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Finest Compact - Challenge Me |
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ArticFox
Optics GrassHopper Joined: May/11/2013 Location: GETTYSBURG, PA Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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Posted: June/13/2014 at 18:44 |
Hello. I use compact binoculars daily - its a passion. I use a Hungarian-built Zeiss Victory 10x25 T*. I can only use 8x20 or 10x25 class compacts due to a close eye pupil to pupil distance and deep eye sockets. Anything larger will crimp my nose or bump my forehead.
Ergonomics is critical. I constantly focus back and forth from the object of interest (usually birds). No patience for a BS diopter.
Curious if anyone that knows compacts can claim a better compact or optics in this size class. It would be interesting to find out if price is the key driver to quality for these compacts. I'm up to a challenge, and I will be looking for 8x20 to compliment the higher mag I use today. Thanks. |
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Bird Watcher
Optics Master Joined: August/30/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1523 |
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http://swfa.com/IOR-8x21-BGA-Binocular-P6719.aspx
Have you ever looked through the Nikon reverse Porro prism binoculars? Edited by Bird Watcher - June/13/2014 at 21:57 |
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I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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ArticFox
Optics GrassHopper Joined: May/11/2013 Location: GETTYSBURG, PA Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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Never seen those Nikons. Cheap enough to test drive it.
You made no comment on the ION 8x21. Does that compete with the Nikon?
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PhilR.
Optics Apprentice Joined: August/02/2008 Status: Offline Points: 162 |
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I thought that the Leica Ultravid HD 8x20 was slightly better than the Victory 8x20, and both were better than the recently-discontinued Swarovski 8x20. Haven't tried the Nikon Premier LX, but I've read great reviews about them. If I were to buy a new 8x20 today, it would be the Nikon, as I could do anything that I could do with the Zeiss or Leica, but at a substantially reduced cost. That being said - you really should look at the Swarovski 8x25 CL-Pocket. Yes, it is a bit bigger than a 20mm and does weigh a bit more, but it is so much a better bino than any of the 20mm compacts. Wider and brighter view, and with larger and (IMO) more comfortable eyecups. Small enough to go anywhere, but large enough and good enough to be someone's only binocular, if one were to just have one. Which I know is a horrible thought....... |
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Bird Watcher
Optics Master Joined: August/30/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1523 |
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The Nikon 25 mm has excellent optics for the price, however it is smaller than I care for; I have large hands. The smallest aperture binocular in my house is a 32 mm Katmai & I purchased it for my wife. The smallest aperture binocular in my collection is a 7x35 mm Nikon Porro prsim. I have no experience with binoculars smaller than 25 mm nor do I have any interest in them. The IOR 8x21 was merely a response to your challenge.
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I prefer Porro prism binoculars especially those made in Japan. (i.e. Minox BD 10x44 BP) 8>)
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