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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Your Favourite, Not Your Best, Bins? (1 Viewer)

Favorite of all time?

Zeiss 7x42 FL

Most often used and probably the easiest bin for me to pick up and use for practically anything?

Sightron 8x32

I don't really have a "love bin". I try not to get too attached to any of my instruments. ;)
 
My favourite is the 8x32SE, I still can`t believe I sold the two I owned, constantly on the lookout for a mint replacement, the handling, the size and weight but ultimately the view make it my all time favourite binocular.

The next one I get will never be sold !

I listed a near mint pair here in the classifieds (#505 serial number) and got one response from someone who wasn't serious. These were kept at our other house and rarely were used. The only reason I offered them for sale is, well, look at my signature... ;)
 
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The Kowa Genesis 8x3, because it fits my eyes the best.
The way cheal Nikon Aculon 7x35, because I can chuck in im any bag, throw it on any beast of burden (bike, scooter, car, backpack) without having to worry about a loss.

I have tested the Genesis 8x33 and Meopta MeoStar 8x32 and both of those are very strong contenders.

Lee
 
OK you guys I am taking some flak here for using the word 'love' (thats from Frank and Kimmo in case any of you haven't been paying attention) and perhaps Kimmo is right and 'love' is too strong a word. I certainly don't take any of my bins out to dinner :-O or to bed :eek!:.

But after all the posts received so far I still think the basic premise of this thread is valid ie favourite binos not best binos.

Even emotionally-detached Frank used the word 'favourite' :t: .

Lee
 
My favourite is the 8x32SE, I still can`t believe I sold the two I owned, constantly on the lookout for a mint replacement, the handling, the size and weight but ultimately the view make it my all time favourite binocular.

The next one I get will never be sold !

What do mint ones go for in the UK ?
 
So how about it? What is your favourite bino? And, please, this is not about what is the best bino of its kind or its class or in the world or that is going to kill the alphas, but it is about binos that you just feel so comfortable with they are like putting on your favourite shoes or gloves.

Lee

Depends on the season, in the winter with low sun, little light and cold weather doing long walks in forests and woodland, it's no doubt my Zeiss 7x42 FL:s. This time of the year when the days are longer and warmer with more light, and also more birds at longer distances to look at when visiting open spaces like coastal areas and lakes, I prefer using my SV 8.5x42. Both are favorites, depending on the task. If I only could pick one, it would be the 7x42 FL, but that would be a bit like wearing winter boots all year around. Warm, safe and cozy. ;)
 
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Depends on the season, in the winter with low sun, little light and cold weather doing long walks in forests and woodland, it's no doubt my Zeiss 7x42 FL:s. This time of the year when the days are longer and warmer with more light, and also more birds at longer distances to look at when visiting open spaces, lakes and coastal areas, I prefer using my SV 8.5x42. Both are favorites, depending on the task. If I only could pick one, it would be the 7x42 FL, but that would be a bit like wearing winter boots all year around. ;)

VB your choice between SV 8.5x42 and FL 7x42 is quite like my dilemma with SF 8x42 and Conquest 8x32.

And I know what you mean by snow boots: the Conquest comes with consequences too, but still its my favourite, much to my surprise, and thanks for sharing your favourite with us.

Lee
 
Strong stuff from the upside down man down-under and an interesting range of candidates.

Still no contributions from the ladies.

Where are you KC and Delia? Not to mention CJ and GiGi.....


Lee

I haven't been reading the posts much lately here.

I think it's probably obvious to some my fave is my 7x42 Ultravid plus. The other bino I use occasionally is a 6x32 Viper HD.

I think a high quality 7x32 roof could become a favorite if one is ever made. I would certainly be first in line. I do miss small light 32mm binos and 7x32 would be wonderful.
 
I haven't been reading the posts much lately here.

I think it's probably obvious to some my fave is my 7x42 Ultravid plus. The other bino I use occasionally is a 6x32 Viper HD.

I think a high quality 7x32 roof could become a favorite if one is ever made. I would certainly be first in line. I do miss small light 32mm binos and 7x32 would be wonderful.

Thanks GiGi

As usual 7x binos have a steady following here.

Lee
 
1195g with batteries.

1225g with batteries and strap.

It is so good that observations are short, and it can be used at very odd angles where tripod mounted binoculars can't go.

P.S.
Weights with 2 lithium AA disposable batteries.
 
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I understand what you mean. For me, out of the many binoculars I've used, that list distills to Swarovski 8.5x42 EL SV nonFP, Leica 8x32 Ultra Trinovid BA/BN, and Zeiss 7x42 BGATP/Classic.

--AP

As a follow-up to my previous post, although the Leica are a sentimental favorite as a long-time travel companion, and the Zeiss were the binocular with which I matured as "birder", the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL SV nonFP are by far my favorite binoculars ever. Still, I sure wish they had variable-ratio focus for those butterflies. That is my only complaint.

--AP
 
As a follow-up to my previous post, although the Leica are a sentimental favorite as a long-time travel companion, and the Zeiss were the binocular with which I matured as "birder", the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL SV nonFP are by far my favorite binoculars ever. Still, I sure wish they had variable-ratio focus for those butterflies. That is my only complaint.

--AP

All three excellent reasons for favourites. Still see plenty of Dialyt 7x42s over here. Amazing to think they were the target to beat when Gerold Dobler was given the go-ahead all those years ago at Swarovski to create the best birding binoculars ever, and they are still going strong today.

Lee
 
Don't suppose we can persuade you to choose your favourite of favourites from those two? It might be a bit like trying to name your favourite Corrs sister!

Lee
I chose to keep the SE. I would have been just as happy keeping the EII. I just wanted only one. Corrs sister? Gotta be the drummer!;)
 
All three excellent reasons for favourites. Still see plenty of Dialyt 7x42s over here. Amazing to think they were the target to beat when Gerold Dobler was given the go-ahead all those years ago at Swarovski to create the best birding binoculars ever, and they are still going strong today.

Lee

Yes, when I saw the first announcements for the original 8.5x42 EL it was obvious to me that it had been designed to appeal to Zeiss 7x42 BGATP users. The later 8x32 EL was the first bin to fit the hand as well or better than the Zeiss 7x42. My only gripe with the Zeiss is that the external focus system can give problems (stiff focus action, shifting diopter) in very hot or in cold weather (Have sent mine back to Zeiss several times and they can't resolve these issues). I also prefer the off-axis performance of the Swarovski. As a birding tool, I still consider the Zeiss about as good as anything, and superior to most for quick and close action (wood warblers and sparrows). I like its contrast, color balance, and easy view, which are competitive with many contemporary roofs. By contrast, many other older roofs of the same vintage as the Zeiss 7x42 BGATP now seem to me dull and muddy, with poor color balance, in comparison to today's roofs with the latest glass and coatings.

--AP
 
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