What is your recommendation for the brightest 7x or 8x large objective modern binocular available today at any price? Image quality and brightness are the main criteria.
Swarovski SLC HD 8x56 Binocular or a Zeiss Victory FL 8x56.
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/446051-swarovski-slc-56-wb-vs-zeiss-victory-fl-56/
Swarovski SLC HD 8x56 Binocular or a Zeiss Victory FL 8x56.
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/446051-swarovski-slc-56-wb-vs-zeiss-victory-fl-56/
For a 7x -- the Nikon WX.
And this includes your own pupils. I’m under the impression that during the day when your pupils are small, using large objectives doesn’t result in increased brightness. And that pupils are often not at their maximum at night either.All quality levels being equal, brightness is determined by the size of the unvignetted exit pupil that reaches your retina and several minor physical attributes along the optical train and is not determined by brand names, models, or AR coatings (although they play a part). I know some would say different. And that's okay; I wish the Easter Bunny was real, too. :cat:
Bill
Thank you for the useful input so far. I would use these for nocturnal animals, also including bats, owls, and a little astronomy etc.. and some daytime viewing. I am aware of the constraints of pupil dilation vs age and have studied the charts, and I am also familiar with many of the high end bins. I enjoy using large objective binoculars even in daylight, and when they exceed my dilation capabilities. Not for ideal for long hikes, of course, but I am covered for that. The slc 8x56 is excellent, but I was wondering if there is anything better now, or coming soon. My personal version of the ideal design for this application would be something like a 7x50 using AK prism with 95%+ transmission with the best possible glass and coatings, from Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica or Nikon, and made in Germany or Japan.
Thank you for the useful input so far. I would use these for nocturnal animals, also including bats, owls, and a little astronomy etc.. and some daytime viewing. I am aware of the constraints of pupil dilation vs age and have studied the charts, and I am also familiar with many of the high end bins. I enjoy using large objective binoculars even in daylight, and when they exceed my dilation capabilities. Not for ideal for long hikes, of course, but I am covered for that. The slc 8x56 is excellent, but I was wondering if there is anything better now, or coming soon. My personal version of the ideal design for this application would be something like a 7x50 using AK prism with 95%+ transmission with the best possible glass and coatings, from Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica or Nikon, and made in Germany or Japan.
What is your recommendation for the brightest 7x or 8x large objective modern binocular available today at any price? Image quality and brightness are the main criteria.