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What is your favorite binocular

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Other Optics
Forum Name: Binoculars
Forum Description: Anything that requires two eyes to look through it
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=46550
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 16:39
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: What is your favorite binocular
Posted By: NDhunter
Subject: What is your favorite binocular
Date Posted: December/18/2020 at 19:25
This is an interesting topic, so let us have it.

The cost of optic is not important.



Replies:
Posted By: tahqua
Date Posted: December/18/2020 at 21:12
7x42 Zeiss I bought in 1987 while in Germany.

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Doug


Posted By: Scrumbag
Date Posted: December/19/2020 at 02:05
I do like my Zeiss Nightowls...


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Was sure I had a point when I started this post...


Posted By: DPI
Date Posted: December/20/2020 at 14:18
Hensoldt Nacht-Dialyt 8x56

Keep a pair in my car all the time


Posted By: mike650
Date Posted: December/20/2020 at 14:43
I guess I’d have to say my 10x42 EL’s, I’ve beat the hell out of ‘em hard hunting and they keep getting back up. They may not be the best optically that I own but I’ve never had to worry about them failing me. 😁

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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear


Posted By: coyote95
Date Posted: December/21/2020 at 09:26
Kowa Genesis 8x33 

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"Life is like riding a bicycle . To keep balance you must keep moving" Albert Einstein


Posted By: Longhunter
Date Posted: December/21/2020 at 11:04
For hunting, my Zeiss 8x30s bought in 1981.

I tried  them against the latest Zeiss 10x30s nineteen years later, and they were just as good.
The added magnification didn't show any more detail (to my eyes, at least), because of the added tremor.
 
I looked at the latest top-end Zeiss and Swarovski binoculars several years ago.
If I were buying now, I might be tempted by their 8x42s in spite of the added bulk.

My advice is to buy the best you can get  . . .  and buy once.
These binoculars will still be great when they are passed down to your grandchildren!  


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: December/21/2020 at 11:50
I like my Zeiss 10x45 RF binos.  I have ranged beyond 2000 yards with them and the optics are outstanding.  Can see game with them way before in I can see them with my bare eyes in low light. 


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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: December/21/2020 at 14:52
None...

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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Peddler
Date Posted: December/21/2020 at 15:29
My hunting partner purchased a Leica Noctivid 8X42 binocular this Fall. They are spectacular! If I ever buy another they will be it.

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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.


Posted By: Gumball
Date Posted: December/26/2020 at 16:09
1944 Zeiss 7x50 "Smooth Ocular"

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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


.


Posted By: gunut
Date Posted: December/26/2020 at 20:01
Really like my 8x56 Minox HG....but with them being out of production....and the company now being run by dolts...who knows what will happen if I have a problem with them...



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gunut


Posted By: m1911
Date Posted: January/01/2021 at 04:52
Swarovski 8 x 32 WB 

Overall smaller size, clarity, quality; works for me....




Posted By: bratman87
Date Posted: January/04/2021 at 15:58
Docter Optics 8x56 Nobilem and Docter Optics 8x30 Classic. 

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Glenn Taylor


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/04/2021 at 19:39
The best binocular I have ever used, cost no object, was Leica Noctivid 8x42.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: January/05/2021 at 21:49
Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

The best binocular I have ever used, cost no object, was Leica Noctivid 8x42.

ILya
Some like the 8x better, but I would have to say the 10x is better.  Beats the Swarovski Swarovision in FOV and edge to edge AND depth of field... to MY eyes.  I'm not a great fan of binoculars, but IF I had to have an "Alpha", I would purchase a Leica Noctivid...
I went on a binocular "search" a while back... looked at a number of them... Leica was supreme in the "high dollar" genre.  I will probably buy the 10x42 someday in the not too distant future... and hate myself forever...


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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/05/2021 at 23:51
I don't have any.  https://www.swfa.com/bushnell-10x42-engage-dx-binocular.html - https://www.swfa.com/bushnell-10x42-engage-dx-binocular.html   These don't look bad (from here). One of these days I will buy some but I don't want to spend a lot on them. 

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: Southhogger
Date Posted: January/14/2021 at 17:39
I use the 10x42 from Osprey. They are clear and i beat them up pretty bad and compare to my buddys $500 Nikons.. pretty decent gonna get another set just for the truckhttps://buyospreyglobal.com/10x42-binocular/

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“If frogs had side pockets, they'd carry hand guns.”
― Dan Rather


Posted By: CaptRedbeard
Date Posted: February/09/2021 at 22:32
So far, my new Alpen 10 x 42's have been most impressive.

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Never forget your binos.


Posted By: BrinzaDominator
Date Posted: February/12/2021 at 14:27
The optical characteristics directly affect the functionality of your device. Magnification, in other words, multiplicity, is not the decisive factor that determines the ability of optics to solve the tasks set. So I always looked for binoculars with good magnification, I am an amateur hunter, and also a fan of watching the star business. I was looking for binoculars that I can use in two cases at once.  I found a good binoculars in an article from the site https://www.alloutdoors.com/best-binoculars-for-astronomy/ - top binoculars for astronomy where its characteristics and its advantages were described. I bought it and I do not regret it because I have been using it for 4 months, quality things will always work as you need.

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Be happy :)


Posted By: Dadisman
Date Posted: November/01/2021 at 16:11
There is a reason that this optic has a cult following. I honestly do not believe that there is a perfect binocular out there. All optics have limitations in certain areas. With the Zeiss 7x42 Dialyt, it manages to tick so many boxes, birders and enthusiasts worldwide rate this as one of the best of not the all round best (enjoyable) piece of machinery ever invented. The view is tremendous and relaxed to say the least. Many people harp on about the rubber eye cup design, however, personally I think they are an excellent design for the time as they are fully retractable as well as replaceable ( I have 2 spares in case the binocular outlasts the eyecups) The long barrel design allows for superb stability and the glare suppression is excellent. If looked after, the focus should remain soft and subtle for many years to come. Overall and outstanding optic, a true Classic.


Posted By: anweis
Date Posted: November/01/2021 at 16:42
I agree with everyone's choices.  For me it would be the Swarovski EL 8x32, about 2004 vintage. 
It has seen 2,999 species of birds on 4 continents and a few oceans.. it has seen more than 100 legged animals  killed, and quite a few 2 legged. It has never  failed. It was the tool used to earn many cigars and rent payments. I used it for fun and work and it has paid for my house. 
It was my trophy for achievement, for which I paid $  1,600  at a time when I was making  $800 a month and owing  12,000 to the banks  We all slept on the floor for 2 months when I bought it. Wife still thinks I should have bought a mattress.  
It was with me 3 weeks ago when I killed one if the top 12 deer, but I hunted for the hunt, not the trophy No pictures or inches. 
It never blacks out or flares out, there are no ghost images. 
It will go with me to Siberia and we will get a big elk. 


Posted By: mike650
Date Posted: November/01/2021 at 19:29
Originally posted by anweis anweis wrote:

I agree with everyone's choices.  For me it would be the Swarovski EL 8x32, about 2004 vintage. 
It has seen 2,999 species of birds on 4 continents and a few oceans.. it has seen more than 100 legged animals  killed, and quite a few 2 legged. It has never  failed. It was the tool used to earn many cigars and rent payments. I used it for fun and work and it has paid for my house. 
It was my trophy for achievement, for which I paid $  1,600  at a time when I was making  $800 a month and owing  12,000 to the banks  We all slept on the floor for 2 months when I bought it. Wife still thinks I should have bought a mattress.  
It was with me 3 weeks ago when I killed one if the top 12 deer, but I hunted for the hunt, not the trophy No pictures or inches. 
It never blacks out or flares out, there are no ghost images. 
It will go with me to Siberia and we will get a big elk. 

The 8x32 EL is a fine choice… very light too.  👍

I have a pair but can’t seem to break away from my 10x42’s… old habits… 😊


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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear


Posted By: AmauryDeziel
Date Posted: November/26/2021 at 07:39
Moi !? Leupold VX2 6-18X40 AO CDS



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Amaury Deziel


Posted By: Tooie
Date Posted: February/05/2022 at 05:38
My Steiner 8x44 Wildlife XP's are very nice for use at the beach.


Posted By: Peddler
Date Posted: February/05/2022 at 08:07
My Kowa Genesis 8x33.

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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.


Posted By: Gumball
Date Posted: February/07/2022 at 17:36
My perspectives are different from most.
I have a small vintage collection, so my favorite is from that list.

General carry:  Zeiss 7x50 Kriegsmarine
Camping or poor weather:  Zeiss 7x50 U-boat (completely waterproof)
Beach: Barr & Stroud CF41 7x50 (because of the filters)
Backyard night sky: Zeiss 8x60 

.


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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


.


Posted By: santafesino
Date Posted: March/29/2022 at 15:48
In another forum I discovered enough obsession with "alphas" and brand fanaticism with which I disagreed to merit a rejoinder. In my own experience, surprisingly good products can be had for little expense and serve the average user well. I found a Barska Crossover 8x30 CF to be equal to a Steiner Safari 8x30 IF if not a little brighter, a Skyline 6x30 IF to be as good as a Porlerim 6x30 CF and Nikon/Nippon Kogaku binoculars, 7x35 and 8x30 to be as good as equivalent Zeiss and Leitz products.. The emphasis on coatings strikes me as exaggerated versus the importance of glass polishing, and I feel that the quality of the latter in Japanese optics plus their attention to quality control to be of great importance. For a very good product I would go with a porro-prism model (easier to handle) and a recognized performer such as the Swift Audubon, Bushnell Rangemaster, a Nikon porro or a Fujinon such as the Meibo variable 5-10 7x35 I got at a bargain price with a great view. Spending thousands of dollars on a pair of binoculars makes as much sense as buying a Rolls Royce or Bentley when a good, reliable vehicle can be acquired for less than $40,000, unless such a purchase is made for the purpose of bragging. Apart from the Japanese products I mentioned, there are many lesser brands, and, among recent and current ones, there are the Canon IS binoculars available for much less than $1000. Enough said.


Posted By: HuntMaster
Date Posted: December/19/2022 at 11:45
For me it would be: 
All around- Seeadler Optik 8x42 Explorer 
Late afternoon in the stand -
Seeadler 8x56 compact 
Nighttime- Seeadler 9x63 Diana’s


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Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away.



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