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

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    Swift Ranger Mk1 Bins...

    I have 2 pairs of swift Newport Bins. A model 825 No 4 from 1967 with Quintar5 Lenses (whatever that means), FOV 376ft at 1000yds. Also a MkII from 1980 with FOV 420ft at 1000yds. Both are optically excellent but SO HEAVY. I would not wish to carry either around for too long. I prefer the...
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    Binocular ramblings

    Try a pair of Nikula 8x42 roof prisms. Available on e bay for £29.99 + £7.99 postage. They are waterproof & fogproof, Nitrogen purged and rubber armoured.
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    Historical Review of Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars

    I wonder whether that that is part of the series which includes my first pair of Saratogas (see post in Swift Historians). Model 801 Serial No 44-702125 which, I guess, makes them 1970?
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    How (non battery operated) do range finding binoculars work?

    I have a pair of sailing binoculars with vertical & horizontal scales in the viewing area. I also have a circular distance calculator around one of the objective lens barrels. By identifying an object ashore of known height (recorded on the navigational chart), or known width (also from the...
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    Binoculars useful for a sailboat trip?

    I don't wish to be a wet blanket, but the fact that your friend needs to ask the question causes me to wonder whether he is sufficiently experienced to be attempting a transatlantic crossing. (Unless he has seriously experienced people on board with him). My advice is to go for CHEAP 7x50...
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    New glasses, maybe something is wrong.

    Glasses is a perfectly acceptable term for binoculars in "English" English as opposed to "American" English which is often different. LOL.
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    Porro Prism Bonoculars for Horse Race Announcing!

    Try Swift Saratogas which were originally marketed for horse racing and sell relatively cheaply on e bay. They are 8x40 or 8x42. I have 3 pairs (See posts under Swift Historians). I prefer the ones which are older or newer than the mark II's because they are less bulky but all are optically...
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    Oh dear, have I paid too much?

    Tento binoculars are made in the KOMZ Russian factory which took machinery and technicians back to Russia from the Carl Zeiss factory in Germany at the end of the second World War. Optically, they are generally superb although occasionally quality control isn't what it should be. It is...
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    Swift historians

    My most recent aquisition, the 8x42 Saratogas referred to above were SPWA Serial No 902841 FOV 435ft at 1000yds. They also carry the mark J-B56 and the swift blue spot. I paid £45 including postage (about $90 US).
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    Swift historians

    They come up regularly on e bay's UK site and invariably sell for $200 minimum, regardless of age.
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    Swift historians

    My experience also suggests that the Saratoga MkII binoculars from 1976 are optically inferior to that from 1990 and are also not as easy to use because of their bulk. However the pair from 1970 is virtually the same size as that from 1990 and the image appears to me to be brighter with more...
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    Swift historians

    I have 2 main uses for binoculars. I love the sea and like to watch ships & boats, either from the shore or from cruise ships on which I spend many of my vacations. I live inland on top of a hill and have a conservatory which looks out over the valley. There is a lot to see from my high...
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    Swift Ultra Lite 10 X 42

    I would not use Araldite because it is too thick & quite messy. Loctite super glue comes in a variety of specialist forms including thread sealant which is specifically designed to solve the problem of screws working loose.
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    Swift historians

    I have now acquired 4 pairs of swift porroprism binoculars. The 2 Saratoga's described above, a pair of 8X42 Saratoga's from the 1990's and an old (1960's) 10x50 Swift Newport. My experience with the Saratoga's is surprising. In my view, the oldest binoculars have the best optics!!! Colors...
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    7Dayshop 10x42 waterproofs (UK) - first impressions

    I have just seen a pair of Helios 10x42 waterproof binoculars on e bay which look identical to my 7 day shop ones.
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    Swift historians

    Please note that I'm not a binocular technician and I am not advising any body else to follow my lead in case there are unforseen consequences. I merely reported something which I tried. I was playing with an old pair of binoculars, bought cheaply on e bay and would not dream of gambling with...
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    Swift historians

    From Stabor's comments, maybe the Saratogas aren't meant to close focus but the adjustment seemed to have worked. The only thing is that the screw is loosened and may work its' way out with time. I did wonder about trying to put some loctite on the thread with some sort of long spill, maybe a...
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    Swift historians

    I think that your history of the Audubon is an impossible act to follow but I would be happy to send you any pics, which I might have, that would help you to expand your history at a later date. The close focus adjustment on my new pair was achieved by removing the cover at the bottom of the...
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    Swift historians

    I have just bought another pair of Swift Saratogas on e bay! How many do I need to qualify as a collector? These are Mark IIs and are very different from my older pair. The body is much bigger and heavier. In fact, reading your history, my older pair is more like the small bodied 804R in that...
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    7Dayshop 10x42 waterproofs (UK) - first impressions

    They don't look exactly the same but I have seen Nikula binoculars for sale on e bay which look identical
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    Swift historians

    Thanks for all the info. I will enjoy using these binoculars and as I said before, the information which you have supplied will enhance my enjoyment. Regards Mike
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    Swift historians

    I hope these pictures work.
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    Swift historians

    Thanks for all the info. I have read with interest your historical notes on the Audobons and it looks as though my Saratogas are an early parallel product. I have looked at them more closely and the square masking does appear, very faintly, in the exit pupil but the image quality does seem...
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    7Dayshop 10x42 waterproofs (UK) - first impressions

    I have been using a pair of these (10x42 Waterproof) for 3 years now. They are probably not as good as the more expensive ones but for the price they are superb and you are less bothered about damaging or losing them. Unfortunately they are not available from 7day shop anymore.
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    Swift historians

    swift historians I recently bought, on e bay, a pair of 8X40 Swift binoculars manufactured, I guess in the '70's for a shop called Greens. They are similar in appearance to Aerolites. They were OK but no better than other cheap binoculars which I own which was disappointing considering the...
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