Bin upgrade

[J Moss]

Hi all.

I have finally got myself a proper job (start in a month) that pays an ok wage! Horrah!!! First thing I'm going to do with my first pay-check (or second...) is upgrade my bins. I currently own Bushnell Powerview 8x42s. There ok, but they're coming up to their last legs.

Basically, I've obviously had my eyes on the big 3 (Leica, Swaro and Nikon HGL), looking for good used deals (wouldn't really want to pay much more than £500-600) All very tempting, but before I take the plunge, I've got a Q.

What are the options regarding new bins at c£500 that ARENT in the big 3? Is there anything really good out there that wouldn't make me think, once I'd bought and used them, "I wish I'd gotten a pair of *insert big 3*"

Thanks

Jason

[J. Moore]

What are the options regarding new bins at c£500 that ARENT in the big 3? Is there anything really good out there that wouldn't make me think, once I'd bought and used them, "I wish I'd gotten a pair of *insert big 3*"

Hi Jason,

Congratulations on the new job! I would recommend you take a look at the very well reviewed Vortex Vipers. I recently compared them side by side with some Zeiss Victory FLs. If I concentrated, I could see some minor differences. But, to my mind, no way was it worth paying more than 200% more!

And think about all the other things you could do with the money rather than spending so much for such small optical improvements. The difference is enough to buy a new computer, DSLR, top end scope or tripod, or overseas birding trip, for example. (Or even donate to a worthy cause). You will not get the prestige or bragging rights that comes with a big three name, but you will get some great optics for the money.

My two cents,
Jim

[J Moss]

Thanks very much Jim, good advice. They look like good bins. I found a thread on this forum reviewing this pair and it got good comments. Also, they sell them at Cleyspy, so I'll be able to try them, which is what I want. I'd like to test them against some 'better' (more expensive, basically) bins and see if I can tell the difference. I often bird in bad weather, and also at dusk, watching LEO's, so low light performance is important to me. However, absolute marginal differences between bins wont worry me too much, especially if the difference means a massive hike in the price! Just as long as they're an improvement on the Bushnels, I'll be happy!

Jason

[Steve C]

Jason,

I agree with Jim on the Vipers. I have a Swift Eaglet 7x36 and Vortex Viper 10x42 which are very good binoculars, the Swift especially if you like a compact design. For that Price range for full size glass, look at the Viper, Swift Eaglet, the Eaglet 8x42 has a better than average 374' FOV (same as the 7x36), or the Pentax SP series. These aren't alpha glass, but they are 95-98% of the way there. I think the "wow" image factor now resides in the mid-priced glass; "wow look how good these are for the price". You will need a suitcase of cash to better these much. Even then the difference may not be noticeable without a sise by side comparison.

Steve

[J. Moore]

I often bird in bad weather, and also at dusk, watching LEO's, so low light performance is important to me.

Brightness is one of the Vipers' biggest strengths, so I would definitely check them out.

Best,
Jim

[J Moss]

Quality. I'll let you know how I get on.

[NoSpringChicken]

I don't know if postcardcv still has his Swarovski 8x32 ELs for sale, as you are going to Cley Spy. They were around the £600 mark.

Ron

[SteveClifton]

As a user of Nikon HG 8x32's, I can certainly recommend them. I bought mine a couple of years ago when they were £399. At that price there was nothing to touch them for price/performance ratio. If you can find a used pair in good condition you should consider them. I tried lots of other slightly cheaper bins (Opticrons, RSPB etc) that weren't quite as good, and in the end I was glad I spent a bit more and got myself one of the 'Big 3/4'.

A little more pricey are the Swaro SLC's. I looked at a pair of 8x30's last week, and couldn't see much/any difference between them and the EL's, except a couple of metres more on the close focus distance.

There was a review of the Kowa BD 8x32 on BF recently, in which the owner said they came close to the SLC's in performance and build quality, but no-one seems to use them. A case of popularity breeds popularity perhaps? so they are never considered. They might be worth a look if you can find a store that has them. At around £300 they seem reasonable, but don't take my word for it.

For my money I would try to push for a pair of the big three if you can-even if it means used. (Especially if you only want to do it once and get it right-every time you use them you'll be glad you did!). I would consider other brands as a second pair, but for me the SLC's would be worth stretching to if you can't find a bargain on anything more expensive-in fact I would have already done so if I hadn't already got the Nikons. Their reputation for customer care is legendary, and you would always have a 'new' pair of bins for the rest of your birding days.

Steve

[stereotruckdriver]

I third the Vipers! Another that I like is the Leupold 8x42 Pinnacles, tack sharp in the center well built. I like the Pentax DCF SP very good in all aspects. For a little more and I think personally the best under $1000.00 U.S. is the Pentax DCF ED. Excellent in all respects compare very well with costlier brands, and yes some might say, lack the field of view but, considering every thing these have to offer including a very good warranty one would have to consider these? No buyers remorse!!! Good Luck!

[Perry Grin]

I have the SLC's (10x42) which I'm sure you could pick up used for about £500. Used Trinovids are also worth a look, should be able to get x32's for around the same price.

I would recommend you find a dealer with a good range of new and used in your price range and spend a couple of hours having a play. You'll find the ones for you that way.

Perry

[timtagel]

DOn't compromise - you'll regret it and yearn for one of the big three.

Get an ex demo Leica Trinovid for £500-£600 easily. Shop around online and you'll end up with a decent pair.

Nikon HG are superb but don't have the badge appeal - something that may be important to you in addition to the optics.

Good luck!

[J Moss]

Thanks all.

I'm going to hit CleySpy tomorrow hopefully, to test drive their stock. I will try the Vipers; as I said, they look like a good set of bins. However, the fact that I'll also be handling the 'big three' means that it will probably be hard to compromise, and I'll end up wanting a pair (not tomorrow though!) The thing is I'm becoming a firm believer in the 'compromise now, regret later' adage. I've already experienced it with my first scope (Hawke endurance) and wish I'd paid a little more for a better one, and not wasted the money.

I'm not willing to pay £1000 for a pair of bins (not now anyway!), so second hand would be the road I'd take if I were to opt for a top pair. However, We'll see what these Vipers are like first!

Jason

[J Moss]

Hi Tim. Must say that the Nikon HG Ls are, so far, my favorite option. They're cheap (ish) and apparently compete big-time with the other top end bins (look forward to seeing for myself though). I've got a lot of respect for the Nikon brand anyway, so badge appeal is up there with Swaro and Leica for me.

Thanks

Jason


DOn't compromise - you'll regret it and yearn for one of the big three.

Get an ex demo Leica Trinovid for £500-£600 easily. Shop around online and you'll end up with a decent pair.

Nikon HG are superb but don't have the badge appeal - something that may be important to you in addition to the optics.

Good luck!

[Perry Grin]

Thanks all.

I'm going to hit CleySpy tomorrow hopefully, to test drive their stock. I will try the Vipers; as I said, they look like a good set of bins. However, the fact that I'll also be handling the 'big three' means that it will probably be hard to compromise, and I'll end up wanting a pair (not tomorrow though!) The thing is I'm becoming a firm believer in the 'compromise now, regret later' adage. I've already experienced it with my first scope (Hawke endurance) and wish I'd paid a little more for a better one, and not wasted the money.

I'm not willing to pay £1000 for a pair of bins (not now anyway!), so second hand would be the road I'd take if I were to opt for a top pair. However, We'll see what these Vipers are like first!

Jason

How did you get on?

[J. Moore]

The thing is I'm becoming a firm believer in the 'compromise now, regret later' adage. I've already experienced it with my first scope (Hawke endurance) and wish I'd paid a little more for a better one, and not wasted the money.

I'm not willing to pay £1000 for a pair of bins (not now anyway!), so second hand would be the road I'd take if I were to opt for a top pair. However, We'll see what these Vipers are like first!


