mid-size binos?

[shilo]

I am currently looking at buying a mid-size bino. I have a Leica BN 8x50 and while they are excellent glass they are also large and heavy at times. I am considering: Pentax 8x32 DCF SP, Zeiss Conquest 8x30, Swarovski SLC 8x30, and maybe Minox BD 8x32 BR ASPH. I have looked through all of these except the Minox and it was different models at different times over the course of the past year. The Swarovski were nice but don't seem like they're worth over double what the others go for. How do you feel these binos compare against one another and which one would you recommend? 100% waterproof is a requirement also.

[Tero]

Surprisingly, there are not that many models in mid price and low end. It is just a matter of finding a few and checking them out. The Conquests have hard somewhat uncomfortable eye cups:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=83092
perhaps it is not so bad with the lighter 8x30. I have seen a guy use them with the cups in, just resting a bit above the eye.

I have two pair of 8x32 and use both. One is a Bass Pro Shop store brand RedHead, cost I think 120. One year warranty.

[Marko_]

I have looked through all of these except the Minox



Hi,

I have the Minox BD 8x32 BR ASPH and I really like it. I think it's great!

Marko

[elkcub]

I think the 8x30 SLC is well worth the price for a really top quality optic! Give it a try. They're not getting any cheaper.

Blue skies,
Ed

[ThoLa]

I am considering: Pentax 8x32 DCF SP, Zeiss Conquest 8x30, Swarovski SLC 8x30, and maybe Minox BD 8x32 BR ASPH. I have looked through all of these except the Minox and it was different models at different times over the course of the past year. The Swarovski were nice but don't seem like they're worth over double what the others go for. How do you feel these binos compare against one another and which one would you recommend? 100% waterproof is a requirement also.

One vote for the Zeiss 8x30 (Conquest or Diafun).
Excellent optics light-weight, water-proof.

Lurking to get one myself,
Tom