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  1. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Verily, my cup runneth over... 'Enshrined' indeed ! My Audubon 1c arrived first thing this morning and it's mint. Lovely brown leather case & strap (nicer quality than later models) and even the 'Passed' sticker on the binocular looks like it was affixed yesterday. Quite pristine in all...
  2. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Hi Ed, me again. I've just acquired a 1969 Swift Audubon 1c described as 'mint' and hope to receive it early next week. From your historical review of 804s it would appear to be one of the last Tamron models. While I await delivery I propose constructing a suitable pedestal: how high do you...
  3. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Hi Ed, I was simply trying to explain why I like the Octarem/Nobilem & older Audubon so much... Holger Merlitz had the answer (at least for me): "the most relaxing kind of view". I have found this (from my own personal experience) to be the most important criterion. There's no substitute for...
  4. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Ed, In #58 you mentioned your 1c, now "used for veneration purpose only". I forgot to ask you, why? I like the look of this last Tamron model, J-E45/J-B26 and you were quite impressed by the view. Is it because the image quality isn't as good as your 4b(2) & ED, or is it just the big body...
  5. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Further to my Kestrel 10x50 acquisition, I've been comparing it with my Zeiss Jena 8x50 Octarem, just for fun. I re-read Holger Merlitz's reviews, with particular reference to the Kestrel this time, and note he commented "...it does not reach the performance level of the Docter Nobilem" (Nobilem...
  6. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Ed, First impressions of Kestrel. As new, in box, with case, straps, & lens caps; number 001912, with label on box dated 30/11/2000. I'm surprised it's more or less the same size as my Audubon 804(3b): not as 'fat', but slightly longer (being a 10x50) and much bigger than my similar-shape, 8x32...
  7. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Yes, Ed, I've got IT... Well, I hope to have tomorrow, when my Swift HR/5 FMC Kestrel 10x50 'in perfect condition' is due to arrive. I came to the conclusion that waiting for a rare 804ED is a forlorn hope, and I'm not getting any younger. So, having again referred to your 2004 assessment of...
  8. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Hi Ed, Thanks for your advice on which Type 4 to seek. This prompted me to revisit your sagacious saga on the history of the Swift Audubon and its technical intricacies, as well as its eccentricities. Some of the scientific stuff was beyond me but, to misquote Lord Birkenhead, "I may not be much...
  9. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Hi Ed, As you surmised, the SP has those U-shaped flaps. Mine is pristine, with no signs of tampering. As to updating my Swift Audubon experience, apart from the 804ED (hard to find and expensive) and looking for "fully multi-coated", which later model 804 would tick most of the boxes? I...
  10. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Hi Ed, Thanks for that... Yes, the SP has the red dot, no.851261, J-B56. It's a nice size to hold too, although the 804(3b)'s greater heft isn't a problem when I can enjoy such a wonderful view. I'm sure you're right about the later, smaller 804s being optically better, but I've seen reports of...
  11. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Hi Ed, My IPD is 64 or thereabouts, so it must be the narrow top of my nose! My other Swifts, an 8x32 SP(1985) (looks like a scaled-down 804) and 7.5x42 Osprey HRGA(1989) both have rubber eyecups designed to roll down. However, with their eyecups up, both give 'tunnel vision' so I always use...
  12. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    Ed, Nice to converse with you... Diameter of rubber eyecups, measured from outer edge, is 44mm (maybe 45mm) and the ocular lenses are 25mm across. Field width is 445ft at 1,000yds. My Audubon says "HR" and not "HR/5" but I gather this is not significant. The rubber cups' depth is only 12mm, and...
  13. J

    Swift 804 Audubon Binoculars - A Beginner's Experience

    My Audubon is the 804(3b)HR, extra wide field, gold band (1984) and the most relaxing view of all my binoculars, even compared to my favourite Zeiss Jena 8x50 BGA Octarem. I don't mind the size or weight; indeed, it sits nicely in my hands and feels 'just right'. The 804 is truly a classic and...
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