I agree with you regarding scopes. I started out with a budget scope, and wound up going all the way to the top and got a Kowa 883. But the optical differences between midpriced binoculars and elite binoculars are much much smaller than the difference between budget and elite scopes.

But on the other hand, if you can find an elite binocular secondhand for around the same price as the vipers or something similar, that would obviously be a good deal also. And of course you could simply be a budding optics fanatic who just enjoys optical excellence for its own sake, regardless of whether the differences are barely noticeable. ;-)

Cheers,
Jim

[J Moss]

Hello all. Again, thanks for the good advice.

I did visit CleySpy and had a play with Nikon HGL 8x42s (£799), Zeiss Conquest 8x40s (£569) and Vortex Vipers 8X42 (£299). I also had a glance through some Leica BL 8x42s; £899, ex-demo.

Looking through each pair, I found that I could see obvious differences between every pair. I was hoping I'd get there and find that differences in sharpness wouldn't be evident to me and that I'd be happy with a mid-range pair (around £300ish). Sadly wasn't the case. Having used the Nikons and Zeiss', the Vortex' would just dissapoint me everytime I used them. They weren't as bright as any of the other bins tested, and notably less sharp. The sharpness would possibly have been ignorable if I hadn't tested the other bins, but having looked through the others, I would never forgive myself if I settled for these. They were also a bit light for my liking.

The Zeiss Conquests were absolutely stunning to look through. As good as the Nikons, and not much different to the Leicas. Near-perfectly sharp and bright. However, the focus wheel is awful! Very juddery and not smooth like all other bin wheels I've ever used. Also, the build quality didn't seem to be a good as the others. The build quality I could probably live with, so long as they dont fall apart (I'm sure they wouldn't!) but the focus wheel issue might be a problem. Shame, as the optics are amazing. I will give them another chance next time I think, as they are cheaper than the rest.

The Nikon HGL were brilliant. Sharp enough and bright enough to keep me from moaning. Also had a smoother black edge to the view than the Zeiss', which is a bonus (both images were super sharp around the edge, btw). Good chunk of a bin to hold onto as well, which I like. The old model is too heavy for me, so the weight reduction on these new ones is perfect.

The Leicas were best image-wize, but didn't have the big improvement like that from the Vortex' to the Nikons, so didn't leave me thinking "I cant have less than this quality". They're good, but not £200 better (plus. These were ex-demo, and so probably wont be available when I want them). Also, and most importantly, they were too petit for my liking, and also were leather armoured, which looked great, but I like the grip of rubber armour. So no conscience battle going on with this pair (thank god I didn't try the Ultravids! I'd be in massive debt before i start! Dont think I will try them either, untill they start going for £500, or someone wants to give me a pair!)

So, Nikon HG Ls pleased me most, but I will have a few more viewing sessions if I can before I buy.

The guys at CleySpy were very helpful also. Thanks to them.

Jason

[Perry Grin]

I admire your patience - I would have done the stupid thing and bought a pair, just so I didn't go home empty handed!

[postcardcv]

If you liked the HGLs then try the 8x32s, they're 'only' £599 and are probably the best value roof prisms around.

[J. Moore]

Looking through each pair, I found that I could see obvious differences between every pair. I was hoping I'd get there and find that differences in sharpness wouldn't be evident to me and that I'd be happy with a mid-range pair (around £300ish). Sadly wasn't the case.

Well I am glad to see you answered your question. I am at something of a loss to explain your reaction, which differs from mine and several others who have posted here. Perhaps we had different expectations. I went into my experience expecting to see a significant difference, and found differences but none that I considered significant, or at least worth paying much money for. Perhaps also you are more of an optical perfectionist (I personally try to make an effort not to try to see imperfections in optics to avoid this). Hope you find something you are happy with in any event.

Cheers,
Jim

[J Moss]

Hi Perry.

