, but they stay home the rest of the time. For day-in day-out carry I've got an old Zeiss 10x25B. They're tiny and light, yet image quality is up there. They've got a dedicated slot in my camera bag, so I'm never without. If size and weight matter, have a look at them. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Whatever you get, be sure to try them out in a shop, especially if you wear glasses.

I use relatively inexpensive roof prism Pentax 8x36 DCF HS-s. They are comfortable with my glasses, sharp, fully multicoated optics, water resistant body, nicely damped focus dial, compact and 660g.

I wouldn`t carry anything heavier along with my photo gear and I don`t spend very long at a time looking through binoculars. For my use the Pentax-s are simply _good enough_ and I couldn`t justify paying twice as much for an incrementally better German-made product.

Whatever the brand, I recommend higher quality roof prism 8x36/40-s over any 10x42-s at the same price. Assuming you already carry a camera with a big telephoto lens, accessories, tripod, etc, the reduced weight and size is important, IMO. If you want high magnification for observing the smallest details, a tripod mounted spotting scope is the way to go.

Well I'll chime in with a suggestion to look at the moderately priced Swift. I am using a Swift 8 x 44 Audubon with ED glass. The model I have is about 4 years old and may be replaced with a newer one. However the cost is about $350 or so. Water proofing is a plus. They are not as great as the very expensive models mentioned above, but they are still quite good for a lot less $$.

Steiner, "Merlin" 10x50, about $650.00 at Bass Pro. All things being equal (which they never are) the Steiners have one big thing going for them none of the others do, curved eye cups that fit your face and block out side or back lighting. If you are looking for bang for the buck try the Nikon line. They also have the best warranty and they come in camo.

Oh man, what a mess.

The rational choice for me has to be the Pentax DCF SPs. I need to buy a full frame DSLR and am holding off for whatever the replacement to the 3D might be. I also need to get a 600/4 eventually. And I need to do both the above while still retaining my dear wife (she's been overhead muttering something about me keeping the camera gear while she gets the dogs, as it is. That is obviously untenable - I should get both the camera gear AND the dogs!).

But there is a small voice in my head saying "go ahead. Get the Zeiss or the Leica Ultravids. You know you'll regret not having them, even though you dont *need* them."

Vandit

I have a pair of Leupold Wind River 10x42's Pinnacles that I am very happy with. Before purchase I compared them with many other makes and models and they were a clear winner in the price range.
~$500 for brightness and clarity. Best thing to do is go someplace like Cabelas, Bass Pro etc (if possible) and try many types out to see what you like. Also have a small Nikon 10x25 set that are great for a pocket size set.

I have the Zeiss 8x40 Victory II and they're amazing. Images look almost 3D, and they pick up light so well that I actually think I can see better with them than without them in twilight. I've looked through a few binocs in the $600 range and they don't compare. The Zeiss are heavy though, and if I'm at all on conscious about weight I don't carry them with me if I have a 400 or 500mm lens with me. Whatever brand you decide on, I would recommend getting waterproof ones (my Zeiss are rated to 5m depth) since you can clean them under a tap, which is very convenient if you're in a dusty environment.

Swarovki EL 10x42. Brilliant optics but poor rubber cover. In harder circumstances (e.g. birding near see or rain forest) a bubble formed under the rubber cover. I am thinking to go for the new Zeiss or Minox but my wife uses a Nikon Premier LX L 8x42 which is brilliant.
Szimi

On the Swifts..... I USED to love them! I sold more Swifts than any other brand a few years ago. Mr Swift died a few years ago, his daughter took over and made lots of changes in the company and then sold it to a company that has never been involved with optics I don't believe. They have only a handful of models now and have fired many of their staff and all of their repair people. Now if you call them about a part they often ask if they can look into it and email you back I stopped carrying them but am disappointed about that as they used to be one of the very best in bang for the buck and customer service but just don't want to sell a product that I can't trust the manufacturer to back up or even be around tomorrow. I do hope they stay around and prove themselves again.

On those Pentax DCF SP 8x43 Binoculars mentioned above, they are fantastic! There is a newer kid on the block that stacks up really well against them now.. the Vortex Viper 8x42 that goes for under $500. It also comes with a warrenty that is totally unconditional..... pretty much no matter what you do to them they will repair or replace for life and is even transferrable. I don't know of any other company that has one comparable. Compared side by side I haven't sold a Pentax since bringing the Viper in.

On those Leica Ultravid 8x32's.... In my birding shop when people take the time to really compare what I consider to be the two top models...the Swarovski and Leica it's about a 50/50 thing so one isn't better than the other.. just different feels and sizes.I've used them all and the only bin I actually like as much or more is the full size 8x42 Ultravid but the size made up my mind. By the way, the Nikon Premiers are also wonderful binoculars as well... just a bit heavier and bulkier than the Leicas.

You are getting some good advice from the posters above for sure.

Jim, have you tried the Canon 10x42 L-IS binocs? I've been intrigued by them since they were first announced, but I've not seen any to handle. The "L" designation is... well... interesting.

Jim, as you are carring Vortex, how do the Viper, Razor and DLS match up to each other, in your opinion? I've heard very good things about the DLS.

Vandit

I have two binoculars that I've been pleased with for their combination of performance and value. (I wear glasses so eye relief is of paramount importance to me.) When size and weight don't matter, Burris 10X50...When size and weight do matter, I carry a pair of Leica 10X25 that can drop into a shirt pocket. The performance of the Leica binoculars, especially considering their size and weight (9.0 ozs) is spectacular.

Swarovski SLC 8x30 WB. I've got two pair of them (so my wife doesn't swipe mine), plus Bausch & Lomb Custom Compact 7x26. These are all at least 10 years old now.

One pair of Swarovskis live in my car, and have never had the protective caps on the optics (nor the other two pair in the house). They are light, high quality, and rugged. I like having the focus knob at the objective end - It makes focusing while wearing a low brimmed hat much easier. I can hold and focus them with one hand while the other supports my camera/scope on tripod. Eye releif is fine with my always worn eyeglasses.

Swarovski provides excellent customer support. The first pair of 8x30's I had fogged up when they weren't supposed to. They gave me a brand new pair immediately that I'm still using.

But whatever you get be sure to try them before buying them. Ergonomics are very personal, and what works for one person won't for another.

Vandit, I've brought in both the Viper and the DLS and both are perform extremely well in their price ranges. I have not brought the Razor in but do have plans to evaluate them. The DLS's are silky smooth and both quick and close focusing. Being used to my Leicas the DLS's snap very quickly into and out of focus that takes a few hours of use getting used to but once done they are great. They also have a $100 rebate on them right now. I do like the DLS a bit better than the Razor but the difference isn't great. When you get to the $500 range bins the differences between them and the very top is not night and day. There is a bigger difference between a $100 bin and a $200 bin. If I had to look for a nit on the viper it would be that while the case that they come with is well designed and better than most... it's a tight fit. Not an issue for me as like Rich, my bins haven't seen a cap, rainguard or case since the day I took them out of the box. If they get dirty I just rinse them off!

The Canon's are an absolute life saver for anyone that has shaky hands or wants more power than they can hold without it. I do believe however that you can get more binocular for your buck if you don't have a particular need for that. Once you go over 10X almost anyone would need it for sure! I've tried hand holding 12X bins and it's just an excercise in frustration.

As Rich says, the Swarovski SLC's are nice in the 8x30 range but not quite equal to the EL's and Ultravids. The SLC's have gone out of favor since the EL's were introduced in the full size because they are very heavy. Also as Rich says, handling them is a good idea... like I've said, sometimes the ergonomics and the way they feel to you is a very important factor.

Customer sevice is extremely important and I've found Swarovski, Leica and Vortex to be at the top of the service ladder. I once had a guy shoot an almost brand new pair of 10x42 Leicas with a 9mm from about 3 ft. He had been using them to look at his target and while clearing a jammed round it went off and hit them right int he ocular!! Leica simply sent me a new pair for the guy without even a note. Just last week a guy brought in his Swarovski 8.5x42mm EL's. His dog had chewed both eyecups off and a good part of the rubber coatings ! I just sent them in so I haven't heard back yet from them.

The dog is still alive by the way...

Hope this helps.

I used to keep a Nikon Travelite bino in my camera bag, Very useful when you want to "see" where the wildlife is. These were eventually stolen so I bought a Nikon Porro prism 7X50. Too heavy, so I got a Nikon roof prism 10X40. Not too heavy and does the job. I also have a Leica 7X50 porro which is definitely too heavy. For discussions on the choice of binoculars, go to http://www.betterviewdesired.com.

Leica Ultravids 10x42. Won't leave home without them.