[bouledamour]

Today, I had a short walk during a brief period of sunshine between rain-showers. I had a look at blooming trees and birds through my Monarch 8x36. Oh, it was great. But I was thinking : these Fujinon 10x50 SMT that I use for astronomy are just so much better; but they're really designed to be perfectly focused at infinity and stay that way. If only I had a pair of these premium-priced 8x42 or 10x42 binos... I only wish there was less choice. What should be on the shortlist ?
Oh, it's not hard to guess. Just read the forums where fellow neurotic guys are posting and get impregnated with lust and irrational spending envy. Swaro 8.5x42 ? Leica Ultravid, or these oh-so-cheap new Trinovid at barely € 1300, perhaps ? The Nikon EDG ? A little Zeiss, maybe ? What else could possibly be good enough to look at birds in the garden once in a while without feeling frustration that it would look even better through more expensive glass, wrapped in a more luxurious body ? Which one would not make me feel like an ignorant bourgeois who buys jewel-like stuff in order to flatter his vain little ego ?
I shall visit a shop where most of these are sold, along with a few less outrageously overpriced options. I want them to be ergonomically perfect, with no objectionable optical flaw. Wish me luck, oh fellow neurotic, and offer thy advice...

[newfie ghost]

Originally Posted by Pileatus

Cup of Coffee...USD currency
$2 per day, 5 days per week, 52 weeks = $520
Ten year cost = $5200

Alpha roof-prism bin ~ $2400 (10 year minimum warranty; lifetime use)

If you can afford the best, buy the best.

Pileatus, this is brilliant. Or how about that pack of smokes, booze, movies and eating out. It adds up. It all depends on what you want to spend your money on.

Yes some alpha owners are arrogant, I've been snubbed by many. Are alphas good? You bet. Can you get a lot of glass for 1/4 the price. Definitely.

Oh by the way, welcome to the forum, I am glad you are happy with the monarch.

[James Bean]

Yes. Next question?
But seriously, may I suggest a used high grade model like the Nikon HG (Premier)? I tend to think these are eminently sensible choices which avoid the 'male jewellery' stigma of Leica, Swarovski and (to a lesser extent) Zeiss (who are almost as unassuming as Nikon) because there can be no doubt you know what you're about if you're toting a Nikon HG. Rather like driving a highly competent Audi, in preference to a common (loads of 'em) BMW or an intimidating ("get out of my way") Mercedes. With a Nikon HG you can get the job done as well as (and mostly better than) anything else, never appearing pretentious and all the while 'looking like a nice bloke'. I say 'used' since you can find a decent HG for around £300+, yet nobody will know it's not new, so just think of the money you'll save... Go on, go Nikon HG. You know it makes sense!

[ClarkWGriswold]

Didn't Clarkson call Audi the new BMW James?

Rich

PS who plays the bloke who charges for the wildlife fund James?

Originally Posted by James Bean

Yes. Next question?
But seriously, may I suggest a used high grade model like the Nikon HG (Premier)? I tend to think these are eminently sensible choices which avoid the 'male jewellery' stigma of Leica, Swarovski and (to a lesser extent) Zeiss (who are almost as unassuming as Nikon) because there can be no doubt you know what you're about if you're toting a Nikon HG. Rather like driving a highly competent Audi, in preference to a common (loads of 'em) BMW or an intimidating ("get out of my way") Mercedes. With a Nikon HG you can get the job done as well as (and mostly better than) anything else, never appearing pretentious and all the while 'looking like a nice bloke'. I say 'used' since you can find a decent HG for around £300+, yet nobody will know it's not new, so just think of the money you'll save... Go on, go Nikon HG. You know it makes sense!

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by James Bean

Yes. Next question?
But seriously, may I suggest a used high grade model like the Nikon HG (Premier)? I tend to think these are eminently sensible choices which avoid the 'male jewellery' stigma of Leica, Swarovski and (to a lesser extent) Zeiss (who are almost as unassuming as Nikon) because there can be no doubt you know what you're about if you're toting a Nikon HG. Rather like driving a highly competent Audi, in preference to a common (loads of 'em) BMW or an intimidating ("get out of my way") Mercedes. With a Nikon HG you can get the job done as well as (and mostly better than) anything else, never appearing pretentious and all the while 'looking like a nice bloke'. I say 'used' since you can find a decent HG for around £300+, yet nobody will know it's not new, so just think of the money you'll save... Go on, go Nikon HG. You know it makes sense!

I like that idea - the Nikon HG (and EDG of course) are worthy of the short list. The new Zeiss Conquest HD are almost sensibly priced, too! I'm following the review on the other thread with interest. Which one would be both unassuming *and* a major chick magnet ?

