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10x32, still looking (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Hotglove
- Start date
As already pointed out, "good quality" is a pretty subjective term, with no specific meaning that applies to everyone. Therefore, the only thing I can advise is to buy from a manufacturer already known to produce good products. These would be Swarovski, Nikon, Zeiss, Leica, and Kowa.
Tract Optics could be included in that group, but they do not make a bino in 10x30.
Tract Optics could be included in that group, but they do not make a bino in 10x30.
WJC
Well-known member
But, keep in mind that what constituted a good company 40 years ago rarely applies today, as many companies with great reputations are buying and rebranding bottom of the line binoculars so they can reach what the inexperienced consumer (with money) EXPECTS to pay, today.
The truth isn’t always pleasant. However, it is always the truth. :cat:
Bill
A2GG
Beth
Zeiss Conquest HD 10x32 or the new Leica Trinovid HD 10x32 will probably be very good. I looked through 10x32 Conquest once and thought it was nice, but didn't get much time with it. Kowa Genesis 10x33 probably same level of quality as these two. Probably can't go wrong with any of these.
If budget is an issue, my experience with the Leupold Mojave BX-3 8X32 was very favorable. It's on sale for $199 at Cabelas, and has a very, very sharp image, with good color representation, and low chromatic aberration (particularly so for a binocular without ED glass). I have not looked through the 10X32, but if it is like its 8X brother, it will be hard to beat for the $.
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
The Zeiss FL is only 10x32 that has ever impressed me. It is so bright, free of CA, and easy to use with glasses that I forget it is a 10x rather than an 8x model.
--AP
--AP
Hi,
the options mentioned above from Zeiss, Leica and Kowa are certainly good. But please try a pair of 10x32 in person before you buy some - the format is not for everybody - 10x is not easy to hold steady for all, a lightweight pair of bins doesn't help with keeping things steady and the exit pupil of 3mm borders pocket bins with their problems of eye placement.
Joachim
the options mentioned above from Zeiss, Leica and Kowa are certainly good. But please try a pair of 10x32 in person before you buy some - the format is not for everybody - 10x is not easy to hold steady for all, a lightweight pair of bins doesn't help with keeping things steady and the exit pupil of 3mm borders pocket bins with their problems of eye placement.
Joachim
Pinewood
New York correspondent
I am in total agreement with Alexis but I will quibble with Joachim only about holding a lightweight binocular steady. I found the the 10x32 FL easier to hold steady than the the heavier Zeiss 10x40 Dialyt, which had a good reputation for being held steady.
However, I would never use a 10x as my primary hand held binocular. On a support, like a monopod, I have no troubles. Without a support its instability becomes evident looking at targets well above the horizon and it is difficult to follow birds in flight because its field of view is narrower than a good 8x.
In any case, try before you buy.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :hi:
Thanks for the input, budget is an issue, Swarovski, etc. are a possible choice if bought second hand, but I can't run to £1500 for a new pair.
I have a pair of old Leica 10x25 Trinovids and love the extreme compact dimensions, the main problem with them is that they are not close-focus.
I bought a pair of Bushnell Excursion 10x32 which live on our kitchen windowsill overlooking our very small garden.
The Bushnells are great value and decent performers, and focus down very close, about 2m.
I also like the larger fov of the Bushnells, but they are a bit stiff and clunky to handle, the Leicas have a jewel like quality and very sweet handling.
At work I have an old pair of Swift Audubons and some 12x50 Hawke Nature Trek
The Hawkes are heavy and clunky but also have close-focus, which is essential in my job.
So I could (and might) replace the leicas with a modern pair of ultra-compacts which will have a close-focus, but I have grown to like the 10x32 format.
I have a pair of old Leica 10x25 Trinovids and love the extreme compact dimensions, the main problem with them is that they are not close-focus.
I bought a pair of Bushnell Excursion 10x32 which live on our kitchen windowsill overlooking our very small garden.
The Bushnells are great value and decent performers, and focus down very close, about 2m.
I also like the larger fov of the Bushnells, but they are a bit stiff and clunky to handle, the Leicas have a jewel like quality and very sweet handling.
At work I have an old pair of Swift Audubons and some 12x50 Hawke Nature Trek
The Hawkes are heavy and clunky but also have close-focus, which is essential in my job.
So I could (and might) replace the leicas with a modern pair of ultra-compacts which will have a close-focus, but I have grown to like the 10x32 format.
Keep your eyes open for a good used Nikon 10x32 HG or HG/L. It has been discontinued since the EDG was introduced.
It should be in your price range and it will be better than any of the low and moderate priced new 10x32s. It weighs about 23 ounces so it might be heavier than you like and it has very fast but well damped focusing and nice long 16mm eye relief.
Here is Allbino's review of the 8x32 version (Allbinos does not review 10x32s) and that binocular is still ranked 4th in the 8x32 group. Note the very high transmission.
http://www.allbinos.com/187-binoculars_review-Nikon_HG_L_8x32_DCF.html
Also see one user's opinion of the 10x32 HG here:
http://www.allbinos.com/95-Nikon_HG_10x32_DCF-binoculars_specifications.html
Bob
PS: I (still) own and used a Nikon 10x32 HG/L for a number of years until I replaced it with a new 10x32 EDG which has among other things a diopter integrated with the focus wheel, slightly longer eye relief and dielectric prisms instead of silver coated prisms and ED Glass.
It should be in your price range and it will be better than any of the low and moderate priced new 10x32s. It weighs about 23 ounces so it might be heavier than you like and it has very fast but well damped focusing and nice long 16mm eye relief.
Here is Allbino's review of the 8x32 version (Allbinos does not review 10x32s) and that binocular is still ranked 4th in the 8x32 group. Note the very high transmission.
http://www.allbinos.com/187-binoculars_review-Nikon_HG_L_8x32_DCF.html
Also see one user's opinion of the 10x32 HG here:
http://www.allbinos.com/95-Nikon_HG_10x32_DCF-binoculars_specifications.html
Bob
PS: I (still) own and used a Nikon 10x32 HG/L for a number of years until I replaced it with a new 10x32 EDG which has among other things a diopter integrated with the focus wheel, slightly longer eye relief and dielectric prisms instead of silver coated prisms and ED Glass.
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EnjoyTheView
Well-known member
I really like the 10x32 format as well.
The general format can actually vary in size quite a bit still between Vendors. A couple years a go I tried some Nikon Ultra Compact 10x25 bins I think they were known as L series, can't find packaging right now. They were OK but my 8x25 CL compacts were just so good I started looking at 10x32 format since I prefer 10x, but didn't think even the SV compacts would be what I wanted.
I was pleasantly surprised by the 10x30 Nikon Monarch 7's so I stopped there as I happened to get a good deal on some 8x42 EDG-II bins, and that was enough of the quality bins until I had time to evaluate them more. I love the 8x25 CL Pocket more every day, and I don't get the chance to use the Monarch 7 much, although their small size means they are keepers no matter what unless I give them to a friend.
The great sales on the Terra ED 10x32 made me grab a pair of those, and their very decent, but not quite sharp enough for me although they excel in other areas. While slightly bigger than the M7, they are still small enough for my purpose.
Some what larger still are my Swarovski 10x32 EL SV which were more than I wanted to spend on traditional binoculars, but so were the CL Pockets and that worked out so well I decided with them clearing them out to make way for the Field Pro update that I'd give them a shot. Right now All I can say is they are very nice, and while relatively larger compared to the M7 and Terra they are just small enough for my purpose when I don't want to carry my big bins, and the compacts may not be enough. I still have not decided if they meet my expectations since I have not been able to get to use them under enough conditions. I have one concern that I hope to resolve one way or the other shortly. You might be able to find these at a good price although most of them I think are now sold as the Field Pro variety is now in stock at almost every dealer.
Today was supposed to be major 10x30-35 shootout day with comparison to my 10x42 baseline, but it rained hard since midnight and the mildly until just 30mins ago or so. More than 12hrs of rain so I've put my personal shootout on hold.
I think the market for the 8/10x32 format is the only growing segment right now and the prices are inflated often costing the same or more than x42 bins of superior quality from the same vendor.
Take your time as it seems like the Vendors have the upper hand right now, with many of the small Japanese companies not having a competitive offering in this category. I expect a lot of pent up demand to bust loose if someone like TRACT releases a top quality 10x32 model. Maybe patents are preventing the smaller vendors from jumping into the race, I can't believe they have not been paying attention.
