Good Handling versus extra Brightness

[Baron Birder]

I went to test some binoculars again today. This time the Zeiss FL 8X42 versus the Leica 8X42.

Whilst the Zeiss was noticably brighter to me, the shorter barrels of the Leica felt more comfortable and balanced in my hands.

Perhaps I need to hold the Zeiss a littel further down the barrels?:

I wear varifocal and both seemed comfortable in eye relief

Oh the torment of trying to decide!!

[Corvus Corax]

If you spend a lot of time birding in low light / poor visibility conditions then the perceived extra brightness of the Zeiss will surely be the determining factor for you but for me it was handling.

I bought my Leicas (10x42 BN Trinovids) many years ago after months of agonising between them and a set of Swaros - both sets had pretty much identical optical characteristics but I was fortunate to have an understanding dealer who allowed me to "test drive" both sets for a week and what finally did it for me was the handling of the Leicas.

They felt better in the hand, more commfortable around the neck, easier to bring to the eye and faster to lock onto a bird.

I would have another set of BNs tomorrow

[Kevin Conville]

Without addressing the specifics of the two binos you are considering, I have to say that I have found the handling of a bino is more :eek!: important than optical qualities.

The best optics won't do much good if you can't hold them steady, take too long to position at the eye, are slow to focus, or suffer black-outs.
You might miss that bird.

Binocular people love to split fine hairs with regards to the nuance of optics, I know, I do it! The reality is these are hand-held instruments and is one of the reasons all the optical testing imaginable can't tell anyone what bino is best for them.

FWIW I use Trinovid 8x32 BNs and Ultravid 7x42s

[FrankD]

Tough call. All else being equal I would go for the handling (vs. brightness). Now, having said that, and considering the two bins you are comparing I would suggest looking at the 7x42 FLs as well. They are noticeably shorter and somewhat better balanced than the 8x42s (IMO). They might fit your hands better.

[etc]

I think Leica has the ultimate optics, and great design, durability is A+, but as a package, leaves much to be desired.

In my circumstance , with myopia and my desire to use them without eyeglasses, I cannot get enough overdrive focus past infinity to do so. Leica gives you -4D, which is not enough. Swaro EL 8.5 is much better in this regard, with -6D while I hear Zeiss Victory *FL is better still with -7D.
In all likelyhood, this might not be an issue for you.

So looking at it as a package, considering ergonomics and such, there are other choices. In my case, Swaro/Zeiss/Nikon might be better than Leica. You have to evaluate the whole package.
I don't find the greater weight of the older Trinovids an issue, they feel like quality optical instruments to me but others might not like them.

[DrHPI]

It's difficult to say what weight one should assign to the "handling properties" of binos. I am tempted to claim that many reported handling difficulties are simply a negative transfer effect from what you are used to. And consequently in time you can get used to many different kinds of binos. Another reason which diminishes handling concerns is that it's advisable to use a finnstick and it eliminates most if not all of those concerns. Therefore, optical qualities (sharpness, brightness, ...) are crucial.

Heikki

[Baron Birder]

It's difficult to say what weight one should assign to the "handling properties" of binos. I am tempted to claim that many reported handling difficulties are simply a negative transfer effect from what you are used to. And consequently in time you can get used to many different kinds of binos. Another reason which diminishes handling concerns is that it's advisable to use a finnstick and it eliminates most if not all of those concerns. Therefore, optical qualities (sharpness, brightness, ...) are crucial.

Heikki

What is a finnstick please?

[etudiant]

A monopod that braces against the body and helps support a binocular or scope.
A good review of one is here: http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/showproduct.php?product=122&sort=7&cat=998&page=1

[WmCCO-5]

Purely subjective but I find the FL's to display perfect balance "outboard" of the bridge.


Bill

[JohnJos]

The FL's ergonomics work perfectly for me. Balance is just right. Grip is just right. Eye cups & eye relief is just right. Focusing is just right. Absolutely no complaints. Superb view for sure. I compared the 8x42 FL with the 8x42 Ultravid in September before I bought the FLs. Spent an hour or so with them both (kudos to the Cape May Bird Observatory's Northwood Center). Tried both bins outside by the lake and in the woods. I just liked the FL that much better.

[Baron Birder]

Purely subjective but I find the FL's to display perfect balance "outboard" of the bridge.


Bill

Not sure what "outboard" of the bridge means. Could you elucidate?

Thanks