[ClarkWGriswold]

Finally............. a question on optics I can answer - None of them.

Rich

Originally Posted by bouledamour

Which one would be both unassuming *and* a major chick magnet ?

[James Bean]

Audi "the new BMW"? It's twoo, it's twoo! Sadly, Audi have gone the way of all prestige German cars, intimidating lesser marques on the road with their belligerence (apart from beat-up old Land Rovers), their high-intensity-strip front lights and blinding brake lights, exaggerated grilles, and overbearing "I'm considerably richer than you" condescension.
As to your question, Bill Murray's brother Brian plays the Kamp Komfort (a misnomer if ever there was one: what a dump!) clerk. I love the way he twirls his pen while sucking noisily on a piece of water melon: it's so... accomplished!
There are certain films you can watch time and time again; you don't get tired of them, and they just get better and better, a sort of 'Groundhog Day' experience. I watched "Sink the Bismarck" for the umpteenth time the other day and noticed that Captain Lindemann had tight hold of his binoculars, as if hiding them. For one moment he moved his grip, and I saw the likely reason: 'props' had probably not been able to find a correct model German naval binocular, so he was using a US pattern Bureau of Ships Bausch & Lomb instead. I know, I'm a sad case, but it's hard to stop the habits of a lifetime...

[idaho john]

Originally Posted by bouledamour

Which one would be both unassuming *and* a major chick magnet ?

Aren't binoculars the equivalent of hanging a sign around your neck that screams "stay away?" Would Zeiss make that seem louder? Or would it indicate that one had taste, a bit of expendable income and also to "stay away!" A classier visual deterrent maybe.

[ceasar]

I can't imagine anyone describing a Leica Trinovid or a Swarovski SLC as "jewelry!"

Bob

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by ClarkWGriswold

Finally............. a question on optics I can answer - None of them.

Rich

We're making good progress. Which ones, then ?

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by idaho john

Aren't binoculars the equivalent of hanging a sign around your neck that screams "stay away?" Would Zeiss make that seem louder? Or would it indicate that one had taste, a bit of expendable income and also to "stay away!" A classier visual deterrent maybe.

"Stay away and don't kiss me, my binos don't focus at such close range!"

Perhaps a fellow birdwatching soul ? I hear the hobby is not 99% male, a welcome change from astronomy. "Zeiss ? That off my blouse, Sir! Leica ? take off yours! Cheap Chinese binos ? Take me now, you non-materialist middle-aged wonder!"

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by ceasar

I can't imagine anyone describing a Leica Trinovid or a Swarovski SLC as "jewelry!"

Bob

Imagine wearing a good-taste piece of clothes with prominent "Dolce & Gabbana" label. We would think you're a dick as soon as we'd notice, no matter how decent the clothing.

[dafi]

Sounds like you would have a more comfortable time viewing with what you have if you removed the chip on your shoulder.

Speaking as an old dyed in the wool punk If alphas are producing such mental embarrasment for you then why not get a pair and cover them in duct tape.

Its a lot simpler than growing up!!

[gwsudiro]

Originally Posted by bouledamour

Wish me luck, oh fellow neurotic, and offer thy advice...

thou shall try the prehistoric glass of miracle....Neekond eS-eeE...I wish you good luck for not every man alive blessed with this kind of luck..hahaha!!

now go!!! and reveal thy destiny....




PS :ah, almost forgot...welcome to BF, Bouledamour... ^_^

[Torview]

I wonder how many posters who like to snipe at those who enjoy a high end binocular are sat in front of a tired old desktop like myself, or, are using some super computer which cost a fortune and could probably run a small country, from which they demand 1-2% of its potential to surf the net ?

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by Torview

I wonder how many posters who like to snipe at those who enjoy a high end binocular are sat in front of a tired old desktop like myself, or, are using some super computer which cost a fortune and could probably run a small country, from which they demand 1-2% of its potential to surf the net ?

We are just pulling your leg - and our own. Before we join you, that is. Personally, I'm just trying to be tasteful rather than just buy the most expensive brand in the vain hope that one gets what one pays for (which ain't true at all in the luxury goods market).

In other words, I'm just trying not be another Leica Man like this one:
http://kenrockwell.com/leica/leica-man.htm

But I realize the Ultravids and Trinovids are really good. Hell, I even have a TEC 110 APO so I guess I don't object to paying the price for good optics - when that is justified. Also, my Fujinon are as good as it gets - for € 600, not € 2000+. Similar optical quality in a daylight-oriented 8x42 or 8x32 would make my day.

