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Sightron SII BLUE SKY 8X32

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wapitiwacker View Drop Down
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    Posted: December/27/2017 at 12:45
Hello all,

I've been looking for an inexpensive compact binocular for some time. Something small and light that I can throw in a pack or pocket, and something inexpensive enough that I can keep it in my truck and not worry about having it lifted if my truck ever gets broken into.

There were a couple of threads on here regarding the Leupold  BX-1 Yosemite, and I was hopeful that they would fit the bill. I figured an inexpensive porro would be just the ticket, giving a better view/dollar than a similarly priced roof bin. I found some on sale for $99.00 and figured I'd found what I wanted. Unfortunately, when I picked them up, although the glass seemed to be of adequate quality I found the build quality to be less than stellar, with a loose focus wheel and really cheezie eye cups and I just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger. Everything else I found was either more than I wanted to spend on a truck binocular or just plain cheap.

Enter the Sightron SII Big Sky 8X32. I had read a couple of promising reviews and I own a few Sightron rifle scopes so I wasn't leery at all about buying a Sightron product. I found a Black Friday sale that was advertising said bins for $140.00, free shipping, and a 30 day exchange period. What's not to like? So, order I did, and when they arrived I was very pleasantly surprised. Fit and finish are very good, they feel quite nice in the hands. The view is clear and bright, with a large sweet spot and an undistorted view virtually edge to edge. Colors render quite naturally, with very little to no CA. Field of view is quite acceptable. My only complaint is that when looking anywhere close to the direction of the sun, there is quite a bit of flare, glare or ghosting, whatever you want to call it, to the point of it being unacceptable if these were $500+ bins. I have to say though, for 140 bucks that I am quite pleased, and won't be sending them back any time soon.

Just throwing this out there if anyone is looking for similar, budget bins. If anyone has found anything similar to the Sightrons at the same price point I would love to hear your opinions.

Cheers,
WW
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/27/2017 at 13:57
I have those bino's as well.  I like them and think for under $200 they are a great bino.  I disagree with the CA though.  I see quite a bit of it vs nicer bino's i have.  It is not annoying or anything, but I see it. 
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wapitiwacker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wapitiwacker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/27/2017 at 17:52
Right you are! I had to go back and look harder. Found targets with deeper more distinct contrast and it is definitely noticeable, but not bothersome. For my intended use, I doubt it will ever be an issue. Thanks for bringing that up.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whitefire Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/27/2017 at 21:40
I'm a little surprised regarding the condition of the Yosemite. I own three, one for my truck two for grandchildren very pleased with them.

To your Sightron SII, thanks for the review. I agree with the primace that Sightron is a fine alternative. I have an SIII rifle scope on my long range target rifle. Not the finest but above the mark of merely "adequate", which seems to be Sightron's niche.

Question: how sensitive is the focus wheel? Meaning do objects come in focus quickly or does it allow you to wring out details slowly and precisely?

Wf
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wapitiwacker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wapitiwacker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/28/2017 at 12:31
I was really disappointed with the Yosemite after what I had read. I expected much more. Maybe the example I tried was a one off and I should have looked at a couple of different pairs.

The focus on the Sightrons is near perfect to my tastes. Not too easy to move yet enough friction to be able to dial accurately. It is slightly courser than my Leicas but still fine enough to get good precise focus. IMHO they did a very good job of setting it up.
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