How are the SLC's, compared to the bins I've mentioned? Must say they are the most asthetically pleasing bins I've seen anywhere so far. Not on the excessively expensive side either, although I haven't seen a pair for £500 anywhere. That would be descision made already if I had! (well, wont jump the gun, as I haven't looked through a pair!)

My current bins are 8x, and I've never used 10x. Shame they dont do 8x.

Would it be easy to get used to the change? (thats directed at anyone, btw!)

Thanks


I have the SLC's (10x42) which I'm sure you could pick up used for about £500. Used Trinovids are also worth a look, should be able to get x32's for around the same price.

I would recommend you find a dealer with a good range of new and used in your price range and spend a couple of hours having a play. You'll find the ones for you that way.

Perry

[J Moss]

I'm sorry Jim, I feel bad that I've dissed your bins now!

It was purely the sharpness aspect that I felt let them down, compared to the more expensive pairs. It's not just the Vipers either. I'd never thought about it when using my current Bushnell, and have never found myself thinking "these aren't very sharp! I wish they were sharper!". However, now I do, and I dont think I can go back now! I did find the difference in sharpness to be significant between the pairs, for me.

I'm sure that if I hadn't had access to the Zeiss' or the Nikons, I would have been more impressed.

Thanks for your help though. Really very much appreciated.


Well I am glad to see you answered your question. I am at something of a loss to explain your reaction, which differs from mine and several others who have posted here. Perhaps we had different expectations. I went into my experience expecting to see a significant difference, and found differences but none that I considered significant, or at least worth paying much money for. Perhaps also you are more of an optical perfectionist (I personally try to make an effort not to try to see imperfections in optics to avoid this). Hope you find something you are happy with in any event.

Cheers,
Jim

[J Moss]

Lol wish I could have!


I admire your patience - I would have done the stupid thing and bought a pair, just so I didn't go home empty handed!

[J Moss]

Hey Pete.

Gutting that all these bins become more comfortably within my price-range when thed drop to x32! However, I would rather keep the light gathering ability of x42, and just hunt for a bargain. Maybe have to save a bit longer, but I'll stick with x42 if I can.

Jason


If you liked the HGLs then try the 8x32s, they're 'only' £599 and are probably the best value roof prisms around.

[P H]

Suprised no mention of the Minox HG within your price range and gets top reviews.

http://www.minoxuk.co.uk/HGs.htm

[Perry Grin]

When I bought the SLC's I didn't get the chance to compare with any of the units that you tried so I can't really comment.

I did compare them to the Trinovids in a variety of configurations (8x, 10x, 42, 32), some top end Opticrons (can't remember which) and the RSPB top end bins. I did want to try the Nikons as well, but these weren't in stock at the time.

The SLC's and Trinovids were easily the best of the bunch. The Trinovids had a very slight edge in terms of brightness and sharpness but I went for the SLC's in the end for purely subjective reasons, they felt more comfortable in the hand, the eye cups fitted my face better and the view seemed somewhat 'easier' (very woolly I know!). Also they were closer to my £500 budget!

After a few outings with them I did notice a slight flare around the very outer edge when looking at a bright, light background but after discussing it on this forum decided to stick with them and I don't regret it.

As for 8x against 10x, I've only ever used 10x, but when I have looked through 8x I've not really seen a difference if I'm honest. However, many on this forum find that 8x is much more comfortable to use - wider FOV, brighter, easier to keep steady. I'm sure its another personal thing, but maybe I don't look critically enough!

Anyway, good luck with your hunt, you are definitely doing the right thing trying as many as possible and taking your time.

Perry

Hi Perry.

How are the SLC's, compared to the bins I've mentioned? Must say they are the most asthetically pleasing bins I've seen anywhere so far. Not on the excessively expensive side either, although I haven't seen a pair for £500 anywhere. That would be descision made already if I had! (well, wont jump the gun, as I haven't looked through a pair!)

My current bins are 8x, and I've never used 10x. Shame they dont do 8x.

Would it be easy to get used to the change? (thats directed at anyone, btw!)