(written on my quad-core MacBook Pro)

[ceasar]

Originally Posted by bouledamour

Imagine wearing a good-taste piece of clothes with prominent "Dolce & Gabbana" label. We would think you're a dick as soon as we'd notice, no matter how decent the clothing.

Speaking of "good taste" wouldn't you like to edit the above remark?

And it would help to learn to read between the lines also. Both the Trinovid and the SLC are rather plug ugly binoculars especially in the larger sizes.

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by ceasar

Speaking of "good taste" wouldn't you like to edit the above remark?

And it would help to learn to read between the lines also. Both the Trinovid and the SLC are rather plug ugly binoculars especially in the larger sizes.

"Dolce and Gabbana" is only obscene, not rude.

The relationship between one's ability to "read between the lines" and the alleged ugliness of larger Trinovids eludes my subtlety, I'm afraid.

[mooreorless]

Tasco!

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by mooreorless

Tasco!

I can't seem to find any 8x42 or 10x42 costing more than $70 over there... I guess I could buy 36 pairs for about $2500 and build a panopticon.

[ClarkWGriswold]

Hi BD. Just got back from a stressful day at work and noticed this thread has changed tack somewhat.

Personally, I read many of the threads posted on here regarding optics and enjoy most of them. Whether it's Dennis, Brock, Jerry, Ron, Elkclub, Henry, Bob, Newfie, Lilcrazy or James et al (apologies if I left anyone out) I find them informing and quite entertaining on ocassion. I even contemplated bidding on the recent 10x 42 SE's on E-Bay after reading the feedback on them here but decided that being waterproof was an absolute necessity here in Wales - that and I've had to fork out for a new roof (the rain protection type), combi and the bearing is on it's way on my Zed (get that violin out ;-) ).

I feel, however, there is also room for some of the lighter threads as well which is where I think you're coming from. If people don't like it they don't have to read the thread or contribute. As I mentioned at the start of this thread my day has been fairly stressful so I appreciate some of the less serious stuff. Though to contradict myself (a bit) I think Bob had a point about post # 12.

FWIW I have a pair of 8x42 Leica Trinovids. Even a layperson like myself can appreciate the quality of them. Are they a babe magnet? - I can categorically say no to that. Do I see any more birds than when I used to borrow my fathers 10x42 Nikon Actions - again no.

Carry on,

Rich

Brain "Doyle" Murray - James 9/10 ;-)

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by ClarkWGriswold

Hi BD. Just got back from a stressful day at work and noticed this thread has changed tack somewhat.

Personally, I read many of the threads posted on here regarding optics and enjoy most of them. Whether it's Dennis, Brock, Jerry, Ron, Elkclub, Henry, Bob, Newfie, Lilcrazy or James et al (apologies if I left anyone out) I find them informing and quite entertaining on ocassion. I even contemplated bidding on the recent 10x 42 SE's on E-Bay after reading the feedback on them here but decided that being waterproof was an absolute necessity here in Wales - that and I've had to fork out for a new roof (the rain protection type), combi and the bearing is on it's way on my Zed (get that violin out ;-) ).

I feel, however, there is also room for some of the lighter threads as well which is where I think you're coming from. If people don't like it they don't have to read the thread or contribute. As I mentioned at the start of this thread my day has been fairly stressful so I appreciate some of the less serious stuff. Though to contradict myself (a bit) I think Bob had a point about post # 12.

FWIW I have a pair of 8x42 Leica Trinovids. Even a layperson like myself can appreciate the quality of them. Are they a babe magnet? - I can categorically say no to that. Do I see any more birds than when I used to borrow my fathers 10x42 Nikon Actions - again no.

Carry on,

Rich

Brain "Doyle" Murray - James 9/10 ;-)

I only meant to gently rattle their cages - before getting into the cage myself perhaps. It's more fun that way than starting another 'Leica or Swarovski, which is the absolute best ?' thread. It should have been clear that I was being self-derisive more than anything. I Come in Peace! Resistance is futile.

[gwsudiro]

I think the real babe magnet is if you carry around Fujinon 10x70 for birding without tripod, monopod or harness, only pure handholding....

they might interested in your biceps though...

[bouledamour]

Originally Posted by gwsudiro

I think the real babe magnet is if you carry around Fujinon 10x70 for birding without tripod, monopod or harness, only pure handholding....

they might interested in your biceps though...

No, the real babe magnet would be no handholding, only "natural" monopod, so to speak. With Leica sticker perhaps.

[dafi]

A dab of red paint and your away then, best of both worlds..lol