Mid-priced 10x?? experience?

[Bradley B]

Greetings,

My primary pair of field glasses is the Nikon 8x42 LXL, which work well for me. But after straining to pull identifying detail for warblers in the tree tops, I've been wondering about picking up a (relatively) affordable pair of 10x's.

I wear glasses and find the ER on the LXL's provides me with a full FOV.

With a very limited selection in stores in my area, I am wondering what the veterans might recommend.

I have checked out the 10x42 SE's which are, of course, exquisite, have enough ER, but are priced out past what I'd really like to pay for a secondary pair of glasses.

Affordable choices that occur to me are:

Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42
Eagle Optics Platinum 10x42
Celestron Regal LX 10x42

(Are these all the same bins, more or less? Would they all stiffen up in freezing weather as the Platinums are reported to do?)


Not really affordable but oh, well, it's only money options could be:

Nikon LX (older) 10x32 (found these for $530)
Pentax DCF SP 10x43 (and yes, priced close enough to justify the SE's)

Given that I have an all-weather primary pair, affordable porros could be in option if enough eye relief (haven't seen any examples in current models).

Could you share experience/thoughts with these models, or perhaps cite an option that I haven't considered?

Thanks, Bradley

[BMR]

If you can find them, the B&L Discoverer 10X42 is outstanding and in fact very close to the high end binos. If you do a search on this forum you'll find some very favorable reviews. I was lucky enough to find mine for $200 last year, down from a SRP of $600.

[Robert Ellis]

The triplet you asked about are indeed related. The Rangers have some assembly in Japan, hence "Made in Japan" instead of China. Beware that the narrow field of view in midpriced, fullsized, 10x roofs may make chasing warblers through foliage tough.

[HokkaidoStu]

I have the Monarch 10x42 and they work fine for me. Not high-end optics of course but still pretty good. They are also very light (about 600g I think).

I've frequently used them in sub-zero temps and not noticed any problems with stiffening up.

As a secondary pair I'd say they're more than adequete.........I actually use them as my main pair.

They're ok in forest environments too. Or maybe I'm just used to using cheaper bins.

[Bradley B]

Beware that the narrow field of view in midpriced, fullsized, 10x roofs may make chasing warblers through foliage tough.

Yes, the phrase "chasing warblers" rings true. The little rascals do not stay put like they do in the field guides, do they?

Is there a practical threshold FOV, in your experience? IIRC, my examples have a FOV of 314' and up. The Discover, for example, is 341' at the price of 28 oz.

Or would you maybe be thinking that the 8x42 LXL's, with excellent brightness and res, decent FOV, and less exaggeration of movement, might end up being preferable in this context, after all?

Thanks, Bradley

[Bradley B]

I have the Monarch 10x42 and they work fine for me. Not high-end optics of course but still pretty good. They are also very light (about 600g I think).

I've frequently used them in sub-zero temps and not noticed any problems with stiffening up.

As a secondary pair I'd say they're more than adequete.........I actually use them as my main pair.

They're ok in forest environments too. Or maybe I'm just used to using cheaper bins.

Thanks, H. Stu, I appreciate your perspective. I've also been leaning toward the Monarchs, and their (lack of) weight is compelling.

Bradley

[Robert Ellis]

Before you buy try this trick. Convince yourself that it was not the amount of magnification that was the problem and give 8x a chance to repeat. It may have been lighting, it may have been situational, but it is free to try. I use 8.5x where others use 10x, and I use 7x where others use 8x. I have never felt undergunned. The quality of the optics is more important than the magnification. If you don't have the book "Warblers" in the Peterson series I would give that a look before spending the money on bins. Knowing what detail to see can help you see it, eh?

On the other hand, the two warbler spotters I run into at my local spot tote a 10x50 and a 12x50, and I have yet to bother finding out why.

[henry link]

I'd add Nikon 10X35 EII's to your list. IMO brighter, sharper optics than any roof in your price range and a wider FOV.

[Bradley B]

I'd add Nikon 10X35 EII's to your list. IMO brighter, sharper optics than any roof in your price range and a wider FOV.

Thanks. People rave about their EII's and I've looked into them (not through them), but with ER of 13.8 mm, I would be doubtful without actually sampling a pair.

Bradley

[henry link]

Bradley,

Note that the eye relief spec is for a 70 degree AFOV. Across 60 degrees of that field (which is closer to the total AFOV of most of the competition) the eye relief is probably around 16mm. I have no problem seeing the entire 70 degree field without glasses, but as always individual results will vary.

Henry

[mcdowella]

I bought a pair of Optolyth Alpin 10x42 second hand from Ebay a few weeks ago and am very pleased with them - very light, and a good quality picture. The field of view is a bit narrow after my usual (exceptionally wide field) Swift Audubon 8.5X44, so I wouldn't use them for anything where you want to scan for birds you can't pick up first with the naked eye. Assuming that the current Optolyth Alpin 10x42 NG is at least as good, I would at least think about them, if you are sure you want an alternative to 8X.

[Blincodave]

[Not really affordable but oh, well, it's only money options could be:

Nikon LX (older) 10x32 (found these for $530)

I use Swaro EL 8.5 s but couldn't resist buying some of these Nikon 10 x 32s which are also available at a closeout price in the UK. They are a superb buy with outstanding optics, good handling and come with 16 mm of eye - relief. I do enjoy having the extra magnification and would recommend that you check out the review of quality 10 x bins on the 'Alula' website where they are compared with other top line 10 x optics.

Cheers


Dave

[Bradley B]

OK, I have gone the it's-only-money route. Just ordered the Nikon Venturer 10x32LX. They should keep my 8x42LXL's in good company (and I won't get spoiled by a pesky absence of color fringing like on some other models I could mention ;-) ).

Supplies seem to be drying up, and some sites are advertising it who don't have them (ahem, Amazon/Adorama).

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these bins will actually get here, in new condition, etc. Updates as they happen.

Thanks to all,

Bradley

[Kevin Mac]

Should have just bought 10x in the first place. Live and learn.

[Bradley B]

BlincoDave, thanks for the encouragement and the reference to Alula.

The bins arrived from Etronic yesterday. All pretty much as promised. The box had been gathering dust somewhere, but included the Nikon warranty, and the bins were virgin and flawless.

The 10x took me some getting used to. During the three hours in the field this morning, I think my brain began to compensate for the increased movement, and they feel more comfortable than initially. I can appreciate Robert Ellis's deference to FOV, but I found it quite workable to sight with the naked eye and then bring up the bins. The Blackburnian and Magnolia Warblers we saw this morning were vivid and quite marvelous.

So far, I prefer the feel of my heavier 8x42's. I think the weight of the larger bins feels more natural in my hands. However, the detail apparent in the 10x's definitely has its place. With all respect due Kevin Mac's moral dogmatism (or was it dogmatic moralism?), I am glad to have the choice and will be putting both pairs to work. I've just wished myself happy birthday and merry Christmas ('05) and will be closing the expendable funds budget book for a while.

Bradley "oh, no, not another new bin at Eagle Optics" B.

[Blincodave]

[QUOTE=Bradley B]BlincoDave, thanks for the encouragement and the reference to Alula.

You are welcome Bradley. I also had the Nikon 8 x 42s but found them just too heavy and sold them on. It takes a while to adjust to the very fast focus but, as you say, the eye appears to adjust to any apparent shake. I find that if I don't fancy taking my scope with me, they are a better companion than my Swaros - especially if I'm walking a fair way. They feel so much lighter although the difference is only 105 grams. Their compact size really makes a difference.