lightweight bins

[the_handy_andy]

I've started something with my new Opticron Countryman bins. My mum has taken a shine to them.......mainly because of the weight - 630g (22.2 oz). She has a pair of Swift Belmonts but she finds them too heavy to carry round (with case they are 1050g / 37 oz) so she is think about getting something a bit lighter. But it has fallen to me to do the looking:eek!:

I am not looking for recommendations....I just want to put a list together of lightweight bins, either 8x36 or 8x42.....prism type is less important but price is as she doesn't want to spend as much as I did.

Thanks
Andrew

[kristoffer]

nikon monarch 8x42 is very light, maybe lightest of all 42mm?

[FrankD]

Yes, out of the full size 8x42 bins the Monarch has the lightest listed spec.

However, I believe it has competition now. I received the latest Cabelas catalog in the mail. They have upgraded their Pine Ridge binoculars ($199.99 US). They are an entirely different roof prism with surprisingly similar specs to the Nikon Monarch (physical appearance is similar as well). Also, though not listed in the catalog I did check and they are phase coated.

Other than that I would start looking at the 8x32s/8x36s. What price range are you looking at?

[Tero]

If I use 8x, it is mostly 8x32. I have a 8x42 porro, gets the least use. I play with it sometimes. I guess a 7x42 would give most light in the Scandinavian dusk like midnight this time of year. But for day use, 8x32 is enough. And light.

Here is a fairly new model
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/vortex/vortex-viper-8x32-binocular
have not seen it yet