First post; need advise with 8x32

[Salmo]

Hello all.

Although this is my first posting, I have been lurking around here for quite sometime and I find a lot of good advice here; no less.

I have been a long time avid birdwatcher, both wild and man-made, but my binoculars were quite rudimentary and fundamental. So I have decided the time is right for a serious upgrade. (Not sure why right now, but does it matter…?)

Per many sources I have seen, including here, the “optimum” parameters for birdwatching are 8x42 binoculars, which combine the best performance for FOV, exit pupil (5mm), magnification and stability. I started my search in that direction and acquired quite some good data for models and pricing. While doing my search I also saw some praise for 8x32 binoculars as a decent alternative for the 8x42. I have decided to alter course and pursue the 8x32 option instead as they are lighter (usually), more compact and a little cheaper. The 4mm EP will be enough for my needs as most of my usage will be done during the day. What I am looking for particularly is the widest possible FOV, best CF and most of all, minimal or virtually no Chromatic Aberration.

So, doing my search in the 8x32 direction, I came up again with quite a list which I narrowed down to the following:

Zeiss Victory (@~$1200)
Leupold Golden Ring (@~$840)
Leica Trinovid BN (@~$1150, or $900 pre-owned)
Minox HG BR (@~$650)
Minox BD BR ALT (@~$370)

Finding a place that carries all this stuff for hands-on comparison is very tough, if not impossible. Most sporting stores will carry low-end stuff mostly (stuff that has a better chance to sell…). My best shot was at a Cabela’s store, where I could compare the Leica, a Swarovski EL, Kahles 8x32 and my own old junk. Unfortunately, they did not have the Zeiss 8x32, Leupold Golden Ring and no Minox bins to look at. I didn’t like the Kahles construction and control; too stiff. I was very impressed with the Leica and the Swarovski (of course!!!).

Before I buy any I would like to have a hands-on test of the rest of the bins listed here. Or at least some more input from you folks, especially on the Minox HG 8x32 and BD 8x32 BR ALT bins….


Thanks, Salmo.

[delia todd]

Hi Salmo I see this is your first post, so may I welcome you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators at Bird Forum

I'm sure there'll be someone along soon to advise you

D

[KCFoggin]

Hi Salmo and a warm welcome to you :t:

[Old Pirate]

There is no substitute in the end to your own personal preference.

The list you have is a place to start based on the meanderings of others, but in the end, the only person who can answer your ultimate question will be yourself.

Enjoy and savor the journey of looking!

[edge1255]

Hi Salmo,

I used Swarovski 8.5 x 42s for a while, but like you felt that an 8 x 32 was a better option, and settled on the Zeiss Victory FLs. These are light, totally waterproof, fit to the hand well and have the widest field of view of any binocular that I have read of. The lenses are flourite, (i think they are, or were, the only binos using this) and give a tremendous clarity under all conditions. Anyone in my local club who has tried them is very impressed, with no adverse comments. They also come with "Lutotec coating". This is a coating which shrugs off grease and fingerprints and I can confirm it works as well as the advert says it does. I don't think you can go wrong with the Victorys but a LOT depends on personal feelings, how they sit in the hand, how the image looks to you. I don't think anyone sees the same thing through binoculars. Definitely try as many pairs as you can get your hands on, and don't rush to buy. At the prices you pay for top end binos you're going to have them for a long time!

Cheers,

Jon :hi:

[Alexis Powell]

You really do have to try them yourself. I don't see the Swarovski EL or Leica Ultravid on your list, so I presume you've already eliminated them on some grounds? If you really do care about chromatic abberation, you'll want to try the Zeiss 8x32 FL--it has MUCH less than any other 8x32 I've ever tried. It is also brighter than the other x32 binos and it has a very smooth, fast, and precise center focus. Downside? Pupil positioning to minimize astigmatism is critical.
--AP

[Tero]

I initially thought that 10x32 was a bit difficult a format. But so is 8x32. Spend as much as you can. Get as much field of view as possible.

[APSmith]

Minox HG feel/view good in the store. They have been criticized here for flare/glare issues.

I had high hopes concerning the GRs. But, head to head with the best, the view just wasn't pleasing - can't recall the details.

So far, I haven't found any of the sub-alpha binoculars to be on par with the top S,Z,L,N(?). We all want it to happen, but so far...

FWIW - I fear that I may some day regret not getting a pair of Leica BN 8x32s (just because my EII has a better view).

[Sancho]

Hi Salmo! I have Swarovski EL 8x32 and love them. 8 degrees FOV, I've no problem with the image, I think it's fab (note extreme lack of technical expertise here ;) ). I know others who've denounced them as overpriced versions of the SLC's, and others who swear the Nikon HGL 8x32's are cheaper and superior. It's all down to what you like, everyone's eyes are different. I like the EL 8x32 also for the ergonomics, great "one-hand" bins when you've got a scope (or one of your offspring!) in the other hand. But maybe try the HGL's, there are very good reviews of them in the review section of the BF. Try everything, take advice but base your decision on what your own eyes and hands tell you, and once you've bought them, forget about all other bins, at the top end they're pretty much all the same and hell, they're only binoculars anyway! ;) Best of Luck

[jacquot]

Welcome Salmo!

I have both the Nikon HG's and Zeiss FL's in different configurations and love them both. The 8x32 Nikons are hard to beat and can probably be found at a very good price. The non Lotutec coated Zeiss are being sold at discount now. I was a x42 birder for many years and just changed format all around to x32 this year and have no regrets. The weight loss is wonderful and the view through current state of the art optics stunning.

[John N]

Hi Salmo, welcome to Birdforum.Enjoy yourself here.

[Salmo]

There is no substitute in the end to your own personal preference.

The list you have is a place to start based on the meanderings of others, but in the end, the only person who can answer your ultimate question will be yourself.

Enjoy and savor the journey of looking!

You bet... these were supposed to be my closing lines on my original post... I just took them off as I thought I might sound somewhat arrogant when actually asking for others opinions... ;)

[Salmo]

You really do have to try them yourself. I don't see the Swarovski EL or Leica Ultravid on your list, so I presume you've already eliminated them on some grounds? If you really do care about chromatic abberation, you'll want to try the Zeiss 8x32 FL--it has MUCH less than any other 8x32 I've ever tried. It is also brighter than the other x32 binos and it has a very smooth, fast, and precise center focus. Downside? Pupil positioning to minimize astigmatism is critical.
--AP


I did have the chance to look through The Swarovski EL. Great binoculars. However, I tested them side by side with the Leica Trinovid and other the ergonomics I could not tell the difference between the two. I still prefer the single hinge type (so far).

In addition, the Swarovski EL and the Leica Ultravid cost around $1600 and I am not sure if one cannot apply here the law of diminishing returns...

[Salmo]

Hi Salmo,

I used Swarovski 8.5 x 42s for a while, but like you felt that an 8 x 32 was a better option, and settled on the Zeiss Victory FLs. These are light, totally waterproof, fit to the hand well and have the widest field of view of any binocular that I have read of. The lenses are flourite, (i think they are, or were, the only binos using this) and give a tremendous clarity under all conditions. Anyone in my local club who has tried them is very impressed, with no adverse comments. They also come with "Lutotec coating". This is a coating which shrugs off grease and fingerprints and I can confirm it works as well as the advert says it does. I don't think you can go wrong with the Victorys but a LOT depends on personal feelings, how they sit in the hand, how the image looks to you. I don't think anyone sees the same thing through binoculars. Definitely try as many pairs as you can get your hands on, and don't rush to buy. At the prices you pay for top end binos you're going to have them for a long time!

Cheers,

Jon :hi:


Thanks Jon, you nailed it... The Zeiss Victory is on top of my list at this point and all is based on reading only so far... I am also impressed by the stated 420' FOV. But I need to "see through them" to decide for sure... May have a chance to do it next week.

[Salmo]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and kind responses. You made my day and B (: ... Salmo.