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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Reviews by Sancho

S
For MeoStar S2 82 HD in Large Spotting Scopes
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Top-class at mid range price. Wide zoom FOV. Sharp to edge.
Cons
  • If RB bothers you, you mightn't get on with it.
Seriously good scope. My previous faves were Nikon ED82, Swaro ATS80HD, and (old) Zeiss 85 Victory Diascope w/Baader zoom. I think this Meopta outclasses these with it's wide-field, edge sharp 30-60 zoom that holds AFOV throughout. Pincushion is odd- it's the reverse of what you see usually, i.e. horizon bends upwards at top of field, downwards at bottom. This is noticeable when sea watching, but it doesn't bother me. Odd RB too- I noticed it a lot when panning vertically down a mountainside (if that's actually 'panning'). Loss of light or clarity is minimal at 60x. Focusser on my unit is perfect, not stiff. Tripod foot fits Manfrotto without need for plate. Highly recommended.
S
For Swarovision 8.5x42 in Large Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Razor-sharp, superb contrast, depth-of-field and handling, wide FOV, near-to-zero CA, flat field.
Cons
  • Pricey - but worth it.
Having used these in the field for a few weeks, I expect that mishaps excepted, theyre the last binoculars Ill buy. They are simply stunning. Some people report "rolling ball effect", but I only see this if I "test" for it, and it doesnt bother me anyway. Near-to-zero pincushion, incredible clarity and contrast right to the edge. The flat field makes it easier to view a feeding or flying flock as I can pan with my eyeballs more, and less with my hands. All the birds are in focus at once. The huge oculars are really, really comfortable, colour rendition to me is very natural. Depth of field is excellent. I dont like the hard plastic, hinged ocular rainguard, or the case, but thats just my taste and I use the soft rubber eyeguard and case from a pair of Bressers. The neoprene strap is fine. My other binoculars are about to be decommissioned!
S
For Ultravid 8x20 BL in Medium & Compact Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
460$
Pros
  • Compacts with the view of Top Full-Size bins.
Cons
  • None.
I got the BR version (rubber-armoured), and I\'ve nothing to add to Zurtfox\'s excellent review, except that they live in my pocket for hillwalking, cycling, walks with the kids, etc. They only lose light well into dusk, and if the FOV were a little greater, I wouldn\'t feel a need for any other bins. Exceptional.
S
For 8x32 EL in Medium & Compact Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
1119$
Pros
  • Crisp, clear, bright optics. No CA that I could discern. Clear to edge. Great FOV & DOF, smooth focus
Cons
  • Not exactly compact - \'not quite pocketable\'; Daft useless soft carry case that all ELs have
I have the 10x42 EL, and love them. Find them a wee bit heavy for casual use (out walking with the kids, etc.) so I splashed out on the more conveniently sized 8x32 as well as \'knockabouts\'. Although for years I\'ve preferred 10x mag., these may become my bins of choice, 8 degree FOV is very easy on the eyes, and although not pocketable they are light and easy to carry. Compared them with Leica Ultravids, preferred the compactness of the Leicas but the view of the ELs. Ergonomics of ELs is a matter of choice, or of your hand and grip - my thumbs don\'t actually slot naturally into both thumb grooves, but no matter; very easy to hold with one hand. 10 out of 10 for the bins, zero for the silly case.
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S
For 10x42 EL in Large Binoculars
Recommended
Yes
Price
1400$
Pros
  • bright, clear, sharp, handy
Cons
  • daft useless soft case
Love these. 10x suits my eyes (or brain wiring) better. Compared them to 8.5x ELs, 8x30 ELs, and Leica 8x32BRs. All wonderful, but when I tried the 10x42 ELs, it was my eyes made the choice. Easy handling, focusing is fine on my pair, incredible DOF, eyecups steady, neckstrap comfortable. Light for 10x, folded fit in pocket of my Barbour or Bodywarmer jacket. Soft case is an insult to the consumer, but my daughter uses it for her doll\'s hairbrushes.
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