[The Kingfisher]

Currently, I have a Nikon 8x32 SE which is astonishing. I feel however that I can not hold the binoculars steady enough to avoid vibrations. Some days are worse than others in terms of shaking, I must say. The focus wheel also become rather stiff when it´s cold. Therefore, I thought of buying a new pair of binoculars that provide a more stable picture.

What I seek is:

- A 7x? or 8x42 with top optics (sharp to the edges, neutral, min. of CA etc)
- Roof prism
- Generous eye relief because I wear glasses
- Fast focus (or at least not a focus which is slow)
- Generous FOV would be nice


Some models I have listed:

Pentax: 8x43 DCF ED
Zeiss: 7x42 T FL, 8x42 T FL
Leica: Ultravid 7x42 BR, Ultravid 8x42 BR
Swarovski: SLCnew 7x42B
Kamakura: 8x42 MR3
Nikon: 8x42HG L DCF, 7x42 EDG, 8x42 EDG


My own thoughts: The Zeiss models is actually a bit over my budget (Swedish prices). But maybe it´s worth stretching the budget a bit. I am very interested in the new Nikon EDG models, but these cost more than the Zeiss. Moreover, they are not yet available on the market here in Sweden. Kamakura and Pentax is cheaper, but how are they against eg Nikon and Zeiss? Are there clear differences optically?

An interesting model is the Swarovski 7x42 B. Does just within my budget and have 7x power. The question is how it is compared with Swarovski EL models?

Last but not least, Nikon 8x42HG L. I like my 8x32 SE and the HG L is perhaps that binocular which is most similar to the SE in terms of optical properties? I also know it has a fast and nice focus.


Which binoculars should I put my energy on?


Regards, Jonas

[Andrew Gibson]

As a glasses wearer i would recommend trying out Zeiss models before you buy as i found that i had a lot of light entering from the sides of the eye pieces in good light which was of puting but optically excellent and would have bought some if had not tried in diferent light condtions

[oleaf]

Hi Kingfisher,

I would suggest you take a look at Meopta 7x42 or 8x42. All that you could want (with the widest FOV) and excellent eye relief. Ergonomics are perfect. I have the 7x and they are the equal to the SLC Swarovski (at half the price... at least in the USA).

http://www.holgermerlitz.de/kowa85x44.html

Cheers

[The Kingfisher]

Originally Posted by oleaf

Hi Kingfisher,

I would suggest you take a look at Meopta 7x42 or 8x42. All that you could want (with the widest FOV) and excellent eye relief. Ergonomics are perfect. I have the 7x and they are the equal to the SLC Swarovski (at half the price... at least in the USA).

http://www.holgermerlitz.de/kowa85x44.html

Cheers

I have never heard about Meopta in Sweden. I don´t know if they are available here or if they have a completly different name. I will see if I can find any information on them in swedish websites.

[The Kingfisher]

I found one swedish dealer who had information and price of this Meopta binocular. Interesting, but very odd as a birding binocular here in Sweden. Is the focus rapid?

[BobinKy]

Kingfisher--

I recommend you take a look at the Pentax DCF ED 8x43. I have tried the 8x32 and own the 10x50 model. Both of these offer superb views. I think the Pentax DCF ED 10x50 holds it own against my Nikon SE 12x50. In some respects I like the DCF better because--for me--I find it easier to hold and focus. Unfortunately, we do not read much about the Pentax DCF ED series. That is sad.

For the record, I have not tried the others you have listed.

If you are looking to add another candidate, I recommend the Kowa 8.5x44 Prominar XD (Genesis in U.S.). I have not looked through it myself, but I dearly love my Kowa spotting scope. In the same review as the Meopta, Holger speaks very highly of the Kowa XD. It might be worth a try to get it into your hands before you buy.

--Bob
Kentucky, USA

[Tero]

Roof prisms are indeed made for holding easily, and it would add to your steadyness. Go to a store and try binoculars of different weights, or borrow some to try them out from friends. There should be an optimum weight, beyond that, weight does not help.

[The Kingfisher]

Originally Posted by BobinKy

Kingfisher--

I recommend you take a look at the Pentax DCF ED 8x43. --Bob
Kentucky, USA

It looks like a very nice binocular, but the FOV seems to be rather narrow. It is certainly a hot candidate!

[stereotruckdriver]

I don't regard the fov narrow on the Pentax ED, I have the 10x43 it has less fov! Just look through one! I have no problem recommending it. I would classify these as the most under rated Binocular out there! But, that's just my opinion. Bryce...

[The Kingfisher]

Originally Posted by The Kingfisher

Pentax: 8x43 DCF ED
Zeiss: 7x42 T FL, 8x42 T FL
Leica: Ultravid 7x42 BR, Ultravid 8x42 BR
Swarovski: SLCnew 7x42B
Kamakura: 8x42 MR3
Nikon: 8x42HG L DCF, 7x42 EDG, 8x42 EDG

Okay, let´s see..

I feel I must set a price limit somewhere to be really satisfied with my purchase. It is too easy to just buy the most expensive and most exclusive binoculars, I think. It is not a sport..

