Another ? re small binocs for skiing?

[Hairymare]

Hi,
We are trying to decide on which brand of compact binoculars to purchase for cross country skiing. We both have 8 x 42 for birding but they are too large for skiing. We are interested in the Nikon 8x2o LXL's due to the price unless the Zeiss 8x20's are much better. We mostly bird but do ski all winter. We would like to have binoculars of this size so that we could always have them with us. Even for a trip to town for milk. We live in a remote location and have been to all the stores looking to try these binoculars and none carry them even though we have tried the Zeiss as they are owned by some friends. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Yvette

[Alexis Powell]

Optically the Nikon LXL are superb, so if you are OK with the little finger driven focus, they're an awesome bino (and I note that their price has dropped recently, at least at Eagle Optics).

The challenge I think you'll face w/using them during skiing is that the exertion of skiing will cause your muscles to be more shakey than usual, which makes using such a tiny, lightweight bino quite challenging. You might want to use a ski pole as a monopod, or poles as a bipod.

--AP

[paulwfromtheden]

Optically the Nikon LXL are superb, so if you are OK with the little finger driven focus, they're an awesome bino (and I note that their price has dropped recently, at least at Eagle Optics).

The challenge I think you'll face w/using them during skiing is that the exertion of skiing will cause your muscles to be more shakey than usual, which makes using such a tiny, lightweight bino quite challenging. You might want to use a ski pole as a monopod, or poles as a bipod.

--AP

I always take mine skiing.
Never find muscle shake too much of a problem when you have been sitting in a bar drinking 'vin chaud' for 3 hours, after that the alcohol shakes take over....
I have a pair of Nikkon Travelite 8x25's; they are small enough and cheap enough that if you have a crash it's not the end of the world.

[jimibird]

I have a pair of the Zeiss Victory 8x20's, they are light and they fold up really small. Good bright image also. I like them.

[ceasar]

The single hinge Zeiss Victory's will likely be more convenient to use while you are skiing than the normal double hinged glasses usually found in these small formats.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=5356


Then there are the small and inexpensive 8 x 28 phase coated Roof's made by Vortex (Hurricane) and Bushnell (Excursion). Both under $150.00.

Bob

[Kevin Purcell]

-1 on the Hurricanes.

I found them to have pretty bad stray light problems in "normal" circumstances. I would think they could be pretty bad over sunlit snow.

[Steve C]

Personally, I'd get Bushnell Custom Elite 7x26 and be done with it. There is no better optics in small glass. They are a tad bit big for true pocket carry, but with the gear of a cross country skier, they should not pose a problem.

[NWBirder]

I like the light weight of Nikon LXL. Although little small on lens size, it is quite bright for its little package.

[Hairymare]

Thank-you for answering. And, I am still undecided on what to do. The story thickens. I originally had Nikon 8x32 LXL binocs. The focus wheel froze up. They sent me the brand new EDG binoculars for a replacement. They sent without me asking 8x42. I live in the heart of the mountains in a high peak area and my hobby is woods walking. I already can't stand the weight and size of the new Nikon EDG's. I also snowshoe and cross country ski often. I also go on bird walks, participate in the Christmas Bird Counts and feel I can use the new binoc's for those purposes but for every day banging around in the woods I don't think I can stand it. I snowshoed up a small mountain yesterday and they were literally flailing around. I have a Nikon harness strap that still does not contain them. Now I am considering the Eagle Optics SRT rangers for everyday use and using the big Nikons for birding expeditions. Or maybe the 8x20 Nikon LXL? I have a small pair of Nikon 10x21 Nikon buckmasters that I consider simply not good enough. Better, now that I have taped the diopter adjustment into one position.

[Hairymare]

I should have also stated that I loved those Nikon 8x32 LXL's. They were heavy but not nearly so cumbersome as the new EDG 8x42. And, I have used the 10x21's skiing lots of times but they are too poor to use as a daily binoc and I really can't afford a new pair of Nikon 8x32. Also, waterproof is a must. I often go out in poor weather. Thanks again. Also, I still need to get two pairs of something, one for me and one for husband.

[ceasar]

Hairymare,
Please consider this advice. Keep the EDG's!!!! Don't look a Gift Horse in the mouth!!! Lots of people would give their eyeteeth or even more valuable parts for an EDG!! o:)

Read this link:http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/nikon/nikon-edg-8x42-binocular

Then go to a sporting goods dealer like Dick's Sporting Goods and BUY a Nikon Travelite 8 x 25 for about $90.00 to use when you are skiing!

Or give the EDG's to your husband ON THE CONDITION that he buy you a nice small 8 x 32 like the Eagle Ranger 8 x 32 or the Nikon 8 x 20 LX L or the Nikon 10 x 25 LX L!

BTW, the 8 x 32 Nikon LX L is no longer made. All the LX L's except the small ones are being replaced by the EDG's.

Enjoy your new binoculars!

Bob: