dries1
Member
New member here,
I have been a binocular fan for a while and have some military glass that I actually used for general observation when out in the woods, and I admit some bird viewing in the back yard.
I actually purchased these because of lower cost and robust construction, and from info from Holger Merlitz.
they are below
Hensoldt DF 8X30,10X50
Hensoldt F18 8X30
Zeiss DF 7X40
Kern Arrau 1988 newer hinge
Civilian 7X42 Docter
Fujinon M22 7X50
For low light I have two Zeiss jena 8X50 octarems one is rubber armored with later coatings. While all have their +s and -s, I really was amazed on how good some glass could be from the 60s and 70s.
Well I wanted to see how a newer glass would compare with all the newer coatings and all, and researched for a mid priced glass. I guess I am old school, i would not spend $1500 to 3000 for a binocular, I still drive a 1995 pickup so I wanted something reliable. While searching I could not find a used upper end roof for less than $500 and I was frustrated until I found a 8X32 hg for $500. It is constructed very well, not heavy for me and the view is astounding. I then found a mint 10X32 HG for less, also a great well constructed glass, although a bit more limited (10X a bit of strain to keep steady without a tripod). So for less than 1000 I have two glasses that I will keep, and I did not have to spend over 1500 for one alpha glass.
I also purchased an EII knowing that they are from japan, for $400, I now have a 8X30 porro with a great view. I now have spent almost $1500 for 3 glasses and for me I feel that getting something used (and a new EII) of quality is a win win. Now I need to take care of them since talking with nikon, they have no parts for the HGs and will not service the EIIs, but then none of my military glasses have ever needed repair.
I still use all my binos for general observation of the wilderness, and yes some birding. I still have much respect for the older glass, construction and color, and I have appreciation for the newer glass with good robust construction and viewing.
Andy W.
I have been a binocular fan for a while and have some military glass that I actually used for general observation when out in the woods, and I admit some bird viewing in the back yard.
I actually purchased these because of lower cost and robust construction, and from info from Holger Merlitz.
they are below
Hensoldt DF 8X30,10X50
Hensoldt F18 8X30
Zeiss DF 7X40
Kern Arrau 1988 newer hinge
Civilian 7X42 Docter
Fujinon M22 7X50
For low light I have two Zeiss jena 8X50 octarems one is rubber armored with later coatings. While all have their +s and -s, I really was amazed on how good some glass could be from the 60s and 70s.
Well I wanted to see how a newer glass would compare with all the newer coatings and all, and researched for a mid priced glass. I guess I am old school, i would not spend $1500 to 3000 for a binocular, I still drive a 1995 pickup so I wanted something reliable. While searching I could not find a used upper end roof for less than $500 and I was frustrated until I found a 8X32 hg for $500. It is constructed very well, not heavy for me and the view is astounding. I then found a mint 10X32 HG for less, also a great well constructed glass, although a bit more limited (10X a bit of strain to keep steady without a tripod). So for less than 1000 I have two glasses that I will keep, and I did not have to spend over 1500 for one alpha glass.
I also purchased an EII knowing that they are from japan, for $400, I now have a 8X30 porro with a great view. I now have spent almost $1500 for 3 glasses and for me I feel that getting something used (and a new EII) of quality is a win win. Now I need to take care of them since talking with nikon, they have no parts for the HGs and will not service the EIIs, but then none of my military glasses have ever needed repair.
I still use all my binos for general observation of the wilderness, and yes some birding. I still have much respect for the older glass, construction and color, and I have appreciation for the newer glass with good robust construction and viewing.
Andy W.