The general format can actually vary in size quite a bit still between Vendors. A couple years a go I tried some Nikon Ultra Compact 10x25 bins I think they were known as L series, can't find packaging right now. They were OK but my 8x25 CL compacts were just so good I started looking at 10x32 format since I prefer 10x, but didn't think even the SV compacts would be what I wanted.
I was pleasantly surprised by the 10x30 Nikon Monarch 7's so I stopped there as I happened to get a good deal on some 8x42 EDG-II bins, and that was enough of the quality bins until I had time to evaluate them more. I love the 8x25 CL Pocket more every day, and I don't get the chance to use the Monarch 7 much, although their small size means they are keepers no matter what unless I give them to a friend.
The great sales on the Terra ED 10x32 made me grab a pair of those, and their very decent, but not quite sharp enough for me although they excel in other areas. While slightly bigger than the M7, they are still small enough for my purpose.
Some what larger still are my Swarovski 10x32 EL SV which were more than I wanted to spend on traditional binoculars, but so were the CL Pockets and that worked out so well I decided with them clearing them out to make way for the Field Pro update that I'd give them a shot. Right now All I can say is they are very nice, and while relatively larger compared to the M7 and Terra they are just small enough for my purpose when I don't want to carry my big bins, and the compacts may not be enough. I still have not decided if they meet my expectations since I have not been able to get to use them under enough conditions. I have one concern that I hope to resolve one way or the other shortly. You might be able to find these at a good price although most of them I think are now sold as the Field Pro variety is now in stock at almost every dealer.
Today was supposed to be major 10x30-35 shootout day with comparison to my 10x42 baseline, but it rained hard since midnight and the mildly until just 30mins ago or so. More than 12hrs of rain so I've put my personal shootout on hold.
I think the market for the 8/10x32 format is the only growing segment right now and the prices are inflated often costing the same or more than x42 bins of superior quality from the same vendor.
Take your time as it seems like the Vendors have the upper hand right now, with many of the small Japanese companies not having a competitive offering in this category. I expect a lot of pent up demand to bust loose if someone like TRACT releases a top quality 10x32 model. Maybe patents are preventing the smaller vendors from jumping into the race, I can't believe they have not been paying attention.
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As I noted above in post #11; I have used a couple of Nikon 10x32 "Alpha" binoculars extensively and I liked using them.
I also remember reading a quote here somewhere written by Doug of Camera Land stating that 10x32 binoculars were the worst selling binoculars they had.
I also have experience with a couple of moderately priced 10x32s from Eagle Optics and Minox and from that experience, after using the Nikon 10x32 HG/L (LX/L here in the USA) and Nikon's EDGs, I came to the conclusion, and have stated so here in the past, that IMO "the only good 10x32s are top of the line 'Alphas.' "
That is my opinion only; based on the limited comparisons I was able to make.
Bob
I also remember reading a quote here somewhere written by Doug of Camera Land stating that 10x32 binoculars were the worst selling binoculars they had.
I also have experience with a couple of moderately priced 10x32s from Eagle Optics and Minox and from that experience, after using the Nikon 10x32 HG/L (LX/L here in the USA) and Nikon's EDGs, I came to the conclusion, and have stated so here in the past, that IMO "the only good 10x32s are top of the line 'Alphas.' "
That is my opinion only; based on the limited comparisons I was able to make.
Bob
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EnjoyTheView
Well-known member
I read that too; it's possible. Small vendors would probably start with 8x32, not 10x32. I think it is the x32 that is in demand, maybe not the 10x variety though. I know I seem to be in the minority liking 10x, but that may just be against the birders I don't know. The 10x42 seems relatively popular so in the future x32 quality might be good enough, as less people might be waring eyeglasses in the future with the growing number of treatments for eyesight issues.
pete_gamby
Birds? What Birds?!
If you are wanting to try before you buy, In Focus is running an optics day at Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve this Sunday 21st. Worth checking with them what 10x32 they will have on hand but they should have the Swaro CL Companion 10x30 and EL 10x32, Nikon Monarch 7 10x30 and the Opticron Traveller BGA and ED 10x32s amongst others.
HTH
Cheers, Pete
HTH
Cheers, Pete
edwincjones
Well-known member
I have both the zeiss FL 8x32 and cabala (meopta) euro HD 10x32.
