Looking for some top quality binoculars - grateful for some advice. (1 Viewer)

h0race said:

Thanks everyone.

Time for an update. I spoke to my wife about binoculars and have established the following:

They need to be 8x42.

If I spend a lot of money, she will kill me (I think the cat is out of the bag).

It transpires that my wife knows exactly what she wants, and that is a pair of Trinovid 8x42BN. I know this because she borrowed a pair belonging to a friend and was so impressed she wrote down the details. Apparently, they are perfect - the right weight, the right size, feel just right in the hand and are generally 'just amazing'. Not much to argue with there.

Here's what I've done: Found a pair of used 8x42BN at a dealer (who has a branch not far from me). They are in mint condition, boxed with all the original accessories and documentation, have just come back from a full Leica service and are returnable until after Christmas (just in case). I can't really go wrong.

Oh, and the fact they came in at half my budget means I can afford to take my better half away somewhere exotic to try out her new present.

It's all gone rather well. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers

Martin

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fazalmajid said:

my favorite binoculars are the Swarovski EL 8.5x42 SV. If I were to get a new pair today, it would be the Zeiss SF because of the steep discounts on the gray-armored models.

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Gilmore Girl said:

Martin,

Bob makes a good point in post 41:
The 8x42BN which you mentioned is an old model Trinovid model which is very heavy ( 33.25 ounces ! ). Make sure what model your wife needs. The new Trinovid HD is small and light in comparison.

~ Beth

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jwillson said:

If she wrote down the model number, I'm sure she really DOES mean the Trinovid BN's--the older version not the current model. And if she knows what she wants, I don't think any of us should second guess her, despite the weight. Also, the binoculars are returnable, so there's really nothing to lose. Go for it!

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h0race said:

Thanks everyone.

Time for an update. I spoke to my wife about binoculars and have established the following:

They need to be 8x42.

If I spend a lot of money, she will kill me (I think the cat is out of the bag).

It transpires that my wife knows exactly what she wants, and that is a pair of Trinovid 8x42BN. I know this because she borrowed a pair belonging to a friend and was so impressed she wrote down the details. Apparently, they are perfect - the right weight, the right size, feel just right in the hand and are generally 'just amazing'. Not much to argue with there.

Here's what I've done: Found a pair of used 8x42BN at a dealer (who has a branch not far from me). They are in mint condition, boxed with all the original accessories and documentation, have just come back from a full Leica service and are returnable until after Christmas (just in case). I can't really go wrong.

Oh, and the fact they came in at half my budget means I can afford to take my better half away somewhere exotic to try out her new present.

It's all gone rather well. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers

Martin

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ceasar said:

Martin,

I wonder if the original accessories you mention includes the neat little soft leather case that many of the BNs came with? You can see what it looks like in the 4th picture of the 8x42 Trinovid BN in this link:

http://www.allbinos.com/237-Leica_Trinovid_8x42_BN-binoculars_specifications.html

I have one for my 7x42 and I keep it on the binocular at all times and I never have to use any eyepiece or objective covers. The case takes their place. Simply unzip it and put the binocular up to your eyes and it hangs below it on the strap out of the way. The case has snaps on the back of it to keep it from falling off the neck strap or, alternatively, to make its removal easy if that is desired. The case is soft and flexible enough to carry around in a jacket or coat pocket.

I give mine regular treatments with a good leather preservative.

Bob

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normjackson said:

Great. If she doesn't already have you could always research neoprene straps or binoculars harnesses as a potential stocking filler.

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h0race said:

Hi Bob

The Leicas have arrived — they are the ones you linked to.

They are in fantastic condition and come with the strap, eyepiece cover and yes, that exquisite soft leather case (which doesn't appear to have been used).

I can understand why some have expressed concern about the weight of these binoculars (they are heavier than my wife's Opticrons), but they are definitely the ones my wife talked about.
My initial impression is that these binoculars were built to survive anything short of an explosion. I couldn't resist a quick test, so borrowed the Opticrons while my wife was out yesterday. The Opticrons are good, but the Leicas are a major step up — sharper, brighter (much brighter), nicer colour rendition. Personally, I found the extra weight quite reassuring — I'm no expert, but I found the Leicas easier than the Opticrons to hold steady.

The documentation shows a Leica service earlier this year. A quick scan suggests everything was adjusted, cleaned and tested (I guess that's a standard Leica service?).

I think my wife will be rather pleased with these.

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