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Best deals on used older binoculars

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Bryant View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/30/2016 at 23:04
I'm looking into getting a high quality binocular. I have a pair of zen ray prime hd's that are great when they are in working condition, unfortunately I have sent them to zen ray twice, once for a broken focus knob and now for collimation issues. They are currently in the mail. I need a set of good DURABLE binoculars. I can't afford new alpha Binos so I'm looking on eBay and forms for used Swarovski, ziess, and Leicas. I prefer 8x42 or maybe 7x42. I see some 8x32 Swarovskis in my price range but I really need low light performance.

What models should I be looking for? Will 8x32s do a satisfactory job for me a twilight from a deer stand? I would like to keep the price around $600-$700 if possible. I need a good transferable warranty so I can get any problems that a used pair might have fixed ASAP. If I can't find something I will keep trying my luck with zen ray maybe the will hold up the third time? I wish they would because they are awesome when there right!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/01/2016 at 11:09

Check here as well - http://www.samplelist.com/Binoculars-C3392.aspx

SWFA offers discounts on used and demo optics on this site. 


I'm not a bino guy so I'll leave the suggestions to the pro's.

"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 09:12
Originally posted by Bryant Bryant wrote:

I'm looking into getting a high quality binocular.
 I need a set of good DURABLE binoculars.
 I really need low light performance.


This is my Old School Idea of High Quality + DURABLE + Low Light Performance + Reasonable Price. moneyeyes.gif

Fujinon 7x50 FMT-SX Porro prism binoculars. Thunbs Up

(Great for a deer stand.)

http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/binoculars/polaris/index.html#specifications

I have the Fujinon 7x50 FMTR-SX with rubber armor. Much nicer in cold weather.  coldday.gif

Stan


Edited by Bird Watcher - December/12/2016 at 09:28
I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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WJC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 12:31

Clinically, there are other real-world factors for low light binos than the size of the objective lens. However, for those of us wishing to be non-optogeeky, it does hinge on the size of the objective. In comparing AR coatings from one quality vendor to another, you are splitting hair with an ax. I think the FMT, or FMTR-SX are great binos. Some people would be put off by the weight. However, rugged quality usually comes at that expense.

I once thought my more expensive Nikon Prostar had better edge sharpness. However, when I conducted a more scientific test for edge resolution, the facts didn’t bear that out.

Finally, if you want to spend considerably less and still have 95% of the quality, I would suggest the Kunming United Optical’s BA8 Series 7x50. In the States its sold, as the Resolux, Signature, First Mate, Premium, and more.

Lots of luck.  

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 19:34
Originally posted by WJC WJC wrote:


Finally, if you want to spend considerably less and still have 95% of the quality, I would suggest the Kunming United Optical’s BA8 Series 7x50. In the States its sold, as the Resolux, Signature, First Mate, Premium, and more.

Lots of luck. 



The Kunming warranty is 2 years max.  Thumbs Down

After that, whenever it requires warranty repair, and it will, you can use it as a door stop.

LOTS of luck for sure!


I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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WJC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 20:35
I was certainly not pushing the product. However, having been inside several—including having one in my closet—I can say that unless used by a klutz, needing service is not a foregone conclusion. Collimation is made via the strongest push/pull convention I've seen. There's no doubt, the eccentric ring convention of the Fujis is more rigid. But the BA8s are rigid enough and can be conditionally aligned in minutes. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 23:27
Originally posted by WJC WJC wrote:

I can say that unless used by a klutz, needing service is not a foregone conclusion. 


We all know that a binocular, taken along on a hunting trip, has more than its share of bumps & bruises.Crutch
I've spent the last ten years listening to individuals complain about the lack of Quality Control where the Kunming Porro prism binoculars are concerned.
There is more to a binocular than just collimation issues. Wink


I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 07:05

I have my own issues with them. Like the objective covers that, if you want them to stay on, you need to use glue. However, the BA8s are a couple of cuts above most of their—grab the money and go—offerings. Your idea about there being more to binoculars than collimation issues is certainly well noted. This is why I have always said: “A binocular is a composite of ALL aspects of its optical AND mechanical performance.”

However, we are all products of our own experiences and environment. And, having spend a career in an environment in which thousands of people will buy a binocular costing as much as a cheap meal for two, and then spend days complaining about how the thing can “see” into two counties at the same time, I have grown a little jaded about the little bumps. And, knowing how little most observers know about alignment, I’m sure I am overly sensitive on the issue. For a good cause? Yes. Overly sensitive? Also yes.



Edited by WJC - December/13/2016 at 07:42
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 09:19
Originally posted by WJC WJC wrote:

I have my own issues with them.

Like the objective covers that, if you want them to stay on, you need to use glue.



Objective covers have always been a source of irritation & frustration. Tethered covers are one solution.

http://swfa.com/Search.aspx?k=tethered+objective+caps&t=
I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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WJC View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 10:51
They ARE tethered! It's just that the grooves that are supposed to make them grip ... don't.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 13:03
Originally posted by WJC WJC wrote:

They ARE tethered! It's just that the grooves that are supposed to make them grip ... don't.


Get yourself an assortment of small, narrow, rubberbands & try wrapping one around the inner circular portion of the objective covers & see if that will help any.

You could also try a small piece of Scotch double-sided mounting tape.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Scotch+double+sided+mounting+tape&t=ffhp&atb=v35-2&ia=products

I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WJC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 15:07
Ah, my friend, the way this book is sucking all my time—being handicapped does not help—optics will probably be obsolete by the time I get it out. Thus, the bino is just keeping two circular spots in my office closet dust free.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gumball Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2017 at 17:04

Here is another option - look on ebay under "WW2 Navy binoculars"  The American made models from Spencer, Bausch&Lomb, Square D have very good viewing, and are well under your price guideline.

Or, as you can see from my signature, I have a collection of WW2 optics.  In my opinion, the WW2 German optics were better, and the binoculars themselves were lighter and more "user friendly".  On ebay, the WW2 German binoculars are more pricey.

BUT, be aware, anything on ebay must be checked carefully - you are buying "sight unseen"


I hope this helps.  Smile

Leitz beh 7x50 U-boat
Leitz beh 7x50
Leitz 10x50 "WA"
Zeiss 10x50 (1917)
Zeiss 18x50 (1923)
Zeiss 7x50 "U-boat"
Zeiss 7x50 "Gas Mask"
Zeiss 7x50 "Smooth Ocular"
Zeiss 8x60
Barr & Stroud CF42


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gunut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/06/2017 at 08:57
Originally posted by Gumball Gumball wrote:

Here is another option - look on ebay under "WW2 Navy binoculars"  The American made models from Spencer, Bausch&Lomb, Square D have very good viewing, and are well under your price guideline.

Or, as you can see from my signature, I have a collection of WW2 optics.  In my opinion, the WW2 German optics were better, and the binoculars themselves were lighter and more "user friendly".  On ebay, the WW2 German binoculars are more pricey.

BUT, be aware, anything on ebay must be checked carefully - you are buying "sight unseen"


I hope this helps.  Smile


I also find WW2 optics intriguing but if you are just buying some for use....look for the same brands made just after the war [45-early50s]....much less money laid out for 'collector value' and you get the same or better quality
gunut
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