I have used Binoculars probably more than most as they were used in my years on the Bridge of a Merchant Ship
as a Licensed, Professional Navigator...used them day & night, in all weather conditions...some events were quite dicey & critical. So...is to say...I developed a critique different than the casual user. I depended on them, and
carried my own that I used. Since I retired in 1999...I have used binocs like "landlubbers" (no offense meant)
game & bird viewing, etc. here in Wyoming. Anyhoo...I have used & own a lot of binocs that I still use often.
This has led me to a question, particularly to "WJC"...is there a point where advanced binocular optics can't be
really utilized by the viewer? I wonder if the $2000+ binoculars really have an advantage for the viewer...in other words...is the advanced optical technology able to be used? Or mostly selling points for profit? I take
the attitude that the utility can't really be used...its there...but does it make a difference in practicality?
Not sure that a reasonably priced & quality binoc. isn't in useage as good as the Ionospheric priced model?
Any comments on this? Thanks, Tom
I’m sorry; I just saw your question.
You wrote: “Is there a point where advanced binocular optics can't be really utilized by the viewer?”
From my standpoint: yes! But, I’m sure you’ve seen this forum is filled with standpoints. Except for bragging rights, one does not need to spend the money for a Zeiss, Leica, or Swarovski, to have a world-class bino. For some people, however, bragging rights is the main thrust of their need to acquire such bino. I’ve rarely seen a merchant mariner afflicted with that disease. Although you can get nose bleed from standing on their wallets, most want the best you can REASONABLY buy. The FMTR-SX fills that bill, nicely.
Across the board, professional navigators love the Steiners. But then, they have been TAUGHT that is what they are supposed to do. Some people would enjoy looking through a rusty pipe if it had a German name on the side. And, there are mariners who would reach for a Steiner who have never heard of Zeiss; I’ve seen that many times. It does not matter that the importer is from the western US or that the many of their products are as German as … “Kunming.”
Do you need to spend $2,000 to have a really good bino? No way! You will have to spend more than the average consumer thinks is the cat’s meow. I think my 8x32 SE was $8 something when I bought it. Although I didn’t pay that, I saw no reason going further up the foot chain. I’m not into bragging rights as much as I’m into a good view. Some people complain of “black outs” with the SE, but it has never caused me any trouble. To me the problem resembles the person LOOKING for a mis-collimation of his bino. If you’re looking for the “circles” to overlap, you will see them overlap, even on a wonderfully collimated bino.
Why? When you look closely for that, you are looking at the primary field stop, only about 3-inches from your eyes. And what happens when you try to focus on something 3 inches from your face. Under normal circumstances, this is the part where I would say … DUH! However, with some people already thinking I’m snotty, I won’t go there.
The sad thing in all this is that the big boys have backed themselves into a financial corner, and they’re gonna have to cut costs to stay in business. THEY have spent the money to do the research and development that ASIA is now glad to take advantage of.
“They say that all good things must end, someday.” —A Summer Song, Chad & Jeremy, June 1964
Hope this helps,
Bill :t: