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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 1, 2017 14:25:38 GMT -8
I’m thinking 10x25 compacts. Highish quality. Zeis, Leica, Swarovski.
Experience? Pros? Cons?
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Dec 1, 2017 14:30:24 GMT -8
25 is kinda small for light gathering, but will work in bright daylight.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 1, 2017 14:38:32 GMT -8
25 is kinda small for light gathering, but will work in bright daylight. Agreed but I’m not zealous enough to want to haul the weight of big glass, I do that enough with my lenses. Is there a modest bump up that would give better light gathering without too large a weight penalty (some of those 10x25’s are in the 9-12 ozs range iirc)? |
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 1, 2017 16:45:18 GMT -8
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 1, 2017 17:13:36 GMT -8
There was a long thread on this created awhile ago by hikerjer. I can't find it. Great, I’ll go look when I get a chance. |
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JiminMD
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Post by JiminMD on Dec 1, 2017 17:35:22 GMT -8
www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/hunting/predator-8x42My unit at work needs high quality binoculars. We're trying to get the funding to move over to Steiner on all of our trucks. This is pretty close to the pair of binoculars that I want for my own personal needs from the command post. They're small enough to fit in the pouch on my armor but beautifully clear.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 1, 2017 20:34:44 GMT -8
www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/hunting/predator-8x42My unit at work needs high quality binoculars. We're trying to get the funding to move over to Steiner on all of our trucks. This is pretty close to the pair of binoculars that I want for my own personal needs from the command post. They're small enough to fit in the pouch on my armor but beautifully clear. The 26 ounces gives me pause but that’s what brick and mortar is for. Brighter wouldn’t be bad, out there available light or nothing. Steiner has a good rep in marine binoculars. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2017 3:49:09 GMT -8
I've got a small pair of Nikon Optics that seem to work pretty well....I keep them in the glove compartment of the car....I'll see what model they are...
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JiminMD
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Post by JiminMD on Dec 2, 2017 4:11:22 GMT -8
HSF, my unit looked at Zeiss, Steiner and Leupold. I don't think the rep from Zeiss has been out yet or if they did than I missed it. The Leupold rep had some really nice products but I just happened to like the Steiners better, can't really say why. I think that at that level I can't really tell the difference in image quality. Any rate, thought this link might be useful. Our countersnipers use Leupold binoculars and research this far more than I care far whatever that's worth to you. www.leupold.com/binoculars/compact-binoculars/products |
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Post by trinity on Dec 2, 2017 6:58:30 GMT -8
What are you using the binoculars for? I carry mine primarily for birdwatching, and I prefer 8 power over 10, mainly because of the larger field of view and the steadier image, also better brightness in low-light conditions. I have a pair of Nikon 8x25 compacts that are very nice, for the cost (about $100). If you are willing to shell out for the brands you list, you won't go wrong with any of them. I carried Zeiss for years, and am now using Swarovskis, which are unbelievable. I've also spent a lot of time looking through Leicas, and the optics are superb, but I have heard numerous reports of poor customer service from Leica. I haven't looked through either of these specific binoculars, but if money were no object, I'd buy Swarovski CL 8x25s. For a more budget friendly binocular, look into the Zeiss Terra ED compacts. I've looked through the full-size Terras, and they are an amazing value.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Dec 2, 2017 9:07:04 GMT -8
In my experience, and the experience of other acquaintances, Nikon's photographic equipment is top notch. However, their binoculars are not so great - not in the class of Zeiss or Swarovski.
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Post by trinity on Dec 2, 2017 9:50:00 GMT -8
not in the class of Zeiss or Swarovski. Certainly true. But their Monarchs are as good a budget binocular as I've looked through. |
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Dec 2, 2017 10:58:15 GMT -8
This thread sparked me to look into the difference between binocular and monocular. My takeaway is that unless you look through it for extended periods or really want/need a wider field of vision, the monocular will provide equal optics at less weight and lower price.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Dec 2, 2017 11:58:30 GMT -8
This thread sparked me to look into the difference between binocular and monocular. My takeaway is that unless you look through it for extended periods or really want/need a wider field of vision, the monocular will provide equal optics at less weight and lower price. The field of view makes a pretty big difference, which is why a lot of folks don't like monoculars. I have both, but when I really care about finding something, I carry binoculars. I'm pretty happy with Alpen Optics Apex XP 8x32. They have great optics for the price at a reasonable weight: alpenoptics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=alpen&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=692 |
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franco
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Post by franco on Dec 2, 2017 13:39:23 GMT -8
With a monocular you lose the sense of depth. Not that it bothers all but some.
I would also suggest something like an 8x25 over a 10x25 for light gathering and often a wider field of view.
(field of view is not directly related to the magnification in binoculars)
Having said that I had an 8x20 Leica , that was nice and sharp, small and relatively light.
The Alpen 8x32 are on Amazon for $120 right now.
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