So..therefore are the Zeiss models to expensive for me, so also the EDG line. The Swarovski is rather heavy and the minimum close focus is just 4 m. The eye relief of the Leica 8x42 is only 15,5 mm.

Left is the Meopta binoculars, the Nikon HGL, Kamakura and Pentax. Kamakura is lighter, have better minimum close focus and better eye relief than the Meopta 8x42, but the FOV is a bit narrower. The Meopta 7x42 on the other hand has better eye relief than the Kamakura and has 7x power (less shaky). Pentax 8x43 is close focusing, the lightest in this group of binoculars and have plenty of eye relief. The only negative is the narrow FOV. It´s not easy to find the perfect binoculars!

After a mathematical experiment I have ranked them :

1. Pentax 8x43 - 17p
2. Meopta 7x42 - 15p
3. Kamakura 8x42 - 14p
4. Nikon 8x42 HGL - 13p
5. Meopta 8x42 - 11p
6. Leica 8x42 & Swarovski 7x42B - 9p
7. ----


Theoretically Pentax is the best bargain. The test in the field remains..

[Kevin Purcell]

Originally Posted by Tero

Roof prisms are indeed made for holding easily, and it would add to your steadyness. Go to a store and try binoculars of different weights, or borrow some to try them out from friends. There should be an optimum weight, beyond that, weight does not help.

I agree with Tero.

I think this was a major reason for the uptake of roofs against porros (especially for people using 10x bins).

Another to add into your list are the "Chinese ED" bins (search this forum for more details). Very good optics with good value for money: rather less expensive than the others. See the evaluation thread on the forum (and the most recent posting of the birdwatching.co.uk review). Not sharp to the edge but then again I have an Nikon SE 8x32 and that isn't sharp tot he edge either.

In Sweden I think the Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 would be the most easy to obtain purchase on the net unless you can find a Swedish dealer.

The Pentax design style is for narrower FOVs but this does seem to help other parameters (sharper to the closer edge of FOV and perhaps more resistance to stray light). Of course how worthwhile the trade off is up to the end user.

FrankD will probably comment on the Meopta too. He likes the flat field which is supposed to be sharp to the edge but the 8x42 he has do have a yellow bias. Again search for his review in the forum.

Perhaps a Pentax ED, Meopta and Hawke might make a good short list.

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by The Kingfisher

Currently, I have a Nikon 8x32 SE which is astonishing. I feel however that I can not hold the binoculars steady enough to avoid vibrations. Some days are worse than others in terms of shaking, I must say.

Which binoculars should I put my energy on?


Regards, Jonas

I'm a bit curious as to the reason for the shaking you have. If you are pretty certain it is the wider configuration of the porro SE, maybe a good 8x roof would help.

It has more often been my experience that shakes are best cured with less magnification, in which case I think you may be on the right track with 7x. 8x magnifies shakes less than 8x does, so many people see more with them.

If size is an issue, then I suggest, since you are maybe on the wrong side of the pond to easily find a Swift Eaglet 7x36, that you take a look at these
http://opticron.boson.posiweb.net/Pa...assic_7x36.htm

You may be able to find one of those to put up to your eyes easier than a Swift. Plus the Opticron has a wider fov in the specs than the Swift, although apparently some Swifts have that fov as well. Mine is right at 400' as it turns out.

The image, if it is the same as the Swift will surprise you. Its compact size may have an appeal as well. It is worth a look I think.

[Kevin Conville]

Well, no one else has said it so... 7x42 Ultravid.

It meets all your criteria and even if you don't buy it for one reason or another, you should definitely try a pair out before you decide.

[SG6]

Not sure if available in Sweden but I tried and was very impressed with the Minox range. Think they do an 8.5x42 HD. Sorry cannot be more specific. Fully intend to get myself a set at some time,

As I recall they were a bit smaller and lighter then the Leica's, Zeiss and Nikons.

Very sharp and the prices were also good by comparison, as in about half the cost of the Leica's. The optics were very close to the Leica's and better then the Zeiss, Nikons and Swarkovski's. But that was on my eyes.

[The Kingfisher]

Originally Posted by Steve C

I'm a bit curious as to the reason for the shaking you have. If you are pretty certain it is the wider configuration of the porro SE, maybe a good 8x roof would help.

It has more often been my experience that shakes are best cured with less magnification, in which case I think you may be on the right track with 7x. &x magnifies shakes less than 8x does, so many people see more with them.

If size is an issue, then I suggest, since you are maybe on the wrong side of the pond to easily find a Swift Eaglet 7x36, that you take a look at these
http://opticron.boson.posiweb.net/Pa...assic_7x36.htm

You may be able to find one of those to put up to your eyes easier than a Swift. Plus the Opticron has a wider fov in the specs than the Swift, although apparently some Swifts have that fov as well. Mine is right at 400' as it turns out.

The image, if it is the same as the Swift will surprise you. Its compact size may have an appeal as well. It is worth a look I think.