Thanks

[Chris Galvin]

Did you try the Opticron Imagic SE range? These are all available for less than £400. The 8x32 has a great field of view at 8 degrees and are superb for general wildlife watching as the close focus is 1.5m so are ideal for /moth/butterfly/dragonfly watching too. When looking through these you can actually focus on your shoes...

[J Moss]

Thanks again all.

Re Opticron SE and top end Minox ranges, I must admit I didn't give them as much attention as they might deserve. I will next time though.

It hard, as everyone everywhere rants and raves about 'the big 3' and these other bins do get overlooked. Obviously the best way is to look for myself, but I'm guessing that I'll be able to pick up on the difference between these top end, 'lower' brands and the big 3. Is this going to be the case? The price difference seems to suggest so, but I wont count my chickens...

Jason

[NoSpringChicken]

Hi Jason. Like you I was highly impressed with the Nikon HG L when I tried them, especially the focusing which was just about the best I've used. I was trying the 8x32 however. A couple of people on the forum have mentioned a slight issue with the rubber on the eyecups disintegrating over time, although Nikon have repaired them without any fuss.

Having extolled the virtues of the HG Ls, I am awaiting delivery of a pair of ex-demo Leica 8x32 BN Trinovids tomorrow, so I hope they are at least as good as the Nikons. They cost £499 and I am hoping they will last me a lifetime, so fingers crossed they are all right.

The staff at Cley Spy are brilliant and there is plenty of stock to try out. Good luck with your choice, whatever it might be.

Edit. I also tried the new Kowa prominar model and was extremely impressed. It might be worth trying that too, although it's a bit heavy and might be at the top end of your budget.

Ron

[Steve C]

Binoculars used as display/demos can sometimes have had some really hard knock from clumsy customers. From what you've said, I'd bet that the Vipers you tried have something wrong with them. I'd not try and convince anyone they are at the same level as the more expensive glass you looked at, but mine are every bit as good as the Zeiss Coquest. Brightness per monetary unit is theVipers strong point. If cash does not come as fast as you think, don't give them up yet.

Steve

[J Moss]

Hey Steve

No I wont rule anything out just yet, as theres plenty of time for testing everything before I can afford to buy. I might try the Vipers again, as well as the high end Minox, Opticron etc. Will also try the Zeiss Conquests again, as that focus wheel couldn't have been quite right!

Jason


Binoculars used as display/demos can sometimes have had some really hard knock from clumsy customers. From what you've said, I'd bet that the Vipers you tried have something wrong with them. I'd not try and convince anyone they are at the same level as the more expensive glass you looked at, but mine are every bit as good as the Zeiss Coquest. Brightness per monetary unit is theVipers strong point. If cash does not come as fast as you think, don't give them up yet.

Steve

[vkalia]

Interesting reading your findings.

I've compared the Vipers to Ultravids (not directly) and BLs (this one was a side by side, A/B comparison), and to my eyes, the Ultravids were a bit better optically and more comfortable to look through, but the Vipers were brighter and more neutral than the BLs.

Each to their own, however - you're going about purchasing gear the right way, by comparing and judging it for yourself.

Vandit

[J Moss]

Hi Ron

I've been keeping an eye on Trinovids. Might end up getting a pair because they go for within my price range, and they're top bins.

Also, I must get hold of a pair of x32s and try them in bad light. I'm thinking that if they're better than my current Bushnell x42s, I might go with them, as the price drop suits my wallet better, and means that I'll be able to break into the Swaro/Nikon/Leica area more comfortably.

Will see

Jason


Hi Jason. Like you I was highly impressed with the Nikon HG L when I tried them, especially the focusing which was just about the best I've used. I was trying the 8x32 however. A couple of people on the forum have mentioned a slight issue with the rubber on the eyecups disintegrating over time, although Nikon have repaired them without any fuss.

Having extolled the virtues of the HG Ls, I am awaiting delivery of a pair of ex-demo Leica 8x32 BN Trinovids tomorrow, so I hope they are at least as good as the Nikons. They cost £499 and I am hoping they will last me a lifetime, so fingers crossed they are all right.

The staff at Cley Spy are brilliant and there is plenty of stock to try out. Good luck with your choice, whatever it might be.

Edit. I also tried the new Kowa prominar model and was extremely impressed. It might be worth trying that too, although it's a bit heavy and might be at the top end of your budget.

Ron

[J Moss]

Thanks Vandit.

I have'nt got an agenda against any of the bins I've used so far. I'm purely going with what I see. I'm happy to pay £500+, and haven't found anything below that price that competes. I obviously haven't tried everything yet, and I hope I do find something that is good, but so far, Nikon, Leica, Zeiss (even the Conquests) and Swaro have really impressed me.

Jason


Interesting reading your findings.

I've compared the Vipers to Ultravids (not directly) and BLs (this one was a side by side, A/B comparison), and to my eyes, the Ultravids were a bit better optically and more comfortable to look through, but the Vipers were brighter and more neutral than the BLs.

Each to their own, however - you're going about purchasing gear the right way, by comparing and judging it for yourself.

Vandit

[Paskman]

Jason,

Try the 7x42 SLCs - I don't think that you will miss the drop in magnification, but you will love the view only a 7x42 can give. They are a bit heavy, but so good ergonomically that you don't really notice it. They are also extremely good value!

Paul

[David Caudwell]

If your budget is restricted I'll put a vote in for the Swaro 8x30 slc's - light, relatively compact, good FOV, built like a tank and fantastic value. The only downside for me these days is the long close-focus. I've had mine for 13 yrs & they've been EVERYWHERE and never let me down!
However, if you can wait a while longer I would save up and get your favourite bins, whatever the cost - for the sake of a few more months you'll never regret it! I think once you've had a good look through the FL's, Ultravids, and ELs you'll be prepared to hang on a few more months, cos they really are better! Maybe not several hundred pounds better but better all the same...and if you get a 2nd division pair you'll only be wishing you hadn't!
Happy hunting (in a manner of speaking ;) )
Dave C

[NoSpringChicken]

My Trinovids arrived safely this lunchtime and my first impressions are – wow! They seem beautifully engineered, very solid and the view is definitely much brighter and sharper than my Swift HHS roofs. They look brand new and have got all the accessories with them. including a really good rainguard, a decent strap and a quality case. At the moment they seem really good value for £499 and I am looking forward to trying them out properly this weekend, weather permitting.

Ron

[J Moss]

Lol, looks like the budget is going up and up! I really do like the look of the Swaro SCLs (why didn't I have a closer look at the 7x30s that Cleyspy had, I dont know!), and the 7x42s seem like very good value. However, the 10x42s are probably attainable, at £729 (warehouse express). I dont think I'd like to lose any mag, as I only use the scope occasionally. 10x would probably be nice, actually.

The contract I've got (5 months with the National Trust, seasonal warden on Blakeney Point) has just been shifted forward 2 weeks, so I dont have to wait so long for some money! God, I cant wait!

Jason

[FrankD]

I am sorry that I did not see this thread sooner. If I could not purchase a Zeiss, Swaro, Leica or Nikon then I would be looking at...

Vortex Razor (8x42 in particular)
Meopta Meostar (really my favorite after the FLs and possibly the Trinovids)
Minox HG (limited experience and the field of view is a bit narrow on some configurations)
Pentax ED (again, limited experience and a narrower field of view in the 8x42 configuration but quite bright and very sharp)

I would also agree with your comments on the Conquest ABKs to an extent. They do appear quite sharp and especially bright. My only "knock" on them is that they do tend to display noticeable color fringing on high contrast objects. If you are one of those folks who does not see it then you will probably love these. As for the horrible focus...I agree with the above comments. It probably was just because it was a display model. Ask them to examine a boxed unit if you are serious about purchasing it. You may be surprised.

[J Moss]

Right, I'm still struggling to make my mind up!

so far, every pair that I have tested has had SOMETHING that I see as a problem or a niggle.

