Best binoculars for dragonfly watching

[rautospoon]

Hi, Please could anyone advise what are generally considered to be the best make, model and magnification of binoculars for dragonfly watching in the UK ?
I am considering buying a pair of Leica 10 x 32 BR Ultravid, but understand they may have problems with their (rough) focussing.
Many thanks.

Hi, Thanks for all the comments so far. I would prefer 10x rather than 8x for the increase in visible detail on what are pretty small subjects. Is there any real advantage (if I "go" for Leica), other than a reduction in weight, in paying extra for Ultravid over Trinovid BN , as their close focus is the same?
Thanks again

[Alexis Powell]

NOTHING (at any price) comes close to the performance of the Pentax Papilio models at close range--they allow true binocular views down to 18 inches, whereas other close-focusing binos cannot maintain left/right field overlap closer than about 5 feet. Really, the Pentax are a unique product, in a class of their own when it comes to butterfly/dragonfly/damselfly watching (do a search for past posts on Birdforum) so be sure to take a look through these. I prefer the 6.5x21 model for its larger exit pupil. You should get the Papilio ($130) even if you still get the Leicas or something like them for general use.

I MUCH prefer the Pentax when I'm looking at insects, but I also use the Zeiss 8x32 FL quite a bit (esp. when doing serious bird watching in conjunction with butterfly watching). They focus just under 5 feet comfortably, which is a bit closer than what the Leica Ultravid and Trinovid equivalents are capable of, and the focus is very smooth (I don't, however, find the stickier Leica focusing to be a problem, and I like their overall optical quality better--less astigmatism off-axis).
--AP

[matt green]

I would think the nikon 8x32 lxl would be good for dragonflies..

they have a lightning fast focus and have excellent close focusing,as do most quality 8x32 roofprisms.

the rough/twitchy focus of the leicas is a design feature,made to aid cold weather use hence no lubricant,the mechanism uses brass against aluminiun instead!

matt

[ceasar]

Eagles excellent 6 x 32 Platinum, waterproof Roof Prism's focus down to 3 feet. I've used them to look at Dragon Flys, Damsel Flys, May Flys and Caddis Flys while trout fishing.
www.eagleoptics.com.
Bob

[PaulK]

Although 10x magnification is good for birding it is often a hinderance when it comes to insect. My grandad uses 10 x 42 swarovskis and is never successful with insects. Personally (the real insect enthusiast) I use RSPB 8 x 42 and I find they are excellent for birding and insects, including dragonflies.

You should try some out and see what you think. Binocular demonstrations are good and the people there will always give avise.

Paul

P.S. I swear by Viking optics (who also make the RSPB range)

[Stewart J.]

Try the Minox 8 x 32, they impressed me


Stewart

[wint]

Hi, Please could anyone advise what are generally considered to be the best make, model and magnification of binoculars for dragonfly watching in the UK ?
I am considering buying a pair of Leica 10 x 32 BR Ultravid, but understand they may have problems with their (rough) focussing.
Many thanks.

I use Nikon 8x30EIIs which focus for me around 7ft and have a wide field of view (excellent for following hawkers and chasers) and are the sharpest binoculars I've owned. I bought a pair of of Pentax Papilio 6.5x21 in early May and I always have them with me for the dragonflies which rest closer than 7 feet. The only disadavantage of both these binoculars is that they are not waterproof - but dragonflies like warm sunny weather.

HTH

[Swissboy]

the rough/twitchy focus of the leicas is a design feature,made to aid cold weather use hence no lubricant,the mechanism uses brass against aluminiun instead!
matt

So why do the Trinovids have no such problems? And how come, some Ultravids are silky smooth whereas others of the same type are ratchety to the point where you simply can't fine focus? To me, that problem still needs to be solved by Leica. I would guess they need to improve on manufacturing tolerances. Not on the optics but on the mechanics.

But to get back on topic: I think lower magnification is no problem when it comes to insect watching. Unless one needs to study that elusive dragonfly up in the canopy of a tree. The Pentax Papilio 6x21 should really fill the bill. You can't possibly get a insect-watching tool that has a better performance to cost ratio.

[matt green]

as these papilios are configured specialy for close focus,do they have a focus to infinity limitation,and if not...why can't 32/42mm bins be made to focus so close?

matt

[Swissboy]

as these papilios are configured specialy for close focus,do they have a focus to infinity limitation,and if not...why can't 32/42mm bins be made to focus so close?

matt

There is no limitation as far as infinity goes. The Papilios have a special mechanism that allows compensation for parallax problems as one focuses very closely. For that, the objectives slide closer to one another. I assume that is the reason why they are not waterproof. Optically, they are superb as well. They profit from the fact that porros (reverse porros in this case) can be made optically excellent much more easily than roofs.