Please help deciding on an 8x42 (1 Viewer)

[FrancisFaustino]

I'm looking for a well priced 8x42. I know this subject has been discussed many times before but I just want to put this question out here for some fresh perspective. I've been agonizing over this decision for a couple of weeks now. I almost pulled the trigger on a new model Swarovski 8x42 SLC. Upon further reading, I was a bit turned off by some people's account of a notchy focus knob. I'm sure it's a minor issue and it seems that a lot of people don't mind, nor notice the problem but there are also people who are annoyed by the problem. To me, if I'm going to pay this much for a pair, I'd rather not have any such annoyances.

I'm heavily considering the Leica Trinovid HD as well. The thing that turns me off about it is people's comments that it has been cheapened compared to the previous Trinovid (2012-2015) model. I can still find the previous model but the problem is the 15.5mm eye relief. I wear eyeglasses and I prefer a bit more eye relief. With all the comments that the new HD versions have been cheapened, I still read people saying that the new HD's are sharper and brighter then the previous version. It will obviously not compare with the current Ultravids but I'm not really expecting it to. The thing that I'm worried about with the HD is the comments saying that the diopter knob is quite easy to unintentionally knock out of setting. When all is said, I'm quite sure that if I get it, I will be happy with the Trinovid HD, but with all the "cheapened" comments out there, it makes it seem like I will get the impression that I'm getting a cheap Chinese clone upon opening the box.

The other option I'm looking at is the Zeiss Conquest HD. It has a wider FOV than the Trinovid HD but not by much. I really do like the look of the Trinovid better though.

From all the reading I've done, it seems that most people agree that the SLC has the best glass in it's price range. While I do want to get the best possible image quality that I can afford, I also don't want to sacrifice other aspects such as design, build quality, and durability. Practically speaking, 5 years from now, when I'm using what ever I buy now, I don't think I will ever wished that I bought another one because the image quality is terrible. Even if that's the case, I still want to feel good about what I buy today.

 

[Binastro]

Hi Francis and welcome.

It would be best to go to a friendly store and try the various options.

People vary. What suits one person may be poor for someone else.

Regards,
B.

 

[Ian Byrnes]

Hi Francis
2 weeks ago I took delivery of a new pair of 10x42 Zeiss Conquest HD. Having tried them against a friends alphas...the Victory, I could see no discernible difference in optical quality. If I was younger and my eyes better, may be I would but for now the Conquest is superb for the money. The field of view for a 10 and the optical excellence way outstrips my 8,s and again it might be my age but the 10's give me that added detail that I can't get from the 8's. Also the build quality and rubber coating makes them very pleasing. They have 18mm eye relief & should be Ideal for you as a glasses wearer. I haven't tried the Leica so can't compare the 2. In the UK at the moment Zeiss are running a winter promotion which combined with winter sales prices really has helped to reduce the price and make them an unmissable bargain.......hope this helps...regards Ian

 

[pbjosh]

Practically speaking, 5 years from now, when I'm using what ever I buy now, I don't think I will ever wished that I bought another one because the image quality is terrible. Even if that's the case, I still want to feel good about what I buy today.

I think Binastro is 100% spot-on, try to get some hands-on experience with the models in question to assure yourself of your decision. Given the price range of the binoculars you are considering, I would also not exclude the Nikon Monarch HG 8x42 or a gently used alpha.

 

[typo]

Francis,

Welcome to the forum. Everyone has different eyes and different priorities, and that is really something you really need to figure out for yourself. You and others have already mentioned some worthwhile candidates to check out, but I'd put the Trinivid HD as my least favorite on that list by some margin. Others here feel it competes with the best. Only your opinion is the one that really matters.

David

 

[dries1]

Try the Leica HD 8X42, you might like it. I have glass that others abhor, just remember who gives a d..m what others think about a specific glass. If you like a specific one, it really does not matter what others subjective opinions are.

Andy W.

 

[FrancisFaustino]

Thank you for the replies. I currently have a Maven C.1 8x42. The main thing I don't like about the Mavens is the loose eye cups. It seems like I always have to check that they are in the correct position every time I remove the covers. It doesn't seem it's improved with the B series. I'll put up with it for the $260 I paid for the C.1 but not on a $1,000 pair. The C.1's 19.5mm eye relief is also more than enough. It's just unnecessary in my opinion... well, at least for my uses. With my eyeglasses and the eyecups all the way down, I still have to pull them away to avoid blackouts.

 

[wdc]

Hi Francis, Welcome to forum. I agree with much of the advice that's already been offered to your questions. I
do own a Trinovid HD 8 x 32, as well as an 8x42 Conquest. They are both good binoculars that, in my opinion, have a slightly limited FOV in order to establish/justify tier pricing for the more expensive products offered.
Other than that 'spec', they are a pleasure to use, and both offer good eye relief for me with my glasses on. With regard to the concern over the diopter of the Trinovid, I've only heard one credible remark on that issue. My take on it is that a locking diopter is a better feature than a non-locking one, not that all Trinovid HD's are prone to wandering diopters...
In this forum, a single negative remark, or report "quoted" here can become an eternal internet rumor that can magnify one individual's experience/perception way out of proportion.

My experience with Swarovski is limited to the EL 8x32, which is an excellent binocular, and is also very accommodating
with eyeglasses. Swarovski has also repaired it once, and did a fine job. I can't comment on the SLC line, but it does have less eye relief than the EL, so make sure it works for you.

In that price bracket, it is also worth looking at the Nikon Monarch HG 8x42. You'll get a lighter bin, smooth focuser, and a large gain in FOV. Eye relief may be an issue, so you need to try it to see for yourself.

Best of luck, and enjoy the journey.

-Bill

 

[jring]

Thank you for the replies. I currently have a Maven C.1 8x42. The main thing I don't like about the Mavens is the loose eye cups. It seems like I always have to check that they are in the correct position every time I remove the covers. It doesn't seem it's improved with the B series. I'll put up with it for the $260 I paid for the C.1 but not on a $1,000 pair. The C.1's 19.5mm eye relief is also more than enough. It's just unnecessary in my opinion... well, at least for my uses. With my eyeglasses and the eyecups all the way down, I still have to pull them away to avoid blackouts.

Hi,

first of all, welcome to birdforum!

If the eyecups are all the way down and you get blackouts, you would have to turn them up a bit.. but since they're loose you might be out of luck.

You could of course pull a rubber o-ring over the eyecup as a spacer so the eyecup cannot go fully down...

Or get a nicer pair with proper adjustable eyecups... Zeiss Conquest HD is certainly a good option - it has 18mm eye relief (and too short eyecups for many users w/o glasses but Zeiss provides longer ones on request) and 2 intermediate stops between the end positions.

Although if you were considering a new SLC you really should be looking for a used alpha - for $1500 give or take you should be able to get a Zeiss Victory (maybe not the SF, but certainly FL or HT), Leica Ultravid HD or HD plus, Swaro EL (with luck SV, maybe not he latest Fieldpro) or Nikon EDG.
All of those will run circles around a Conquest and also an SLC.

Joachim

 

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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Carl-Zeiss...203239?hash=item42079762a7:g:VRgAAOSwq~9dZQi0

 

[eronald]

Hi there, welcome.

Just a comment - the pre-2015 Trinovid *is* basically an Ultravid. I have seen two copies, an 8x and a 10x and both were at least as good as my Ultravid HD, maybe a bit heavier.

I don't know whether one should buy a used bin or not, but in any case at that pricepoint you should buy something you enjoy looking through, and there is a considerable difference in experience between the various alphas models so YOU NEED TO TEST.

Edmund

 

[FrancisFaustino]

Hi,

If the eyecups are all the way down and you get blackouts, you would have to turn them up a bit.. but since they're loose you might be out of luck.

You could of course pull a rubber o-ring over the eyecup as a spacer so the eyecup cannot go fully down...


Joachim

Thank you for the replies. I just want to clarify that the Maven's eyecups are fine during use. They don't move when I press them against my face or eyeglasses. They move easily when I'm taking them in and out of the case or taking the covers on and off. Also, an issue is the lowest position is a bit too short but the next level up is a bit too long. I guess that's a problem possible with any binoculars with a stepping eyecups settings.

Just a comment - the pre-2015 Trinovid *is* basically an Ultravid. ...

Edmund

Yes, ideally I want the previous model Trinovids. The deal breaker for me is the 15.5mm eye relief. My Sig Sauer rangefinder is spec'ed at 15mm eye relief and it really is too short with eyeglasses on. With a rangefinder though, I'll live with it since I don't normally use it for extended periods of time and when I do use it, I just concentrate on the center of the image where the reticle is located. I figured I have to go all the way to an Ultravid HD+ 7x42 to get an eye relief of at least 17mm if I were to skip the Trinovid HD. Still, too much money to spend on something I'm not 100% satisfied with since I do prefer an 8x magnification. Noctivids are not an option due to price and size.

 

[jring]

Also, an issue is the lowest position is a bit too short but the next level up is a bit too long. I guess that's a problem possible with any binoculars with a stepping eyecups settings.

Hi,

then use a rubber o-ring as a spacer and the eyecups won't go all the way down any more...

Joachim

 

[chill6x6]

I have all three of the ones you mentioned right here in Athens, AL. Of those three it would be an easy choice for me, SLC 8X42. Items of note:

Weights:

Trinovid HD- 26oz
SLC- 27oz
Conquest HD- 28oz

FOV- SLC>CHD>THD

SLC- only one with central diopter adjustment

Trinovid HD- Doesn't really come with a "case" per say.

SLC is on sale right now!

Focus adjustment- I have the current model 8X42 SLC and a model before that. Although Swarovski WILL smooth out the focus if necessary, in all the years I've owned this model I've never felt the need to do that.

All three are really nice binoculars that should serve you well. Most comments you read will be nitpicking. Many making these comments have never owned said binocular. I can pick up either of those three and my thoughts with be something like, "Oh yeah, NOW I remember why I like these so much!" I wear glasses as well and all three have adequate ER for me.

Trinovid HD- Feels smaller and lighter than it is which along with excellent ergonomics are it's best attributes. Focus best of all three. Less than top of class FOV may hold it back.

Conquest HD- Excellent optics. Not so great eyecup design. Actually feels larger, heavier than it is. FOV less than top of class.

SLC- Excellent optics. Top of class FOV. Feels smaller, lighter than it is. Focus may not be the best but certainly manageable.

 

[marcsantacurz]

I agree with an earlier comment that you need to try them. Personal idiosyncrasies have an outsized effect on how a given pair handles. In the US, use good online retailers (b&h, optics planet, adorama, amazon, etc.), or if you have a good shop in your area do that (and of course buy from them if you use their services).

I do not wear glasses. I found the Trinovids did not accommodate my eyes well, though I liked their style and view. The CHD (with the long eye relief replacement eyecups, the standard eyecups did not work for me) and Kowa Genesis both worked very well for me. I like the Genesis slightly more than the CHD, and that's what I use (in 8x33, not x42). I never tried the SLC.

Marc

 

[justabirdwatcher]

What Binastro said. Binoculars in that price range are a considerable investment that you may live with for 20+ years. There is no way you should spend that kind of money without having laid hands and eyes on a few pairs first.

 

[eronald]

if optics is your concern the consensus here seems to be that any phase-coated old model Leica bin is just about as good as a current ultravid. You should try Craigslist or used gear shops.

Edmund

 

[wdc]

if optics is your concern the consensus here seems to be that any phase-coated old model Leica bin is just about as good as a current ultravid. You should try Craigslist or used gear shops.

Edmund

As long as the eye relief works for the individual....

 

[Rico70]

I'm heavily considering the Leica Trinovid HD as well. The thing that turns me off about it is people's comments that it has been cheapened compared to the previous Trinovid (2012-2015) model. I can still find the previous model but the problem is the 15.5mm eye relief. I wear eyeglasses and I prefer a bit more eye relief. With all the comments that the new HD versions have been cheapened, I still read people saying that the new HD's are sharper and brighter then the previous version. ... The thing that I'm worried about with the HD is the comments saying that the diopter knob is quite easy to unintentionally knock out of setting.

I don't think Leica will produce in China and it never will (only in Germany, Portugal and Canada, and with the high quality expected). But this new version of Trinovid (which I haven't tried) amazed me, for the eyepiece diopter.
All Leica models were with central diopter!
The diopter on the eyepiece, when adjusted, can alter the correct eye-binocular compatibility. And also create obvious imbalances. I don't think Leica ever presents the public with binoculars with these problems. But I wonder why he changed the habit.

Trinovid HD- Feels smaller and lighter than it is which along with excellent ergonomics are it's best attributes. ...

Chuck, have you ever noticed something strange with the diopter?

 

[justabirdwatcher]

I don't think Leica will produce in China and it never will (only in Germany, Portugal and Canada, and with the high quality expected). But this new version of Trinovid (which I haven't tried) amazed me, for the eyepiece diopter.
All Leica models were with central diopter!
The diopter on the eyepiece, when adjusted, can alter the correct eye-binocular compatibility. And also create obvious imbalances. I don't think Leica ever presents the public with binoculars with these problems. But I wonder why he changed the habit.


Chuck, have you ever noticed something strange with the diopter?

Countless binoculars have the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece and their owners experience zero issues. Both of my current pairs feature a locking diopter ring, on the eyepiece, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Every pair of binoculars I owned with the diopter adjustment on the focus wheel gave me issues of one kind or another.