Do all Binocular?

[stereotruckdriver]

If you were limited to just one? What would it be? Brand, size etc...

[JohnJos]

My Zeiss FL 8x42 for sure.

[Pinewood]

My Zeiss FL 8x42 for sure.

Hello John,

No argument, but I would take a Zeiss 8x32 FL because it is so compact, has a wider Field of View, and is up to almost all daytime observing. The extra light gathering power of your 42 mm. objectives is useful for only a short period either at dawn or at dusk. However, my second choice would be a 7x42.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

[JohnJos]

Thanks for you thoughts Arthur. I'll have to try the 8x32 & 7x42 FLs this weekend when I'm down at the NJAS Optics Sale in Cape May. We're going down to get bins for my wife. No way I'm going to be allowed to supplement my 8x42 FLs with a second pair of FLs. But can't hurt to test them out nonetheless. Maybe my wife can get the 8x32 FLs and we can share from time to time.:t:

[Steve C]

One binocular would be a real challenge. Two is easy enough for me, but for just one and only one binocular, I think that the new Leupold switch power 7-12X would come as close as anything on the market. I might gag when I finally see one, I don't know. If the optics are adequate for me, I am seriously considering one at this point.

Realizing that a one binocular approach is going to require something that is a set of compromises you may or may not be willing to accept for overall use. Having said that, what appeals to me about the 7-12X is that it is light enough that you will be less likely to leave it behind than you would a heavier full size model. A Leica Duovid is very likely better optics, but they are too heavy for all binocular uses. 7X is also a fine all around magnification. And that is what may kill the glass at the gate because everybody simply takes it for granted that 8X is the holy grail for all around status. I have a very good Swift 7x36 Eaglet that will quickly give lie to that. For what I have now the 7x36 would be my one binocular choice. The 7-12x will add a quick power boost to look more closely at distant objects. What the 12x optical quality is will determine my ultimate buy or not to buy.

Steve

[jacquot]

I agree with Pinewood that the 8x32 format is good for size, weight, FOV, pretty much everything, and the FL has an amazingly clear and sharp view. I have never been distracted by the astigmatism some have noted, but I have the 10x32 version. They replaced my 10x42 Nikon SE's, that's how much I like them. I did need to have the diopter repaired, but none of the current "top 3" can claim perfection. I also have Nikon 8x32 LXs and also like them. I have a hard time carrying full size glass now. My old B&L Elites are as big as I'll go and they are compact by today's 42 standards.

So if I had only one pair, it would probably be the 8x32 FL's. You can find the older version at a big discount now, and someone here said the LotuTec attracts dust.

[Alexis Powell]

Leica 8x32 Ultravid HD

[etc]

I think 8x42mm is best all-around power.

I think I would choose Swarovski EL 8.5x42.

I also want to try Zeiss, so this opinion may change.

[denco@comcast.n]

If you were limited to just one? What would it be? Brand, size etc...





It would have to a Leica 7x42 BN. It is made by GOD!

Dennis

[Tero]

10x42, no particular model
on the other hand, if they made a decent 9x32...

[Robert / Seattle]

For me a toss up, between ...

Ultravid 10x32 or Duovid 8+12x42. Portability vs. Versatility. Both optically superb and great all around performers.

[Kevin Conville]

8x32, preferably in Trinovid or Ultravid flavors. Hmmm...Yummy.

[ceasar]

My Leica 7 x 42 BN Trinovid. An easy to use, versatile, all purpose binocular. I never tried the Ultravid version. Nikon 8 x 32 SE is my second choice.
Bob

[AlanFrench]

My Canon 12x36 II IS pair. As much as I love my 7x42s, the higher magnification and steadiness of the Canons make for IDs from farther away, and much more detailed views of the closer birds.

Clear skies, Alan

[James Bean]

On the basis that a good big 'un beats a good little 'un, it would have to be my Zeiss Jena 8x50BGA Octarem (1984). Built to last for ever, crisp/clear image, heavy but nicely balanced, ideal focus position/feel/control (large central bar, silky smooth, finger tips, elbows in) and 'easy' viewing. Most importantly, and subjectively, it suits ME...

[Baron Birder]

I think 8x42mm is best all-around power.

I think I would choose Swarovski EL 8.5x42.

I also want to try Zeiss, so this opinion may change.

I tried the Swarovski against the Zeiss. Yes the Zeiss seems brighter But on all other counts particularly the handling, balance and hand to eye ease the Swarovski won, so I bought them and am very pleased I did.:-O

[FrankD]

7x42 FL....which is why I bought a second.

8x32...FL as a second choice.

[stereotruckdriver]

After posting this I thought really hard, and then seeing what other's would chose I finaly came to a conclusion of my own! My choice though is, Pentax DCF SP 10x50! It has it's -'s but it's +'s out weigh the rest. I'am sure this could lead to several arguement's? But, having owned this binocular for quite some-time and having survived a fall of ten FT objectives first onto concrete ( sent them for a check-up to Pentax ) luckily caps were on, I can honestly say for the vast majority this is all the glass that one could want or need! No short comings color, resolution, sharpness, lack of cal (YES)very good close focus for a 10x50 and yes I know lacks FOV!!! But, for me though if I could only have one DO ALL Binocular this would be it! There are other's that are a TOUCH BETTER, which I would give-up if I could only have one. Thank's for sharing you're thought's as well, Stereo...

[John Cantelo]

10x42, no particular model
on the other hand, if they made a decent 9x32...

No, I'd like to see a top flight 9x36!

John

[ceasar]

No, I'd like to see a top flight 9x36!

John

Dream on John!

Meanwhile you can get close to that if you are lucky and act fast. There are still some recently discontinued Nikon 10 x 35 EII's to be found if you hunt them out.:t:
Bob

[Bubbs]

I think 8x42mm is best all-around power.

I think I would choose Swarovski EL 8.5x42.

I also want to try Zeiss, so this opinion may change.

If you choose the Swaro's 8.5's be prepared to grow big hands and long fingers - and how annoying are those thumb grips?

Great optics but rubbish ergonomics....get rid of the thumb grips!

[etc]

The Swaro 8.5x42 thumb rests are next to useless, they don't fit me, so I just ignore them.

I wish I could get a 7x30 Alpha bino, that would be really useful.

[Swedpat]

I would like to have a Swarovski SLCnew 6x30 B.

Unfortunately this model doesn't exist...but it would offer brighter image, steadier image, better depth of field and longer eye relief than the 8x30.
I will be one of the first to catch it if they start to produce it...

Regards, Patric

[spyglass]

It's downright diabolical to even suggest getting by with just one bino....does that mean we couldn't have a scope either? Now I can see selecting just one from the shelf for a specific trip/event (bird hike, airshow, ballgame, car race, et al), but I'd wanna know that the rest of 'em were waitin' when I got home.....wooden shoe?)

[gwsudiro]

the EL 8x32 Swarovision! :t:

[jaymoynihan]

If you were limited to just one? What would it be? Brand, size etc...

To be used for....?