Hey all,
I'm curious as to how many prefer the binos that are called "open bridge" binoculars. I might not be using the right terminology, but they are the binos that allow the user to curl your fingers around each barrel to hold on to them while glassing.
I've never handled a set like this. I don't think I've ever even seen a set in real life. The sporting goods store I am always going to go to is Academy Sports and they don't usually have the higher end binos.
Do you find they are much more comfortable while using than the standard binos that these evolved from.
What do you like and why?
Thanks
MUHerd
Previously, I would have said that the 'open bridge' style was the only bees knees ergonomic design. I'm not sure I'm old enough to understand what you mean by "the standard binos that these evolved from."
To me, my favourite bin for ergonomics are the open bridge Zen-Ray ED3 - fantastic! I don't find them overly large or too heavy at all (yet less weight hanging around the neck is always appreciated). These bins are the best by far in the hand. As the company is now defunct, they have achieved 'classic' status and may soon command five figure sums to secure
Not all things are created equal though, and the very similar kissin' cousin Bushnell Legend M feels nowhere as good in the hand. It's not the open bridge design that makes them long - that is due to the optical train f ratio, and is what gives these (and the Zens) their outstanding CA handling ability.
My next favourite ergonomic bins are the Swarovski 10x50 SV. I like the hand filling proportions - very steady to hold, though could wish for a little less weight and a larger, faster, focusing wheel.
If you have smaller hands, the Swarovski x32 SV would be hard to go past.
The bin that caused me to consider other bridge designs is the new 'single bridge' (H style) Nikon MHG. I didn't think I would like it, but upon an extended session with one, I have to say that it felt great in the hand right from the very first grip and very steady. Perfect positioning. It is almost like the Zen, but without the front bridge. It is handily about 100 grams lighter too. I would have to say I could happily live with these ergonomics, especially at that weight, and wide fov's. Bravo Nikon !
I should give an honorable mention to the 'unitary' reverse porro designs - smallish though they are - often the 'curves' make them more palatable - provided the focuser is in the right place and of the right size.
I find the ergonomics of the smaller Canon IS models decidedly woeful - almost necessitating the IS system to compensate!
Apart from these specifics, in general I would probably prefer an 'open bridge' style over the 'closed bridge' style - some of those feel decidedly yukky to me .......
Chosun :gh: