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Rugged, midpriced 10x pocket binocs (1 Viewer)

Astigmatism

New member
Hi all,

I'm new here, and stumbled on your forum while trying to figure out how to replace my wife's old 10x25 binoculars. For reference, these were a pair of Sheltered Wings porro prism compacts, Audubon branded; the case cracked on them in a boating accident over the summer.

I'd like to take this opportunity to upgrade to something a little nicer, though given the abuse her binoculars take (see the above boating accident), I'd like to keep them within reason so that we don't have a heart attack if something goes wrong again - say, $200-300 ideally, if there's something in the price range that works particularly well (though if the "sweet spot" is a bit higher or lower, I'm fine spending a bit more or a bit less). Also looking for something that's truly small enough to fit in a jacket pocket and live in the bottom of a purse so that she's more likely to keep them on her, with half-decent eye relief as we both wear glasses. Waterproof is key, as we will have them with us sailing and canoeing. Finally, I'd like to stick with 10x magnification; she has the steady hands of a photographer, and so image shake isn't a big concern.

The binoculars I've looked at so far include the Steiner 10x26 Wildlife XP, Alpen Wings ED HD 10x25, and Vortex Diamondback 10x28, but to be honest, I'm not really sure where to start or end my search. Hence me looking for advice from the experts.

Any advice you might be able to offer would be greatly appreciated!
 
Hi Astigmatism, welcome to BF!

A small (purse sized) and waterproof 10x binocular is a demanding combination.
Zeiss offers their Terra 10x25 at $329.99 on Amazon, a bit above your target price range:
https://www.amazon.com/Zeiss-10x25-...rd_wg=I0Pmk&psc=1&refRID=CRR8M048TWB4P3MG9KK2
Nikon has a much more affordable alternative, their Trailblazer 10x25 ATB, $84 on Amazon, also with excellent ratings.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8218-T...rd_wg=81j8u&psc=1&refRID=3ARE2WHBQTFX68JC980V
I've been pleased with both Zeiss as well as with Nikon optics, but have no experience with Vortex.
My Alpen and Steiner units did not stand out, but they were long ago.
 
Agree with etdiant, if you can stretch to the Zeiss Terra 10x25 you notice a big improvement on your old pair. Other than that, Nikon compacts are generally pretty good at a lesser price, the Sport Star waterproof 10x25 is pretty good, I have the London Olympics one, it looks much the same as the Trailblazer, but I have not used the trailblazer, $98 here. https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-10x25-SportStar-Waterproof-Binoculars/dp/B000I27ERW

Good luck.
 
Thanks etudiant and Bencw, this is exactly the help I was looking for. Going from $300 to $329 isn't a stretch at all if it's for something we'll be happy with.
 
Thanks etudiant and Bencw, this is exactly the help I was looking for. Going from $300 to $329 isn't a stretch at all if it's for something we'll be happy with.

Happy to help.
Do try to personally test them before making a final decision.
You may prefer one or the other more clearly when you have them in hand to compare.
If there is no place to do that locally, perhaps order both from Amazon and send back the second choice.
 
The reverse Porro prism Nikon ProStaff Waterproof ATB 10x25 selling for $114.99 at Camera Land NY should fill your need very nicely.

ATB means "All Terrain Binocular."

Here is a picture of it from the Nikon USA website.

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/....html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs

You mentioned in Post #4 above that you don't mind spending about $330.00 on the new Zeiss Terra ED 10x25 Compact. It is made for Zeiss in Japan and I know that the 8x25 version is very good. I gave an 8x25 to my son when it first came out and he carried it and used it while working and traveling around in Mexico this past year without any problems.


https://www.eagleoptics.com/collections/binoculars/products/zeiss-terra-ed-10x25-binocular

Bob
 
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