Compact Binoculars purchase advice

[Baron Birder]

I would like to buy some compact binoculars, just to put in my pocket and carry when I am out not expecting to birdwatch.

I wear spectacles so eye relief/fold down eye covers essential.

I dont want to spend a lot and have to worry about them like my big ones.

Shall we say £100 at the most?

My big bins are 8x42 so probably would prefer to stick to 8 magnification.

Any recommendation please.

Thanks

[J. Moore]

I have not tried any yet, but have been thinking along similar lines myself. I have been looking at these (Audubon Compacts), which have received good reviews and would seem to meet all your requirements (do not know whether they are available in the UK though):

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=3530

There are also these Vortex Furies, which also have received good reviews but are just out of your stated price range:

http://store.birdwatching.net/store/-strse-958/Detail.bok

I will be interested to see what others recommend.

Jim

[ceasar]

Nikon makes 2 8 x 25 reverse porro's. One in the less expensive "Travelite V" series and one in the sturdier "ATB" series. They also come in 9 x 25 with the same FOV as the 8 x 25 in the "Travelite" series. Th 8 x 25 ATB has a wider FOV. You can see them both in the Eagle Optics website linked above.
Bob

[J. Moore]

Nikon makes 2 8 x 25 reverse porro's. One in the less expensive "Travelite V" series and one in the sturdier "ATB" series. They also come in 9 x 25 with the same FOV as the 8 x 25. You can see them both in the Eagle Optics website linked above.
Bob

I do not mean to be taking over this thread, but I looked at those and they look intriguing but the eye relief ratings are only 10/14 mm. I also see Nikon makes a compact zoom binocular (from 8 to 24 power!) for under $150, but this is rated at only 8 or 9 mm of eye relief. As with their scopes, Nikon does not seem to cater to eyeglass wearers.

Jim

[joannec]

Hi Baron Birder

I posed a similar question a year or so ago and got some good advice. I can't find the thread unfortunately but I ended up getting Nikon Sportstar IV 8x25. Warehouse Express have them for £89 but you can probably find them cheaper.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/binsandscopes/binoculars/nikon.html

Microglobe usually has them for about £50 but they are sold out.

They are OK for carrying around all the time. Good luck in your choice.

Joanne

[J. Moore]

I posed a similar question a year or so ago and got some good advice. I can't find the thread unfortunately but I ended up getting Nikon Sportstar IV 8x25. Warehouse Express have them for £89 but you can probably find them cheaper.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/binsandscopes/binoculars/nikon.html


These are listed as having 15 mm of eye relief, which is a bit less than I would prefer anyway. Do you wear glasses? Also, it looks like they are on sale at the site you linked to, which lists the silver version at 45 pounds.

Jim

[joannec]

These are listed as having 15 mm of eye relief, which is a bit less than I would prefer anyway. Do you wear glasses? Also, it looks like they are on sale at the site you linked to, which lists the silver version at 45 pounds.

Jim

No I don't wear glasses so can't really comment on the eye relief. £45 sounds like a bargain!:t:

Joanne

[J. Moore]

I found another promising option. The Vortex Vanquish ($99), another reverse Porro prism design, like the Audubon compacts I linked to in my first post. One would think the reverse Porro binoculars would have the best optics in this price range. However, these also only have 15 mm of eye relief, which might or might not be enough depending on the individual. Here is a link to a couple of reviews:

http://store.birdwatching.net/store/-strse-1024/Vortex-Vanquish-8x26/Detail.bok

http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard/post-26226.html

I think the first review misstates the field of view though. The vortex website indicates it is about 352 feet, not 394 feet. But even 352 feet is pretty good for an eight power compact binocular.

Jim

[trashbird]

The Vortex Vanquish sounds like a great binocular but it won't fit on your pocket. Take a look at the Pentax DCF MCII 8x25.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4170

I used to have an 8x22 version of these and they are excellent optically. Lots of eye relief too. Their only drawback is a rather narrow field of view. But there is no better binocular this small that has such good optics for the price.

You really need these kind of dual-hinged binos to be compact enough to put in a shirt pocket. I recently ordered this binocular, and will post a mini-review after I receive it. One member here -- Lucznik -- really likes this bino as well. I want something I can take backpacking, and carry with me everywhere, and that doesn't look conspicuous in urban settings.

Eagle Optics doesn't say it, but the Pentax website says these binos are phase-coated.

[ScoutMan]

I have the Olympic roofs 8x21. $50. from Cameraland. Given high praise by Consumer Reports.

[J. Moore]

The Vortex Vanquish sounds like a great binocular but it won't fit on your pocket.

Well now, that depends on the size of your pocket, doesn't it? ;-) I guess I was thinking of a coat pocket (this being winter). The Vanquish is quite compact (only slightly larger length and width than the Pentax you recommend), but it certainly appears bulkier than the roof prism models. I guess one does need to decide if you want something you can carry in pants (forgetting about cargo pants for the moment) or a shirt pocket comfortably. Perhaps if that is your goal, the Porro prism models will not do.

Jim

[John Cantelo]

Although there are always exceptions, at the price bracket you're considering a small pair of porros will to out perform roof designs,

John

[J. Moore]

I have the Olympic roofs 8x21. $50. from Cameraland. Given high praise by Consumer Reports.

Thanks for reminding me of the consumer reports article. It was supposed to be a terrible article for birding binoculars generally in part because they did not understand the limitations of compact binoculars. But it might be useful for the present thread. It looks as though the Olympus you mention and the Nikon SportStar (also mentioned above) fall short for eyeglass wearers, however. The Nikon was rated particularly bad. And the Olympus has only 11 mm of eye relief.

I think at this point, for eyeglass wearers, the Pentax trashbird mentioned looks like the best choice for low-cost ultra-compact, and the Audubon (and perhaps the Vortex Vanquish depending on whether the eye relief is sufficient) reverse Porros look best if you do not mind a little extra bulk.

My two cents,
Jim

[andrew_s]

Previous threads have recommended the Opticron Taiga 8x25 reverse porro as being good value. Twist-up eyecups, "long eye relief".

About £80 from warehouseexpress or sherwoods.

[Alexis Powell]

The newest version of the Nikon Sportstar has more eye-relief and a narrower FOV than the old version, so it is OK for most glasses wearers. However, like most cheap pocket roof models it is optically abysmal. If you insist on the compactness of pocket roofs, go with the Pentax previously recommended as it is better.

If you don't mind the added bulk, a reverse porro will be both cheaper and optically far superior to the above pocket roofs. Almost any of the ~$100 models from Nikon, Pentax, Vortex, Bushnell will do--they're all about the same with ~300 ft FOV and 15 mm eye-relief. The Vortex 8x26 Vanquish was a bit of a let down for me because it was orginally advertised as having a 384 ft FOV (and you can find them labeled as such), but it is still quite a bit better than average if the 352 ft is accurate. I tried one recently and found it slightly bulkier than most 8x25, but the optics and ergonomics were fine, and it worked w/my glasses.

--AP

[Paskman]

8x25 Opticron Taiga's or 8.5x21 Pentax Papilio's. Have tried both (own 6.5x21 Papilio's) both brilliant for the money. Buy one or other and you will be happy. Nuff said!

Paul

[lucznik]

The Vortex Vanquish sounds like a great binocular but it won't fit on your pocket. Take a look at the Pentax DCF MCII 8x25.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4170

I used to have an 8x22 version of these and they are excellent optically. Lots of eye relief too. Their only drawback is a rather narrow field of view. But there is no better binocular this small that has such good optics for the price.

You really need these kind of dual-hinged binos to be compact enough to put in a shirt pocket. I recently ordered this binocular, and will post a mini-review after I receive it. One member here -- Lucznik -- really likes this bino as well. I want something I can take backpacking, and carry with me everywhere, and that doesn't look conspicuous in urban settings.

Eagle Optics doesn't say it, but the Pentax website says these binos are phase-coated.

Yes indeed, I still have both my 8x22 DCF MC and my 8x25 DCF MC II. I paid $100 for the former and $120 for the later. The 25mm unit continues to be my everyday, everywhere companion and has accompanied me on numerous trips where anything larger would have been simply out of the question. I still believe that at some point I will upgrade to something "high end" from Nikon, Leica, or Zeiss but until then, this really has proven to be a wonderful little binocular. I have enjoyed enhanced views of birds, wildlife, sporting events, theater, and other opportunities because I had them with me.

My only "complaint" is that I'm not so enamored with the thick rubber armoring that has become so popular. It adds bulk to the binocular that I think is not necessary. Rubber armoring is great on full size binoculars that get banged around a lot but, the order of the day for compacts is small size. A simple leather covering (like what can be had on the Ultravid) or perhaps a really thin rubber (like on the older Zeiss ClassiC compacts) is a far better choice.

If you want your binocular to be truly waterproof (as opposed to just weather resistant) and are willing to pay just a few dollars more, you're in luck because this year Pentax has once again upgraded their little DCF compact. The new version is called the DCF SW and sells for $150. Here's a link:

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=5181

On another topic; It is true what people say that reverse porros will be optically superior to comparable roof prism units (even phase corrected ones) but, the difference is small and you really pay for it in added bulk and weight. I had a Bushnell Legend 10x26 which was wonderful to look through but, it was so big that I never really took it anywhere so; I sold it.

It seems to me that the whole point of these little compact binoculars is their ability to be with you all day, everyday, no matter the circumstances or environment. Of course you trade off some optical performance for the small size but, the alternative is to not have any optic with you when chance or fate send you unexpected opportunities. If the binocular can't be carried comfortably and unobtrusively in a trouser pocket, then it really is failing at its basic purpose.

[Perry Grin]

8x25 Opticron Taiga's or 8.5x21 Pentax Papilio's. Have tried both (own 6.5x21 Papilio's) both brilliant for the money. Buy one or other and you will be happy. Nuff said!

Paul

I'll second the Taiga's. I bought them over the Papilios, the paps felt less comfortable in the hand (did have fantastic close focus though). Not much in in it image wise but the Taigas just got the edge IMHO.

Perry

[P H]

What about these, 8x32 they are only slightly bigger but they will be brighter and handle much better.


http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/website/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=219&Itemid=30

[JohnnyH]

Another vote for the Opticron Taigas, bought some from Cley Spy last year for exactly the job you specify, to stick in a pocket on non-birding walks.

John.

[Baron Birder]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have found UK websites that sell the US brands eg Audabon and others. But the UK prices for these Are much higher than the equivalent in US $.

I am going to try out the Opticron Taigas just as soon as I get the chance and will let you all know how I get on.

[trashbird]

I knew that some of you guys have "deep" pockets. But apparently, some of you have very big pockets as well. ;)

[J. Moore]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have found UK websites that sell the US brands eg Audabon and others. But the UK prices for these Are much higher than the equivalent in US $.

I am going to try out the Opticron Taigas just as soon as I get the chance and will let you all know how I get on.

As you may know, Opticron optics are not available in the U.S. (as far as I know). So we ignorant Americans do not know squat about them. ;-) I would have thought that the weak dollar would have made American optics cheap for you guys, but I guess tariffs and all that are pumping up the prices above market.

I knew that some of you guys have "deep" pockets. But apparently, some of you have very big pockets as well. ;)

I appreciate the humor, but I think I would distinguish between two classes of compact binoculars. There are compact binoculars, which are very lightweight, very small in size relative to full-sized binoculars, and very portable and totable, so they can easily fit into a spacious jacket pocket or bag, or be stowed in the glove compartment of a car. But on the other hand, they are substantial enough that you might lend them to a friend to bird with for an entire day. But there are also ultra-compact binoculars, such as you and lucznik are recommending. These tiny optics can actually fit into a shirt pocket or pants pocket comfortably. But on the other hand, they probably are not something you would want to bird with for the entire day. I think the original poster's post was sufficiently open-ended to make recommendations of either class of compact binocular appropriate.

Just my ramblings,
Jim

[joannec]

Baron Birder, some of these bins sound large. I finally found the thread of a year ago when I posed a similar question. Hope this helps:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=73117

Joanne

[trashbird]

Joanne, I looked at that thread but you've still left us hanging? What did you end up getting? And how did you like your choice?

[alan_rymer]

Not tried them, but the specs look good.
Opticron Aspheric LE WP 8 or 10 x 26. Phase coated, 16mm eye relief ( just like the Taiga's ). Opticron price £99. or
http://www.hiltonphoto.co.uk/products/details/29632.html
.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Opticron-Aspheric-LE-WP-8x25-Roof-Prism-Binoculars_W0QQitemZ330208440951QQihZ014QQcategory Z10955QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l 1247QQcmdZViewItem)

[Baron Birder]

Joanne, I looked at that thread but you've still left us hanging? What did you end up getting? And how did you like your choice?

Just what I was going to ask?

[J. Moore]

Joanne, I looked at that thread but you've still left us hanging? What did you end up getting? And how did you like your choice?

Just what I was going to ask?

She already answered in her first post in this thread:


I posed a similar question a year or so ago and got some good advice. I can't find the thread unfortunately but I ended up getting Nikon Sportstar IV 8x25.

Jim

[joannec]

Joanne, I looked at that thread but you've still left us hanging? What did you end up getting? And how did you like your choice?

