The one(s) that got away (1 Viewer)

[tenex]

Another idle COVID question... What binoculars might you have really liked, that you never tried for some reason? I think of two.

* Swaro SLC HD 42, original model. It wasn't available for long, and just not on my radar at the time as I'm not always in seeking mode. Its closer focus would have made it more appealing to me than its successor. I presume the view (area of sharpness etc) was otherwise the same?

* Leica UV 10x50. It's never been stocked in local stores, and in looking for a full-sized bin I never got around to trying it. In the particular sequence of events I wound up ordering SLC 10x56 (also not available locally) and bonding with it, although weight, ER (less!), and FOV (a bit more) would have been in the Leica's favor. I wonder how I'd feel today if I compared them. Somehow I'd expect manufacturers to make greater efforts to get all their models in (at least some) stores.

 

[Sebzwo]

I would like to just look through some vintage Zeiss 8x60 U-Boat binoculars to see what they are like.

forslund.de/swedishservice2.html

And maybe through those famous Admiral Togo binoculars.

ADMbinoculars

www.kinenkan-mikasa.or.jp

Both views are not really likely to happen.

 

[[email protected]]

Another idle COVID question... What binoculars might you have really liked, that you never tried for some reason? I think of two.

* Swaro SLC HD 42, original model. It wasn't available for long, and just not on my radar at the time as I'm not always in seeking mode. Its closer focus would have made it more appealing to me than its successor. I presume the view (area of sharpness etc) was otherwise the same?

* Leica UV 10x50. It's never been stocked in local stores, and in looking for a full-sized bin I never got around to trying it. In the particular sequence of events I wound up ordering SLC 10x56 (also not available locally) and bonding with it, although weight, ER (less!), and FOV (a bit more) would have been in the Leica's favor. I wonder how I'd feel today if I compared them. Somehow I'd expect manufacturers to make greater efforts to get all their models in (at least some) stores.

They don't sell many 10x50 and 10x56 binoculars hence the stores don't stock them. The Swaro SLC HD 42 were beset with focuser issues. I had several and they all had something wrong with the focuser from unequal tension in one direction to stickiness. The Leica UV 10x50 is one I have always wanted to try also but even used ones command a premium price.

 

[Maljunulo]

If I had lived somewhere other than New England, and had a way to accommodate a concrete pier, I would have been sorely tempted by the Fujinon 25X150 MT with 45 degree oculars.

I had an ideal place when I was in high school, but my dad changed jobs (alas) and we came to Connecticut.

We had 25 acres, and I miss every square foot of it to this day.

 

[[email protected]]

I would like to just look through some vintage Zeiss 8x60 U-Boat binoculars to see what they are like.

forslund.de/swedishservice2.html

And maybe through those famous Admiral Togo binoculars.

ADMbinoculars

www.kinenkan-mikasa.or.jp

Both views are not really likely to happen.

Here you go! Only $10K!

German WWII U-boat Commander’s Glass 8x60 U-Boat CXN Binoculars WW2 RARE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for German WWII U-boat Commander’s Glass 8x60 U-Boat CXN Binoculars WW2 RARE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Paskman]

Simple; Zeiss dialyt 7x42 bgat* classic

 

[Sebzwo]

No need to own it, but thanks anyway. I would need the U-Boat as well.

 

[Jonno52]

Simple; Zeiss dialyt 7x42 bgat* classic

I looked through a pair when Kay Optical had an open day at the Information Centre at Sidlesham Ferry. They were getting rave reviews - it was said (in BB I think) that if you thought you needed 10x, think again: you'd "see more" through the Dialyt 7x42s. Kay mounted them on a tripod for anyone to look through, and they were superbly bright and clear. A sad ending to the day though: I saw Tony Kay (senior) later, and he told me someone had pinched them. How happy could you be looking through them with that on your conscience?

 

[quincy88]

Interesting question. I'm disappointed that I missed the opportunity to try the Zeiss Victory HT 10x42s. I just couldn't afford them during the seemingly brief time that they were on the market.

 

[chill6x6]

There have been SO MANY!

There was a beautiful green Ultravid 8X42 LNIB. A NIB Leitz Trinovid 7X35. Several Zeiss Dialyt 7X42s. The next decent one of these I see I'm gonna get it!

 

[eitanaltman]

For me it’s the Zeiss FL 8x32 (and to a lesser extent the 7x42, although having a Leica 7x42 UVHD has satisfied that itch). Those FL models are like unicorns now, almost impossible to find used and the ones that come up for sale go for more than I want to spend.

I was never in the higher budget space until recently, but I admired them from afar. Now that my budget has grown, I figured with them being discontinued, and many replacing them with the next great thing there would be a decent amount on the used market.

I’ve always had a soft spot for 8x32 and the FL seems like it would tick all my boxes. Unfortunately I didn’t jump on a few over the past year that in retrospect were good deals. I’ll keep patiently eyeing the used market!

 

[Hermann]

Zeiss 8x60H. Saw it on Ebay years ago, in excellent condition. The description was totally wrong, so the price was low. Bid on it. Then some other people discovered what it was and the price went through the roof, so I pulled out. A shame really, that's a binocular I would have liked to have.

BTW, I had a chance to look though the 8x60H and the 8x60 U-boat glass many years ago, both in excellent condition optically. Really, really nice binoculars.

Hermann

 

[Paskman]

I looked through a pair when Kay Optical had an open day at the Information Centre at Sidlesham Ferry. They were getting rave reviews - it was said (in BB I think) that if you thought you needed 10x, think again: you'd "see more" through the Dialyt 7x42s. Kay mounted them on a tripod for anyone to look through, and they were superbly bright and clear. A sad ending to the day though: I saw Tony Kay (senior) later, and he told me someone had pinched them. How happy could you be looking through them with that on your conscience?

I also knew where I could get some Leica 7x42 Hd+s last year. They were new, ex demo with a box, but no case £995😟. I bought some 8.5 ELs instead as they fitted my needs better, but having had 7x42 SLCs, I love 7x. Still wonder if I should have got them🤔

 

[Troubador]

Zeiss FL 7x42.

Lee

 

[paddy7]

Seconded Lee. I guess it's a fortunate situation to have only one you think you might have missed out on. When they come up, they seem to be going for big bucks now.

 

[garymh]

I had spent years looking for a decent 8x60.

I was offered one just after receiving a small inheritance - lucky timing.

It was priced at the going rate for an average used one and it transpired that it had been kept in a Royal Navy warehouse since its liberation from a Germany navy supply depot at the end of the war.

When I saw it I found that it was mint and un-issued - I paid for it then nearly cr**ed myself when the chap said "I'll get the box for it" !!!!!!

 

[Troubador]

Seconded Lee. I guess it's a fortunate situation to have only one you think you might have missed out on. When they come up, they seem to be going for big bucks now.

If only that were true Paddy because I should really add Leica 8x32 Trinovid BN.
Lee

I had spent years looking for a decent 8x60.

I was offered one just after receiving a small inheritance - lucky timing.

It was priced at the going rate for an average used one and it transpired that it had been kept in a Royal Navy warehouse since its liberation from a Germany navy supply depot at the end of the war.

When I saw it I found that it was mint and un-issued - I paid for it then nearly cr**ed myself when the chap said "I'll get the box for it" !!!!!!

Absolutely magnificent Gary.
Lee

 

[yarrellii]

With time and patience I've been lucky enough to get most binoculars that intrigued me. Recently it's been the case with the 7x42 Trinovid BA and the 7x36 Zen-Ray ED2, and before that I was able to get the 7x42 Dialyt TP or the 7x50 Foresta. As they say, sometimes "it's not a good idea to meet your heroes".

In my case, oddly as it might sound, I find more and more my interest lies in binoculars that were not that expensive or rare back in the day, but that are hard to come by nowadays. A silly example, Bushnell Excursion 7x36. Yes, I know, I know, on a different galaxy compared to most of what's been described above, quite pedestrian, but I've been looking for one for quite a while to no avail. I've also been looking for a reasonably priced 10x50 BA/BN, but that seems to be an imposible proposition, unlike its 8x32/8x42 even 7x42 siblings, that can sometimes be found for reasonable amounts of money. I've been tempted to get a 8x32 Nikon HGL, and I've come across nice deals a couple of times... but the fear of the weight has kept me from doing it.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

I've been tempted to get a 8x32 Nikon HGL, and I've come across nice deals a couple of times... but the fear of the weight has kept me from doing it.

Go for it - I had a non-"L" version and managed to carry that up and down mountains in Ethiopia no problem (or none which were binocular related anyways).
I'd buy another in an instant if I saw one for a good price.

I've always been curious about the EL range, but apart from a MK1 8x32, I've not even looked through one - though I am more than happy with my 7x42 FL.

 

[[email protected]]

There have been SO MANY!

There was a beautiful green Ultravid 8X42 LNIB. A NIB Leitz Trinovid 7X35. Several Zeiss Dialyt 7X42s. The next decent one of these I see I'm gonna get it!

Make sure you get the P version!