Posted by Mike Maples on March 13, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I'm on a quest for new binoculars to carry as a compliment to my photo gear.
I used to hunt and I've used the little 8x21 pocket size rubber armored type but they are too small to offer a good enough view of a distant Ram or Buck and be able to determine if they are worth the hike. I currently use Nikon 10x50 Action Series and the view is great but it's just too big to be handy.
I want a combination of smaller size with a nice crisp view while trying to keep it reasonable in cost...I know...size, quality, cost...pick any two
What do you recommend. Please be specific so I can google them.
I've used Zeiss 10x25B for over 20 years. Excellent clarity and color fidelity. I should get a cut from Zeiss because mine have resulted in so many sales to friends. Almost everyone who tries them goes out and buys their own.
Posted by Kelly Rowe on March 14, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Zeiss 8X32. I picked size and quality. http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/bird-watching-binoculars/victoryfl8x32binoculars.cfm
I also recently found a pair of unused Zeiss 8 x 32 at the Salvation Army, I paid 10 bucks for them.
Posted by Mike Maples on March 14, 2008 at 12:21 PM
You wanna double your money?
Posted by Alex Lofquist on March 14, 2008 at 2:01 PM
I would suggest something like a 6X30 porroprism as a good compromise of weight and capability. I used to carry a Nikon Travelite, but it was just too small. My 7X50's are just too heavy. Even my 10X40 is too large for a general addition to my pack, though I usually keep it in my car. Everything is a tradeoff!
I've been using the Leica Trinovid 10x25mm for several years and am happy with the performance when ever I don't want to lug the full size binoculars around. They are small and light, but the performance is spectacular.
Posted by Vandit Kalia on March 15, 2008 at 2:42 AM
Step 1: Identify your preferred bino size
Step 2: Pick the best optic in your budget.
STEP 1:
Given what you describe, you need a good pair of 8x32s.
I use them when I am out birding and photographing (for birding alone, I take 8x42s), and to me, they are the best balance between size, weight and optical quality. For all but late dusk/early dawn, you'll get performance that is hard to distinguish from 8x42s. In fact, a lot of serious birders make do with 8x32 as their primary bino.
I would not recomment anything under a 30mm objective (and I say this as someone who has & uses a couple of highly-regarded compacts). Compacts have their place, but not as your primary binocular. In this small size, a large portion of your money goes towards miniaturization. So if you can get by with something a bit bigger, you can get comparable optical performance for a lot less (or much better optical performance for the same price).
8x32s are compact enough to slip into a cargo pant pocket, if you so want - so you dont give up a lot in size.
STEP 2:
Minox BD BRs are on clearance and can be had for $300 or so in places (they were $500 optics and were a good buy at that price even). Pentax SP are also good options (also discontinued and also available for a steal). HG and ED are the current version of these two binos, respectively. In a slightly lower price range, Vortex Fury 8x32s are also worth checking out. To me, these binoculars represent a lot more bang-for-the-buck than Zeicavski (Zeiss/Leica/Swarovski).
I've checked the SP series (I have 10x43s) against comparable Trinovids, and I'd rather have the SPs. And my 8x32 BD BRs are just fantastic - you'd have to look long and hard to notice any significant improvement with the $1500 Alpha binos.
I have an article on binocular purchasing online at www.photosafariindia.com/articles.html -> have a look. Also check out birdforum.net for reviews. Jim Zipp, who posts here, carries Pentax and can also provide you with some good advice.
Lastly, get yourself a binocular harness. That makes carrying and using binoculars a LOT easier.
Cheers,
Vandit
Posted by Mike Maples on March 15, 2008 at 9:48 AM
Thanks everyone.
I decided on the Pentax DCF SP 8x43 and got them on clearance at Cabelas. I ordered the harness to go with them for field use. It was the little things that made the final choice like 4 position eyecup adjustments with detents at each position and a diopter adjustment that locks into place. Reviews say they are crisp and bright with sharpness to the edges. Sounds like a winner!
I have had a hard time seeing throuygh binoculars, probably because they were all cheap. I now ghave the Canon 12 x 36 IS and am delighted. The IS seems so much more effective than on their lenses. It's really quite amazing.
Posted by Bruce Painter on March 18, 2008 at 9:02 AM
Mike I think you will be happy with the Pentax. I have not looked through any of the new Pentax binos but I have the origional DCF 8X42 and I am amazed at how well they compair to my Swarovski 8X32 (also the older version)
Discussion
10 repliesI used to hunt and I've used the little 8x21 pocket size rubber armored type but they are too small to offer a good enough view of a distant Ram or Buck and be able to determine if they are worth the hike. I currently use Nikon 10x50 Action Series and the view is great but it's just too big to be handy.
I want a combination of smaller size with a nice crisp view while trying to keep it reasonable in cost...I know...size, quality, cost...pick any two
What do you recommend. Please be specific so I can google them.
Thanks
I also recently found a pair of unused Zeiss 8 x 32 at the Salvation Army, I paid 10 bucks for them.
(Of course there is always a monocular.)
Step 2: Pick the best optic in your budget.
STEP 1:
Given what you describe, you need a good pair of 8x32s.
I use them when I am out birding and photographing (for birding alone, I take 8x42s), and to me, they are the best balance between size, weight and optical quality. For all but late dusk/early dawn, you'll get performance that is hard to distinguish from 8x42s. In fact, a lot of serious birders make do with 8x32 as their primary bino.
I would not recomment anything under a 30mm objective (and I say this as someone who has & uses a couple of highly-regarded compacts). Compacts have their place, but not as your primary binocular. In this small size, a large portion of your money goes towards miniaturization. So if you can get by with something a bit bigger, you can get comparable optical performance for a lot less (or much better optical performance for the same price).
8x32s are compact enough to slip into a cargo pant pocket, if you so want - so you dont give up a lot in size.
STEP 2:
Minox BD BRs are on clearance and can be had for $300 or so in places (they were $500 optics and were a good buy at that price even). Pentax SP are also good options (also discontinued and also available for a steal). HG and ED are the current version of these two binos, respectively. In a slightly lower price range, Vortex Fury 8x32s are also worth checking out. To me, these binoculars represent a lot more bang-for-the-buck than Zeicavski (Zeiss/Leica/Swarovski).
I've checked the SP series (I have 10x43s) against comparable Trinovids, and I'd rather have the SPs. And my 8x32 BD BRs are just fantastic - you'd have to look long and hard to notice any significant improvement with the $1500 Alpha binos.
I have an article on binocular purchasing online at www.photosafariindia.com/articles.html -> have a look. Also check out birdforum.net for reviews. Jim Zipp, who posts here, carries Pentax and can also provide you with some good advice.
Lastly, get yourself a binocular harness. That makes carrying and using binoculars a LOT easier.
Cheers,
Vandit
I decided on the Pentax DCF SP 8x43 and got them on clearance at Cabelas. I ordered the harness to go with them for field use. It was the little things that made the final choice like 4 position eyecup adjustments with detents at each position and a diopter adjustment that locks into place. Reviews say they are crisp and bright with sharpness to the edges. Sounds like a winner!
Bruce