open bridge binoculars (1 Viewer)

[winginit]

I'm considering getting a small pair of open bridge binoculars to take along when I'm out photographing wildlife. That design seems to be recommended a lot for one-handed operation. In the under $200 range, these two models get good reviews:

Sightron SII Blue Sky 10x32
Bresser Pirsch 10x34

I'm also considering a Hawke Endurance ED 10x42 monocular, which I'm guessing would be optically better?

It would be great to get feedback from people who have used any or all of these optics. Other suggestions also welcome. Thanks!

 

[Maljunulo]

I think if I were going to use them one-handed, I would choose 8X, not 10X.

 

[Ted Y.]

Consider the heft you can easy operate.
A binocular 8x32 can weight 20oz.
And one must adjust the focus without using the other hand.

 

[winginit]

Thanks Ted and Maljunulo, good points. The Sightron bins are 19.8 oz. for both 8x and 10x, so those are out. The Bresser bins are 15.5 oz for the 10x and 15 oz for the 8x. So I'm inclined to get the Hawke monocular, only 11.5 oz for the 10x and a hair lighter for the 8x. (The Legend Ultra 10x25 I've been using is only about 8 oz, but not great one handed.)

 

[Rob from Texas]

I own the Sightron Sky Blue in 10x32. They are still with me after years of rough use. (I spare my more expensive binos.}
Amazing little pair. The contrast and center sharpness are first class. They have tremendous definition of subject (mostly birds).
The FOV,...wait,.... they have no FOV.
But then, I knew that before I even bought them.
They are what they are, a light, cheap, but extremely competent pair to pick out vivid detail on a specific distant subject.
I'm glad I bought them back in the day. They still ride center console in my jeep.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Thanks Ted and Maljunulo, good points. The Sightron bins are 19.8 oz. for both 8x and 10x, so those are out. The Bresser bins are 15.5 oz for the 10x and 15 oz for the 8x. So I'm inclined to get the Hawke monocular, only 11.5 oz for the 10x and a hair lighter for the 8x. (The Legend Ultra 10x25 I've been using is only about 8 oz, but not great one handed.)

If you're thinking of getting a monocular for one-handed operation, you might consider this one from Pentax, which can be held and focused with one hand. In a lot of monoculars you need two hands. One hand to hold them and one hand to focus.

Amazon.com

 

[GeorgeL]

Just picked up Sightron 832’s the other day, specifically for long hikes and maybe, backpacking.
Amazing pair for the price.

 

[fazalmajid]

If you're thinking of getting a monocular for one-handed operation, you might consider this one from Pentax, which can be held and focused with one hand. In a lot of monoculars you need two hands. One hand to hold them and one hand to focus.

I had ordered one, it came with the rocker switch unstuck straight out of the box, and I returned it in disgust. Doesn't seem like a very sturdy design for a critical mechanical component, held together just with glue.

 

[winginit]

Thanks, everybody, for your feedback. The Sightrons get great reviews from users but I think the weight will be an issue one-handed. Still curious about the Bressers.

 

[OrdinaryLight]

I usually walk with a monopod over my shoulder (carrying either a camera or a small spotter) and, while I can cradle it between my arm and body to gain use of the second hand, I have found that my Kowa 6.5x32s are easy to use one handed. They are not much lighter than the Sightrons but have a stable view due to having a bit less magnification and the focus wheel is extremely easy to use with one finger.

Compared to a lighter 8x30 binocular (Monarch 7) the Kowa is easier to use one handed so I believe the magnification and ergonomics (the focus wheel on the Nikons requires a heavier touch) make more of a difference than the weight with magnification being the biggest factor.

Neither of these have open bridges but it doesn't make too much difference for me. When holding with one hand I tend to extend my thumb across the bottom of the bino to support both barrels for a more relaxed and steadier grip. On the Nikons I get one finger on the focus wheel, one on the bridge, and two on the barrel; with the Kowas two fingers end up on the bridge and one on the barrel.

All of this said - while one hand holding is convenient for quick looks, if I want to get a real look at something then the second hand comes up.

 

[winginit]

OrdinaryLight thanks for your comments. Still reading reviews, but planning get a small pair of open bridge bins.

 

[Nethero]

OrdinaryLight thanks for your comments. Still reading reviews, but planning get a small pair of open bridge bins.

While critically exceeding your budget by double the price the Leupold BX-4 is excellent. The Opticron DBA VHD+ as has been discussed before on this forum appears to be built around the same design as the BX-4 but is four times your budget.

Looking at Opticron’s website they also have a model called Savanna R PC with 33mm objectives which is considerably less expensive. Please note that I have no frame of reference for any of Opticron’s offerings, just the Leupold’s.

Also be aware that all of these have quite narrow fields of view.

 

[winginit]

Thanks for your feedback, Nethero. I ended up getting a pair of Fuji 10x32 open bridge bins.

 

[OrdinaryLight]

I assume these are the KF 10x32?
I recently got a pair also! It's a nice handling binocular - surprisingly light and compact, and very sharp.