Both are good, the zeiss a little better (optics, FOV), but not much.
I tend to use them interchangeably-the 8x more in summer
to take advantage of closed in wooded areas and the 10x more
in winter for the more open areas.
edj
Both are good, the zeiss a little better (optics, FOV), but not much.
I tend to use them interchangeably-the 8x more in summer
to take advantage of closed in wooded areas and the 10x more
in winter for the more open areas.
edj
EnjoyTheView
Well-known member
Just did a bit of testing. Keep an eye out for a Nikon Monarch 7 10x30. Unless I got an extremely rare copy, it really performs above it's price. I've seen them available for $300. I suspect this means that Bob's suggestion of the Nikon HG is a very good one. I'm getting older, but man these things compare really good even against the swarovski EL SV, which although are a little brighter, sharper, and more neutral color we are talking small amounts here for a huge price difference. If one is using them after sunset, then there is a greater margin, but still it's small and often does not seem to make a practical difference. The slightly warm M7 relative to the EL-SV can sometime be quite nice if extreme color accuracy is not required. The quality for the size of the M7 is pretty amazing, the more I use them the more impressed I am. I've spent a lot of money that is just convincing me they are "really" good.
Highway Dog
Well-known member
Hotglove, I have the best 10x that I have ever tested. It is the Nikon 10x35 eII. It is 1.4 pounds in weight. It has eye relief of just shy of 14 mm. That means that if you have large eyeglasses, it might keep you from seeing the entire field of view. When I look through them, the view has a luminous character. I don't think of them as bright, but it strong so that I do not think of dim.
I had a pair that I traded for the 8x model. I immediately regretted it. The 10x was my preference, now that I have both.
We cannot buy them here in the US. You guys can get them. Europe is on Nikon's list.
When I tried the Nikon Monarch 7 10x it made me think of the EII. Try that one or a related binoculars model.
I have a brother in New Mexico state, in the western US. I keep thinking that a 10x with a smaller objective would be perfect for him.
I hope you try one in an optics store.
Sincerely,
Rob.
I had a pair that I traded for the 8x model. I immediately regretted it. The 10x was my preference, now that I have both.
We cannot buy them here in the US. You guys can get them. Europe is on Nikon's list.
When I tried the Nikon Monarch 7 10x it made me think of the EII. Try that one or a related binoculars model.
I have a brother in New Mexico state, in the western US. I keep thinking that a 10x with a smaller objective would be perfect for him.
I hope you try one in an optics store.
Sincerely,
Rob.
Thank you to Pete Gamby for the heads up to InFocus at Sevenoaks Wildlife Centre.
The centre was a joy to visit (I have been there in the past in a professional capacity, to restore electricity supplies)
A decent cup of coffee in lovely surroundings, and then to be presented with a couple of grands worth of premium binoculars and told to, "have a wander round for a while, see what you think"
Thank you so much to Keith from InFocus, I may, or may not, buy from them, but the trust, knowledgeable advice, and overall superb service are an object lesson in how to do business at the very highest level of customer service.
Thence to Feathers at Robertsbridge and a similar experience.
I have commented in the past that either SCUBA diving attracts very good people, or it makes people better.
It seems that birding has a similar effect, and both disciplines attract a very high level of customer service from our suppliers.
The only comparable service, in my experience, has been in the Archery business.
Perhaps the more eccentric and nutty you are, the better the service that you attract.
Thanks again to Pete, I have moved a big step forward, and had a memorable day to boot.
The centre was a joy to visit (I have been there in the past in a professional capacity, to restore electricity supplies)
A decent cup of coffee in lovely surroundings, and then to be presented with a couple of grands worth of premium binoculars and told to, "have a wander round for a while, see what you think"
Thank you so much to Keith from InFocus, I may, or may not, buy from them, but the trust, knowledgeable advice, and overall superb service are an object lesson in how to do business at the very highest level of customer service.
Thence to Feathers at Robertsbridge and a similar experience.
I have commented in the past that either SCUBA diving attracts very good people, or it makes people better.
It seems that birding has a similar effect, and both disciplines attract a very high level of customer service from our suppliers.
The only comparable service, in my experience, has been in the Archery business.
Perhaps the more eccentric and nutty you are, the better the service that you attract.
Thanks again to Pete, I have moved a big step forward, and had a memorable day to boot.
