new binos for christmas !what ones do i get

[rupertbox]

Hi Guys

I would much appreciate your help with this.
My other half has offered to buy me some great binoculars for crimbo,
The problem I have is that I tried the Zeiss Victory 8x42 ,Swaro 8.5x42.I would like the Zeiss but they are a little out of the other half price range and I’m allowed top end up to
£700
When I was at the Birdfair this year I liked the top end Pentax and the Vortex Vipers,and I have also heard good things on the forum about the Hawke ED

My main question is would I be better getting a secondhand pair of Zeiss/Swaros
Or would something like the Hawke ED be the better choice ?

Thanks for all your help advance

Cheers
Jen

[PYRTLE]

A good secondhand SWAROVSKI/ZEISS/LEICA without doubt....the HAWKE ED (though bright and very good value for money) just doesn't live with the others. Have heard encouraging comments about the very latest Pentax and worth a look at the higher costing Opticron models, such as the Aurora or the DBA "Oasis". Although Santa may be delivering, do please try out the one you decide on. Cheers.

[J. Moore]

Hi Guys

I would much appreciate your help with this.
My other half has offered to buy me some great binoculars for crimbo,
The problem I have is that I tried the Zeiss Victory 8x42 ,Swaro 8.5x42.I would like the Zeiss but they are a little out of the other half price range and I’m allowed top end up to
£700
When I was at the Birdfair this year I liked the top end Pentax and the Vortex Vipers,and I have also heard good things on the forum about the Hawke ED

My main question is would I be better getting a secondhand pair of Zeiss/Swaros
Or would something like the Hawke ED be the better choice ?

Thanks for all your help advance

Cheers
Jen

If the used Zeiss/Swaros are cheaper than the other models you mention new, then I would probably go for them other things being equal. But if the used ones are more expensive, I think that presents a question only you can really answer. You have to decide whether minor differences in optics are worth the money for you. There is also the issue of whether your used binocular choices will come with any type of warranty. So that may weigh in favor of new also.

Personally, I certainly did not find the minor optical differences between a Viper and a Zeiss to be worth the difference in price new.

My two cents,
Jim

[ThoLa]

Hi Guys

I.......

My main question is would I be better getting a secondhand pair of Zeiss/Swaros
Or would something like the Hawke ED be the better choice ?

Thanks for all your help advance

Cheers
Jen

Hello!
If the Victory is out, consider a Zeiss Conquest.

optically top league, gives most of what a Victory does.

That's where I'd cast my eye,
Tom

[Tero]

I would recommend trying the Conquests in hand first. The optics are OK, but the ergonomics do not fit everybody.

As far as the first post, Pentax and Vortex are pretty good at 8x. And the 8.5x does not offer that much more in detail, mostly a gimmick to sell a new model originally. But there is nothing wrong with 8.5x either, hand shake does not bother if it does not bother at 8x.

[Sancho]

If you want the absolute best optics on the planet, but don´t mind "old-fashioned" porro-prism binoculars, (i.e. shaped like binoculars in the Old Days), get a pair of Nikon EII binos, in 8x30 or 10x35 format, from Acecameras.co.uk, for whom I don´t work. There are lots of things to consider, though, one of which being do you wear glasses? Another is, do you expect to be birding in heavy rain, or in twilight? These considerations may influence your decision.

[stuart C smith]

If you want the absolute best optics on the planet, but don´t mind "old-fashioned" porro-prism binoculars, (i.e. shaped like binoculars in the Old Days), get a pair of Nikon EII binos, in 8x30 or 10x35 format, from Acecameras.co.uk, for whom I don´t work. There are lots of things to consider, though, one of which being do you wear glasses? Another is, do you expect to be birding in heavy rain, or in twilight? These considerations may influence your decision.

i will second that, i have both :t:

[rupertbox]

Hi guys

Thanks for all you help,I have looked at the conquests and i they feel good in the hand to me,I do wear glasses,so i think there maybe a bit more testing to do before i def make up my mind
Thanks again
Jen

[passerine]

Like you I tried all of the top brands at Birdfair this year and was very impressed with the Pentax DCF ED models - razor sharp and really good for spec wearers. Similar quality from the Swarovski SLC 8x30. My short list of three was completed by the Nikon 8x32 HGL's. All three models come in under the £600 mark and offer superb value for money compared to the £1000 + glass. I'm hoping Santa tucks the Pentax under my pillow.
Regards
Jim

[teamgs]

Hi Jen,
I am by no means a bin expert, but I have tested the Nikon SE 8x32 side by side with a Swaro 10x42 EL, and preferred the SE. I liked the color rendition/saturation and the more "3D" effect. I know they weren't the same magnification, but still...the SE's give an outstanding view, IMHO.

Are you looking for absolute waterproofness? If you aren't, then you might give the SE's a look.

BTW, I found them used (virtually brand new) for less than $400.

Regards,

Gary

[baldingeagle]

Hi Folks.

For £500 you can get the new RSPB HD bins. i have tried them and found them to be very bright, a good weight and good quality build wise. I lean towards the 8's rather than 10 x magnification ones.

Good luck and happy Christmas to you all

[rupertbox]

Hi Guys

thanks to everyone with their replys

Im off to sherwoods at the weekend try ,test and buy

Thanks again
Jen

[Sancho]

Hi Guys

thanks to everyone with their replys

Im off to sherwoods at the weekend try ,test and buy

Thanks again
Jen
Good luck, let us know what you get....sorry, what Santa gets for you.:t:

[rupertbox]

Cheers Sancho
Will do