[Swissboy]

I'm asking this on my son's behalf, so to speak. On a recent family vacation to Yellowstone NP, among other places, my son and his wife got to really appreciate our alpha binoculars (Zeiss FL 8x42 and Victory 10x40). And their small and compact models really made a crummy impression in comparison. However, for their uses, both the size and the price tag are beyond their needs and wishes. I think anything larger than a 32 mm diameter objective would be out of the question for them. On the other hand, they did prefer the 10x over the 8x magnification. In the alpha range then, I'd recommend a 10x32 model for them. But I see that they would actually prefer something along a 10x26 or so.
Are there any decent non-alphas in that range at all? Something like a Zen-Ray 10x28 Prime or so ? Or a rather light-weight compact x32 type?

Edit: Just found this potential model Vortex Viper 8x28 and 10x28, and corresponding thread: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=236588

I'd be interested on any experiences posted there as well.

[tpcollins]

I have a Zeiss 8x42, a Leica 8x20, and Leupold 8x32 Gold Rings. I jumped on the "Sightron 8x32 Blue Sky" band wagon earlier this year for a pair of bins to keep in my truck. And for $180, these optics blew me a way for the price - ymmv. There's a small novel here on the forum on that Sightron that would be good reading for you . . .

[Swissboy]

Originally Posted by tpcollins

I have a Zeiss 8x42, a Leica 8x20, and Leupold 8x32 Gold Rings. I jumped on the "Sightron 8x32 Blue Sky" band wagon earlier this year for a pair of bins to keep in my truck. And for $180, these optics blew me a way for the price - ymmv. There's a small novel here on the forum on that Sightron that would be good reading for you . . .

Thanks tp, "small novel" is not exactly an exaggeration , so it'll give me some reading, that's for sure.

[FrankD]

Ditto

[ceasar]

You could try the Pentax 9 x 28 DCF LV as a possible compromise for a 10 x 32. It has nearly the same exit pupil as a 10 x 32 and close to the same FOV that non alpha 10 x 32's have. It is quite compact and will fit into a bellows type shirt pocket. It is several ounces lighter than any 10 x 32. It has 18m eye relief. It has a little bit of a glare problem when looking in the general direction of the sun. It compares rather well with my Nikon 10 x 25 LX L which costs twice as much and is harder to use.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocular...rism-binocular

Optically I would choose it over any inexpensive 10 x 32. I own 4 10 x 32s and I can tell you from experience that only the Alpha binoculars are any good in that configuration.

My 9 x 28 has seen a lot of use and stood up well under it. It is a first rate Travel Binocular. My son trekked through the Andes of North Chile, Western Bolivia and Southern Peru with it. He even dropped it off the shore into Lake Titicaca without harming it. Best of all he saw a condor with it. It is back now in the compartment between the front seats of my van where it stays day and night in all kinds of weather.

8 x 32s are a different story. You are much more likely to find a very good one at a reasonable price. I have never tried any Sightron but I give a lot of credence to the good reports it has received from users here.

Bob

[NWBirder]

check the signtron 8x32 thread here

[jogiba]

I like my Pentax 8x32 EDs that take up less room in my backpack than my Zeiss 7x42 FLs and have great image quality.

[14Goudvink]

I just bought (I hope) a Vortex Viper 8x32 for my 7 year old son. Used and non HD, so it was quite affordable.

Some time ago I compared the Viper 8x32 to my Leica ultravid 8x32 (also non-HD) and the Vipers were just as sharp, just a wee bit less contrasty, flare control was a little bit less than the excellent Leicas, CA about the same. The Leicas had a bit more 'snap' to the image and a noticable larger sweet spot. For their price the Vipers are highly recommended.

For more info you could look at allbinos ranking of 8x32 bins.

George

[jaymoynihan]

Consider the 8x32 Vortex Viper HD.

[Swissboy]

Originally Posted by Swissboy

Thanks tp, "small novel" is not exactly an exaggeration , so it'll give me some reading, that's for sure.

After a few pages, I realized that this is definitely not what my son wants. The optics may be fine, but he wants a smaller model. Or else, the binoculars will stay home too often.

Thus, I guess the x28 route is what I'll concentrate on now. Thank you all for the many suggestions so far. I'll definitely pursue the Vortex and the Pentax x28 models.

[Mark9473]

Steiner have an 8,5 x 26 that is interesting because it is a double-hinge design; these take up less space when folded. I haven't looked through them though.
http://www.astroshop.de/steiner-fern...-8-5x26/p,5375

[dalat]

Originally Posted by Swissboy

The optics may be fine, but he wants a smaller model.

If an 8x32 is too big, maybe better go for a good quality compact. The Nikon 8x20 HGL is not too expensive and an excellent compact binocular. For a compact, I would stick to 8x.

[ceasar]

This is probably the best 8 x 25 that I have tried. I bought 2 of them and gave one to a son. I still have the other one. It has a very wide FOV and is bright too! Mine was made by Kruger for Columbia Sportswear and Columbia has discontinued it. I bought mine at a close out sale. It is small but not compact like an 8 x 20. I do not know how you can get one unless you contact Kruger. I believe it costs over $200.00.

http://www.krugeroptical.com/backcountry_pocket.asp

Bob

[ceasar]

The Bushnell 7 x 26 Custom Elite should also be mentioned here. It is conceded to be the best small reverse porro prism in the business.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocular...pact-binocular

Bob

[Swissboy]

Originally Posted by ceasar

This is probably the best 8 x 25 that I have tried. I bought 2 of them and gave one to a son. I still have the other one. It has a very wide FOV and is bright too! .......http://www.krugeroptical.com/backcountry_pocket.asp

Bob

Thanks Bob, two interesting suggestions! Bushnell I know, but I know nothing of Kruger. Anybody care to comment on them in general? I think a 8x25 would fit my son's bill better than a 7x magnification.