Often, I don´t have lots of shakings with my 8x32 SE. Although it usually does not shake much, it is a bit frustrating that the image is not quite steady. I know that the SE has very good optics, but I think a less good binocular would "feel better/sharper" than the SE if it can be used without any shakings.

I have tested both Opticron and Swift binoculars earlier, but at that time I wasn´t pleased with the view. I think, the only way to find out wich binoculars suits me best is to try as many as possible. Soon, I have the opportunity to visit a dealer where I can try Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, Swarovski, Pentax, Opticron and Kamakura. It will be interesting!

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by The Kingfisher

Often, I don´t have lots of shakings with my 8x32 SE. Although it usually does not shake much, it is a bit frustrating that the image is not quite steady. I know that the SE has very good optics, but I think a less good binocular would "feel better/sharper" than the SE if it can be used without any shakings.

I have tested both Opticron and Swift binoculars earlier, but at that time I wasn´t pleased with the view. I think, the only way to find out which binoculars suits me best is to try as many as possible. Soon, I have the opportunity to visit a dealer where I can try Zeiss, Leica, Nikon, Swarovski, Pentax, Opticron and Kamakura. It will be interesting!

Well it seems to me then you need to start with the Meopta, since it seems to be closer to your budget. It is a nice binocular, and while rather heavy, it may still suit you. After that, I think Kevin Conville's suggestion of the Leica Ultravid 7x42 makes some sense. It is a more compact binocular than the Zeiss and Swarovski offerings. It really makes no sense to spend money on something you dont' like because it fits the budget better. It's still of little use to you if you don't like it. Your plan on looking at a lot of binoculars is a good one.

[swede]

The Minox I tested with was impressive. The HG line have good optics, and seem more compact than similar zeiss and swarovski offerings. I have been real happy with mine thus far.

[chartwell99]

Originally Posted by swede

The Minox I tested with was impressive. The HG line have good optics, and seem more compact than similar zeiss and swarovski offerings. I have been real happy with mine thus far.

The Minox HG 8 x 33, while not cheap, is a superb binocular which offers near alpha performance and excellent ergonomics and build quality at a very competitive price. The Minox HG line generally pretty much flies under the radar in the US but is worth considering nonetheless if you can find examples in Sweden.

[The Kingfisher]

I will test the binoculars I mentioned above. If none of them is what I´m searching for, then I´ll wait for the very interesting Nikon 7x42 EDG. It has plenty of eye relief, a FOV like the 8x32 SE and a weight wich is OK. The optics in this binocular should be as good as it gets and faster to focus than most other binoculars. I feel that this is the binocular for me :-). Only time will tell..

[FrankD]

Well, what can I say that has not already been said?

Your choice of binoculars will depend entirely on your choice of priorities in terms of optics/ergonomics and price.

Best combination of the three characteristics out of the bins I am familiar with on your list? Probably the Meopta. The only real issue the 7x42 has going against it is the physical weight (30 oz...no idea how many grams that is) but in comparison the Ultravid is around 27 ounces and the Zeiss is 26 oz. Brightness, apparent sharpness, flatness of field, etc... are all excellent in the Meopta. Ergonomics are superb in my opinion as is the construction.

The Pentax ED would probably be your next best bet but, as mentioned, the field of view is noticeably narrower than the Meopta and other "alpha" bins. The Minox HG APO has me intrigued but I know previous models suffered from the same narrow field of view that the Pentax did.

Hope this helps somewhat.

[The Kingfisher]

Originally Posted by FrankD

Best combination of the three characteristics out of the bins I am familiar with on your list? Probably the Meopta.

But how about the colour cast? I´m sensitive to colour cast I must say. I want the binocular to be as neutral as possible (I think the Nikon 8x32 SE is rather neutral). Thats one big reason I don´t like the Zeiss scopes for example.

[The Kingfisher]

I have now e-mailed the dealer about the Meopta 7x42 binocular. I think I will purchase this binocular if the dealer will let me test them at home and send it back if I´m not satisfied with them.

The only things I´m "worried" about are: the yellow colour cast (if there is any) and the weight.

Otherwise I think it can be a perfect binocular for me. I read somewhere that the focusing is rather fast and accurate. It´s very nice to hear if it´s true..?

Another nice thing is the lifetime warranty!

[oleaf]

Kingfisher,

The Meopta 7x have a comfortable view and have a very wide view.

They do have a very slight color cast but if you spend a day with them you'll most likely find no issues. Ergonomics are perfect, as is focus speed.

Interested to hear your findings.

Cheers

[The Kingfisher]

Do you think that a Meopta Meostar 7x42 is a "better buy" than a Swarovski SLCnew 7x42B (6995:- for the Meopta, 10490:- for the Swarovski)? The price difference between the two is not very huge, but difference in optic qualities are maybe even lesser?

[Pileatus]

Originally Posted by The Kingfisher

Do you think that a Meopta Meostar 7x42 is a "better buy" than a Swarovski SLCnew 7x42B (6995:- for the Meopta, 10490:- for the Swarovski)? The price difference between the two is not very huge, but difference in optic qualities are maybe even lesser?

The SLC is the better binocular.