Just what I was going to ask?

Aah sorry, thought that was clear from my first post. I got Nikon Sportstar IV 8x25s. They are fine for carrying around all the time, nice and compact, but for proper birding I prefer my Nikon Monarchs 10X42s.

Edit: see we cross posted Jim.

[Baron Birder]

Aah sorry, thought that was clear from my first post. I got Nikon Sportstar IV 8x25s. They are fine for carrying around all the time, nice and compact, but for proper birding I prefer my Nikon Monarchs 10X42s.

Edit: see we cross posted Jim.


Of course you did

apologies

[Baron Birder]

[QUOTE=J. Moore;1125607]As you may know, Opticron optics are not available in the U.S. (as far as I know). So we ignorant Americans do not know squat about them. ;-) I would have thought that the weak dollar would have made American optics cheap for you guys, but I guess tariffs and all that are pumping up the prices above market.

You would have thought so Jim but as an example:

Audobon Comapct 8x25 Eagle Optics $70 whereas UK site £60 equivalent nearly $120!

[bitterntwisted]

I'll second the Taiga's. I bought them over the Papilios, the paps felt less comfortable in the hand (did have fantastic close focus though). Not much in in it image wise but the Taigas just got the edge IMHO.

Perry

Taigas are great optically and fit in my jacket pocket no trouble, but I find the centre hinge too loose. Is this just my pair? They don't stay at the point where the IPD is right for me and so I get black out until I readjust the hinge. Doesn't seem to anywhere to tighten the hinge mechanism. Anyone else had the same issue?

Actually the centre hinge broke on my first pair but Opticron replaced with no quibbles whatsoever. Yet another occasion I've had excellent customer service from them.

Graham

[JohnJos]

Speaking of the Audubon 8x25 Compacts...I have a pair and they are very good. Bright with a nice FOV and overall large image for a compact bin. I much prefer them over my Nikon Sportstar 10x25 bins, even though they may be a tad less pocketable. The Audubons fit nicely in the pockets of all of my jackets. But I couldn't get them or even the Sportstars in a pants pocket unless it was a side cargo pocket or the deep front pocket of a pair of hiking pants. I mainly use both pairs for backyard birding however.

My only complaint about my pair of the Audubon Compacts is the close focus distance is more than the 8.5 feet specified. It's more like 10 to 12 feet. Maybe it's just my pair. I did pick them up new for a good price on eBay. But they were new in the original packaging so I don't see it as a cause for this close focus distance disparity.

[Perry Grin]

Taigas are great optically and fit in my jacket pocket no trouble, but I find the centre hinge too loose. Is this just my pair? They don't stay at the point where the IPD is right for me and so I get black out until I readjust the hinge. Doesn't seem to anywhere to tighten the hinge mechanism. Anyone else had the same issue?

Actually the centre hinge broke on my first pair but Opticron replaced with no quibbles whatsoever. Yet another occasion I've had excellent customer service from them.

Graham

No problem with the hinge on my pair, though they are still quite new - may loosen with time.

[JohnnyH]

No problem with my Taigas either after nearly a year, sample variation I reckon Graham.

John.

[MacGee]

The new Minox BV-W 8x25 (http://www.minoxuk.co.uk/BV%20compact%20bins.htm) look ideal in theory. Single hinge, waterproof, good eye-relief, good FOV, good close-focus. I don't know what the quality will be like (they're not phase-coated) but the BD model they're replacing was well-reviewed.

Michael

[Tero]

As much as I use 10x, 8x and 9x is best for pocket bins. I have not tried these Furys but the eye relief is 20mm
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4653
skip the Hurricanes there.

[Baron Birder]

Well thanks to all who replied. I plumped for the Opticron Taiga's 8x25 at a bargain price of £59.99 at Camera World. Just got them home and will let you know how I get on with them

[Kevin Conville]

Lot's of opinions here. I recently bought Nikon Prostaff ATB 8x25s. I don't know what they're called in the UK. After reading in a previous thread a shortage of eye relief with glasses, I just put on my glasses to try that for myself. I usually wear contacts.

No problem here. The field was fully visible and quickly obtained, with no black-outs. Granted, every one is a little different and styles/size of spectacles may created differences so your mileage, etc..

BTW, they are terrific little binos. Very sharp on axis, very comfortable to hold steady, and very smooth focus with an oversize knob which I like. Add to that water-proofness and low cost, well...

Good luck with your choice!

