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

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  1. M

    SFL vs. Aurora...

    Strange how eyes differ, I find the Auroras a good step up from the MHG or Conquest. Superbly sharp and bright with a very contrasty 'pop' to the view.
  2. M

    UK binocular deals, special offers and bargains

    Agree, they definitely should have been listed as ex demo and the issue described. I've had bad luck with a few dealers sending me totally out of collimation bins, scratched lenses etc.
  3. M

    UK binocular deals, special offers and bargains

    To be fair, I don't think they have stock in, they'd have to order another in. Probably they were just clearing old stock for some reason and I got unlucky with a well used demo pair. 🤷‍♂️
  4. M

    UK binocular deals, special offers and bargains

    I asked if they had a replacement they could send and he said no.
  5. M

    UK binocular deals, special offers and bargains

    That's a relief! Glad a took the hit with the dodgy 8x30 so you didn't have to, I didn't really need them anyway, it just seemed such an incredible deal I couldn't resist. Had another quick test before I send them back on Monday and wow they are bright for an 8x30! Spoke to chap on the phone...
  6. M

    UK binocular deals, special offers and bargains

    Not so much luck with my 8x30 pair I'm afraid. A very well handled demo pair by the looks of things with a big ding exposing bare metal on the strap attachment. They have obviously been dropped or bashed at some point. A quick test out the window while it's still light and they seem ok...
  7. M

    UK binocular deals, special offers and bargains

    Thanks for this! Ordered some 8x30 for £702 with FBSAVE10 discount code.
  8. M

    Opticron 8x24 Traveller BGA vs Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA

    The Curio is a stunner for sure, the only thing I didn't like about them was that they don't hang straight and tend to bounce about on the strap and dig in your chest whereas the Zeiss pockets hang flat. I went to my local optics dealers today with the hope of trying out some Ultravid 8x20...
  9. M

    Opticron 8x24 Traveller BGA vs Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA

    Thanks Mike and GreenRooky for your advice. Tough decision. Happy boxing day too! And of course best of luck on whatever decision you make Celes. Let us know how it goes.
  10. M

    Opticron 8x24 Traveller BGA vs Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA

    I'm also considering the UV 8x20 once I've returned the Opticron 8x24 as I'm now in the market for another compact. I've owned both the Zeiss pocket 8x25 and the Curio ( both foolishly sold)so am tempted by something different rather than either of those again. I consider them both equal but...
  11. M

    Opticron 8x24 Traveller BGA vs Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA

    I just had another play with the Opticron 8x24, as one does on Christmas morning, and actually they are pretty nice really, very good sharpness.I doubt you'll find a better compact for the price, not if you want this small anyway. Such a shame they are no good with my glasses or I'd probably...
  12. M

    Opticron 8x24 Traveller BGA vs Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA

    I tried out the Opticron 8x24 yesterday. Their eye relief was no good for me, even though 15mm is usually enough for my glasses. Oddly there wasn't enough focus overtravel to use without my glasses either. Not sure if there was something wrong with this sample or that's just how they are. I've...
  13. M

    Are the Trinovid Classic worthy?

    Just had a sudden delirious urge to post about how good the Retrovid 7x35 actually is. I've commented in a couple of threads recently about my doubts regarding their place in the alpha scheme of things. Well I take it all back, I'm officially in awe.
  14. M

    Maven 7x28 review

    I've compared my Hawke 7x32 to my Leica Retrovid 7x35 many times and sometimes I actually prefer the view of the Hawkes, that's how freaky and hyper- effective they are! What motivates me to get more similarly configured binoculars? Hmmm, well, being an incurable binoholic probably has...
  15. M

    Maven 7x28 review

    I'd like to give these another chance as most people seem to rate them and the format is really appealing, but the copy I had was very poor optically even though I specifically emailed Maven to make sure the demo sample they were sending me was a good one. (No complaints about Maven's customer...
  16. M

    Swarovski NL 8x32 vs Leica Duovid 8+12x42 Brightness Mystery

    Agreed 👍
  17. M

    Swarovski NL 8x32 vs Leica Duovid 8+12x42 Brightness Mystery

    Interesting. The only way I can think to describe my perception is that the Retros, although plenty bright don't seem to light up the bushes on a grey day with that hyperreal added illumination that the EL, NL, SF, or my new Opticron Aurora for example do. I perceive the Retro as being more...
  18. M

    Swarovski NL 8x32 vs Leica Duovid 8+12x42 Brightness Mystery

    As much as I adore the Retrovid's I don't find their light transmission that high so I'm not surprised by this finding. The curios are a super bright and sparkling little marvel during daylight. Apologies for going slightly off topic here.
  19. M

    Quick & dirty review of 8x42 Opticron Aurora.

    The Aurora is definitely a keeper for me too. Most of the top 8x42's I find too heavy after a while so the Opticron has really nailed it here with a basically alpha view for a lot less money. Coming straight from the EL 8x32 and the SF 8x42 I'm genuinely surprised how good the Aurora image is...
  20. M

    Quick & dirty review of 8x42 Opticron Aurora.

    I took the Aurora 8x42 out with my leica Retrovid 7x35 this morning. After a lot of switching back and forth I can only conclude that the Aurora's view is a bit better in many respects. Quite a result for a £400-£500 cheaper binocular. It's clearly brighter to my eyes and gives the impression...
  21. M

    Quick & dirty review of 8x42 Opticron Aurora.

    I was a bit sceptical of Ratal's glowing praise for this binocular but after using an 8x42 all week I have to say these are indeed quite stunningly good binoculars for the price. Having owned an SF 8x42 myself for 5 years and far too many other optics of all price levels I have to agree that...
  22. M

    Waterproofness and your use of binoculars

    Waterproof bins are pretty essential here in the UK. Even if it starts out sunny you'll inevitably get caught out in a torrential downpour at some point. Interesting then that I've settled on the merely 'splashproof' Retrovid 7x35 as my main bin and will just put up with the inconvenience of...
  23. M

    Ultravid 7x42 HD+ vs Noctivid 8x42

    Someone got a great bargain!
  24. M

    Ultravid 7x42 HD+ vs Noctivid 8x42

    Nice one. I'll inevitably get a pair at some stage as 7 is definitely the magic number for me. I'm hoping they'll be a bit of an improvement over the Retrovid in the CA department, plus they are of course fully waterproof. I don't think I'll be paying nearly two grand for them though so I'll...
  25. M

    Ultravid 7x42 HD+ vs Noctivid 8x42

    +1 for trying out the Retrovid. The focuser on my 7x35 retro is wonderfully smooth and precise, slowness is zero problem for me with my admittedly relaxed and no pressure birding style. Loved the view of the Noctivid the one time I tried them but their weight is a definite issue for me. I've...
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