I've looked at the Kowa XD44s. They are nice bins, with a great view. However, at nearly 1KG, you'd probably feel that after a days wandering. Also they cost as much as the Nikon HGLs, which are better all round, IMO.

The Swarovski SLCs are the best looking bins I've tried, and the most comfortable to handle. I also dont mind the odd focus wheel. However, I would really prefer a close focus in my new bins, and 4m is way out! Only downside on these bins though, IMO.

I tried the Zeiss Conquests again and didn't find the focus wheel as bad as I did the other day. It isn't smooth like other bins; more of a start/stop action. I would get used to it though. However, this coupled with the cheap feel and a close focus of 3m means there may be too many things that bother me with these bins.

The Nikon HGLs have very little wrong with them, to my eyes. Nice size, nice shape, great image and fairly close focus. The £749 price tag is the only stumbling block!

However, I haven't tried a pair of Leica Trinovids yet. On paper, these are my favoured bins, and not just because they can be had for £499! They look great, as well as appearing rock solid, great optics (so I hear) and low close focus. Thats pretty much everything I want in a bin! Maybe a bit on the heavy side, but I'm not bothered too much by that. The price is probably the tipping point though.

...

Still cant take my mind of the SCLs though...

AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!

Jason

[JonSadler]

Hi

I have been looking at new bins for a while now. It is such a tough call what to buy. I am amazed by these posts. Where can you get Leica trinovids for 499! I cannot find them anywhere.

Regards
Jon

[NoSpringChicken]

Hi

I have been looking at new bins for a while now. It is such a tough call what to buy. I am amazed by these posts. Where can you get Leica trinovids for 499! I cannot find them anywhere.

Regards
Jon

I got my £499 ex-demo 8x32s from London Camera Exchange but I think they were a one off as they are not advertising any more pairs. They are ex-Leica demos and I assume they offered them to dealers once production stopped.

I think you would just have to keep your eyes open and hope some more turned up somewhere.

I gave mine a good workout at Minsmere today and am really pleased with them, although I have noticed that there is more CA than I get with my Swift HHS 8.5x44 roofs. I am not too bothered though, as their other attributes more than make up for this short coming. Incidentally I think the Swifts are greatly underrated and are a superb bargain at about £250. Well worth a look.

Ron

[J Moss]

Ebay usually has a pair, second hand of course. There are 2 on there at the moment (and I cant bid for either, as I haven't got the money yet!)

Jason


Hi

I have been looking at new bins for a while now. It is such a tough call what to buy. I am amazed by these posts. Where can you get Leica trinovids for 499! I cannot find them anywhere.

Regards
Jon

[NoSpringChicken]

Jason, in view of the fact that you are now considering the 8x32 Trinovids, have you tried the Nikon 8x32 HG Ls? I was very impressed by them and they were my number one choice until I found the Trinovids at a reasonable price.

The Nikons have a 136m field of view, 2.5m close focus, 17mm eye relief and weigh 695g. They get some excellent reviews and I think there is little, if anything, to choose between their optical performance and that of the other top brands. They are available for around £550-600.

Just a thought.

Ron

[postcardcv]

The Nikons have a 136m field of view, 2.5m close focus, 17mm eye relief and weigh 695g. They get some excellent reviews and I think there is little, if anything, to choose between their optical performance and that of the other top brands. They are available for around £550-600.

I'd agree that the Nikons are definitely a great option, to my eyes the Nikon HGs are the sharpest of the top end roof prism bins.

[J Moss]

That I have tried the 8x32 HGLs. My choice has narrowed dramatically now, between these and Trino 8x32s. I prefer the Trinovids purely for asthetic reasons, but the difficulty in getting hold of a pair with a European passport is making the Nikons a better option at the moment. £599 at Cleyspy, but £549 on Warehouseexpress. I would rather buy them from Cleyspy, as I've been bothering them so much lately, but 50 quid is a lot of money! Pete... any chance of a bit of a discount?

:)

Jason