Recommendation for very compact binoculars (2 Viewers)

[BBandW]

Has anyone got a recommendation for compact binoculars that fit easily into a jacket pocket.

They would be for general walking in the countryside use rather than serious bird watching sessions.

Looking at a budget of around £100. I realise I'm not going to get the highest specification for that price but that's not the main criteria - size and weight is more important.

Any thoughts very much welcome

 

[Stu57]

Nikon travel lite ex work for me super light and brilliant optics sit nicely on my belt in there supplied pouch and small enough to fit in a pocket. Lots of good reviews out there that helped me in my choice. I went for the 8x25,s and paid under a 100 quid for a set.

 

[Stu57]

Nikon Travelite Binoculars Review: Why Every Birder Should Own A Pair • PAUL ROEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Binoculars are something every serious birder owns. With so many features and numbers attached to them, how do you know which ones to buy

paulroeddingphotography.com

 

[Mike Crawley]

I set myself a £150 or less budget for some pocket binoculars

I bought a pair of Hawke endurance ED 8x25 - great as a stand by/jacket pocket pair of binoculars.

Endurance ED 8x25 Binocular - Green

Stunning optics providing crisp, clear and bright images with enhanced light transmission. Endurance models benefit from our System H5 optics. ED glass is utilised to reduce colour fringing. The Fully Multi-Coated lenses provide high resolution images which ensure no details are lost when...

uk.hawkeoptics.com

I did try these Hawke nature-trek 8x25 and they were good too but the shop didn’t have a pair in stock and I needed them as soon as possible.

Nature-Trek 8x25 Binocular

An extensive range of binoculars in several configurations. The Nature-Trek family utilises our System H2 optics produced in a shock resistant polycarbonate body, providing a robust yet lightweight package. The high grip rubber armour ensures a secure hold in all weather conditions. Optics are...

uk.hawkeoptics.com

my advise would be to set a rigid budget and find a local or local-ish shop and go in and try some

 

[BBandW]

Thanks Stu and Mike for taking the time to respond with your helpful advice.

I've ordered a pair of Nikon Travelite 10 x 25 from John Lewis because I happen to have some of their gift vouchers.

They stock the 10 x 25 and 12 x 25 and oddly the 12x are cheaper than the 10x which seems the wrong way round, but its a long time since a bought binoculars

​

 

[Stu57]

Thanks Stu and Mike for taking the time to respond with your helpful advice.

I've ordered a pair of Nikon Travelite 10 x 25 from John Lewis because I happen to have some of their gift vouchers.

They stock the 10 x 25 and 12 x 25 and oddly the 12x are cheaper than the 10x which seems the wrong way round, but its a long time since a bought binoculars

​

Hi mate happy to help 😀 you made a good choice with the 10x25,s they are a nice pair of compact bins. It's weird how the 12x are cheaper guess they are not as popular as 8 and 10 x models.

Kindest regards

Stu

 

[Bino Steve]

Nikon Mikron 7x15 or 6x15.

 

[Mono]

Nikon Mikron 7x15 or 6x15.

Not for £100

 

[Richard D]

I think £175 if you're lucky and don't get hit with import duties last time I looked.

 

[Bino Steve]

They are not cheap, about 225 U.S. but nothing smaller. Or find a used Minolta UC III 6x18 flat pocket binocular. Generally $30 to $50 used.

 

[Cest]

I recently picked up a Viking Badger 8x25 for about 79 pounds. It is entry level, but suprisingly good. It is light, has a nice case for your belt, and is small. Despite being just multicoated it gives pretty good views.

 

[Bino Steve]

So many brands across the pond I've never heard of.

 

[mwhogue]

Hi mate happy to help 😀 you made a good choice with the 10x25,s they are a nice pair of compact bins. It's weird how the 12x are cheaper guess they are not as popular as 8 and 10 x models.

Kindest regards

Stu

I think you are right Stu. For anyone reading with interest, while there are a number of useful enjoyable pockets in the USD $100 / 100 pound sterling range and the reverse porros have their advantages, the 12x25 are probably a bridge too far. Image shake, not as bright, only 2.1 EP, probably narrow FoV and all that sort of thing.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Stu57]

I think you are right Stu. For anyone reading with interest, while there are a number of useful enjoyable pockets in the USD $100 / 100 pound sterling range and the reverse porros have their advantages, the 12x25 are probably a bridge too far. Image shake, not as bright, only 2.1 EP, probably narrow FoV and all that sort of thing.

Cheers,

Mike

Hi Mike

I agree the 12x25 travels probably do suffer from a bit of the shakes maybe even more so due to the narrow field of view. But I do love the 8x they are so clear and bright for such a small pair of bins. As you say there are some superb pocket bins on the market and some very nicely priced. Always worth having a set with you at all times. I have taken mine in my truck when working up and around Salisbury and Andover way and been parked up in lay-bys on a tacho break watching red kites. Some of the best lunch breaks ever and Lord only knows what the other lorry drivers think 🤣

Kindest regards
Stu

 

[Stu57]

So many brands across the pond I've never heard of.

Hi Steve

We are very spoilt over here 🤣.

Kindest regards
Stu

 

[Bino Steve]

Sounds like it

 

[Stu57]

Sounds like it

Hi Steve
You probably have some brilliant optics over the pond stuff we never get here and some great retailers with good deals. Me the wife and some friends are heading over next year so may have to check out some stores and see what's on offer.

Cheers Stu

 

[Bino Steve]

Depending on where you are heading, it can be rare to find an optics store. New York city- yes. Los Angeles- yes. Maybe some other big cities, but those kinds of shops have vanished for the most part. You will fine binoculars at Hunting supply stores however like Cabelas, Sportsmans Warehouse & Bass Pro. Sportsmans has Swarovski in their stores and maybe the others too, not sure. Online sales have wiped the others out. Sad. But I don't think changing back ever.

 

[Stu57]

Depending on where you are heading, it can be rare to find an optics store. New York city- yes. Los Angeles- yes. Maybe some other big cities, but those kinds of shops have vanished for the most part. You will fine binoculars at Hunting supply stores however like Cabelas, Sportsmans Warehouse & Bass Pro. Sportsmans has Swarovski in their stores and maybe the others too, not sure. Online sales have wiped the others out. Sad. But I don't think changing back ever.

Hi mate

We are probably going to do a city break to New York so will take a look around and see what's about. You are right online sales have definitely taken down a lot of independent traders and small stores. I also think the covid pandemic and lock down have also had an effect especially in the Uk

 

[Bino Steve]

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