8.5x42, 578 ft/1000 yards FOV

[Otto McDiesel]

short ER, but very interesting
http://www.optics4birding.com/carsonoptical-superwide-85x42-10155.html

[Tero]

Question: Does anybody own any Carsons?
these interest me, for FOV as well
http://www.optics4birding.com/carson-ptical-xm-8x32-10140.html

[ksbird/foxranch]

Question: Does anybody own any Carsons?
these interest me, for FOV as well
http://www.optics4birding.com/carson-ptical-xm-8x32-10140.html

We use a pair of Carson Super-wide 10x50s onthe ranch (recently discontinued and purchased on close-out). They are reasonable for their sharpness and contrast, with a wide field of 380ft @1000 yds (123M@1000M). The reason we have them besides the low cost to potentially try out as loaners, is that they have filters that can be dialed into the field of view. On cloudy days and especially on misty days they greatly increase contrast because the yellow filter seems to see though the mist a bit better with UV and blue light reflecting off the mist droplets.

The current OS Carson 10x50 sells for a really low price too. It seems to be without the filters and has a narrower field of view and don't expect world-class optics here either. The Carson 10x50 we have has an odd feel to them but seem easy to hold for a long time. Carson seems to design everything themselves from the ground up. Again, this is a pair of binocs we thought we'd test and then loan/rent until someone broke/bought them, but we ended up liking them at least within reasonable limits. On close-out the 10x50 Carson Super-wides we bought cost $20 plus shipping New, so check around on the internet for some really low prices.

[Bob A (SD)]

I know this is an old thread but given that I've just taken the plunge for a pair of these Carson 8.5x42 bins with 11 degree FOV and an astoundingly large 93.5 degree AFOV, I figured it appropriate to post. Granted I expect field distortion and other issues in the outer periphery. And I'll need to contend with a 9mm eye relief that some opine is actually a generous figure. But I LOVE huge FOVs, so..... 8-P

Here's an active current thread on these bins: http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2173536

[Tero]

The 8x32 came up in my search for a decent 8x32. I think probably almost identical optics to Eagle Optics SRT 8x32.

[Bob A (SD)]

They've arrived.

Took them outside this afternoon along with my Binolux 7x35 11* and Leupold 9x35IF bins. The FOV is, at 11* and 578', identical between the Binolux and Carsons, although you really do need to snug them to your face to get a view of the full field given their 9mm eye relief. Very addicting and immersive. I suspect anyone with a big nose would be unable to use them given the bridge design. They don't feel like 30 ounces when swapping back and forth with the boat anchor Binolux bins. Edge distortion is comparable to the vintage ultra-wides but focus is much touchier. Collimation appears to be good.

You really need to dial the focus in perfectly to get the depth of field the Carsons are capable of providing. After less than an hour I developed eye strain which is NOT a good sign. Absolutely no question that the UW 7x35s are much more relaxing to use. As are the IF Leupolds, with their standard 7.3* 382' FOV, in a higher power bin comparison.

Obviously I need more time with them before drawing firm conclusions.

[Tero]

Porros, eye strain. Now I remember.

[Bob A (SD)]

Porros, eye strain. Now I remember.

Eh?


ADDENDUM: Well I spent some more time early this evening and think I've broken the code. When first using these I looked to compare edge performance with my vintage UWs and then got caught up with the focus wheel which is a design with too quick a change for these bins. What I missed was (1) my habit of looking around the great views of ultra wide FOV bins rather than move my head keeping my eyes focused in the center of the field, and (2) distracted with focus wheel issues not picking up on what another owner has correctly already noted and that is the softness of the outer 50% of the field. My constantly straining to see sharp detail outside the smallish sweet spot is what gave me the eye strain. What all this does for me is to reaffirm my initial impressions that the 7x35s UWs are so much more relaxing to use.

[Tero]

The only pairs I have had eye strain with, mostly looking at a close by bird, were porros.