[Baron Birder]

Well have had the Taigas for a few days now and wow! The optics are great, the eyerelief fine , the brightness amazing and all for £60! My only moan is that they are just a tad too bulky for easily getting in and out of your standard pcocket, but my coat - no problem.

Well pleased with them thanks to all for the advice and those who reccomended these little beauties.B (:B (:B (:

[mark22c]

i had a look at a pair of opticron taiga 8x25's today and agree they are super little bins, i allready have a pair of opticron "imagic" BGA SE 8x42's that are very good but wanted something smaller and lighter for my partner to use to stop her hogging mine. they are suprisingly bright sharp and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, very good IMO.

edit: the eye relief is very good too, my partner wares glasses to view and had no problem seeing the whole FOV

[denco@comcast.n]

The Leica compacts are the best. But even the Leica's are a pain compared to their 8x32's. Spend your money on the 8x32's BN if you have to have compact binoculars. The really small compacts 8x20 just do not compare in ease of use nor optics. I have had many of them and I sold them all. Save yourself some time and money!

Dennis

[Paskman]

The Leica compacts are the best. But even the Leica's are a pain compared to their 8x32's. Spend your money on the 8x32's BN if you have to have compact binoculars. The really small compacts 8x20 just do not compare in ease of use nor optics. I have had many of them and I sold them all. Save yourself some time and money!

Dennis

But Dennis, not everyone can afford to buy 8x32 BN's. I would love to have a pair, but would rather not go through the pain of divorce in order to have them! For those on a small budget who would like a decent pair on bins that fit into a pocket then reverse porro's like the Taiga's are perfect.

Paul

[lucznik]

The Leica compacts are the best. But even the Leica's are a pain compared to their 8x32's. Spend your money on the 8x32's BN if you have to have compact binoculars. The really small compacts 8x20 just do not compare in ease of use nor optics. I have had many of them and I sold them all. Save yourself some time and money!

Dennis

The binoculars you suggest are fine as an alternative to full-sized (40mm+) binoculars, especially for someone who doesn't need to use them during low-light situations. They are however, woefully inadequate as substitutes for compact binoculars - the purpose of which is to allow you to always have a binocular no matter where you go or what you are wearing.

The 8x32s cannot be carried unobtrusively in a trouser pocket. They cannot even be comfortably carried in the pocket of a sports jacket or business suit jacket without looking awkward during a day at work. They take up too much space in a briefcase. This is the venue of the compact binocular. They aren't "supposed" to be an "only" binocular (though for some they certainly can perform the job) but rather, are to allow you to have a binocular available all the time, everywhere, without exception so that when those unexpected opportunities appear, you are ready.

[Sancho]

the compact binocular.....allow you to have a binocular available all the time, everywhere, without exception so that when those unexpected opportunities appear, you are ready.
Agreed! Obviously on a bird-dedicated outing I´d prefer to have bigger punchier bins. But my all-time fave compacts (Leica 8x20) are indispensable when cycling - superb optics, fit in my cycling shirt pocket, add practically no weight to my cycling kit. My 8x32´s are too heavy to carry on a serious cycle.

[James Bean]

As lucznik rightly says, a compact binocular can be very handy when 'those unexpected opportunities appear'. I was on holiday at Bouley Bay in Jersey (Channel Isles) last week and one evening went for an after-dinner stroll along the harbour road. It started to rain and, as I took shelter in a doorway, a pick-up truck stopped, the driver leaned out of his cab, and shouted "Always expect the unexpected!", then sped off with a cheery wave. I was amused by his sense of humour and, unexpectedly, the rain stopped moments later. I looked down onto the beach and noticed there were lots of Herring Gulls at the water's edge; fortunately, I'd had the foresight to bring my Nikon 7x20 Travelite, so was able to count 77 gulls in the gathering dusk. A solitary Great Black-back Gull suddenly swooped down, prompting most of the smaller gulls to take flight in a flurry of wings, skimming the waves as they flew seaward, then climbed in a wide arc to circle the cliffs above. Only three Herring Gulls remained on the beach, seemingly unperturbed by the intrusion of the Great Black-back, who meantime had landed and appeared equally disinterested in them. This brief event was certainly enhanced by having a binocular 'available', even if I can't claim to have completely 'expected the unexpected'. I'm usually a 'big-bin' man, but can see the merit of always having a compact to hand. So I'm adding an Opticron Taiga to a collection which already includes a Pentax 6.5x Papilio.
And, lucznik, over here "we do the 'Hokey Kokey' and we turn around, that's what it's all about"...