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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Which binocular to keep? (1 Viewer)

justin2992

Well-known member
I have a Zeiss 10x42 FL, a Leica 10x42 BL, and a Leica 8/12x42 Duovid. Anyone who has owned two or more of these, please help me decide which to keep and which to sell. None of them is the ideal binocular but I have my own individual preferences for each one.

Zeiss 10x42 FL
Like: Marginally the best optics, most pleasant focus
Dislike: Bigger than the others, aesthetically wanting compared to Leica

Leica 10x42 BL
Like: Lightest and smallest, leather hard-shell case
Dislike: the leather covering lifts/peels up at seems, not as bright as the FL's, slight backlash in the focus

Leica 8/12x42 Duovid
Like: 12x in a small binocular, most comfortable eyecups and best rainguard I've seen, oozes quality craftsmanship
Dislike: heavy, not as bright as FL's

In other words I really love all three of these but would really like to narrow it down to one. I have made some progress as I used to also have a Swaro EL 10x42, a Nikon LXL 8x32, and a Zeiss FL 10x32. I gave the Zeiss to my dad and sold the other two.
 

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That's really something you'll need to decide.

I love my 10x42 BLs. I take them almost everywhere, and the small form factor of the clamshell is one of the reasons. I have not had any problems with the leather peeling off. I've owned mine for some time now...

I have not tried the duovids, but I prefer my Ultravids to the FL.
 
Blackstart said:
Have you considered a 12-step program?

Adam

Justin,
Pay no attention! Birding Binoculars are a perfectly sane subject of discussion. It is when you are trying to distinguish between a Cooper's Hawk and a Sharpshin Hawk when you will most feel the need for a 12 step program. To that end I offer "Accipiter's Anonymous" as a cure although it is best to refrain from all discussion on the subject to avoid it's abyss.

Cordially
Bob
Founder: Accipiter's Anonymous
:'D :'D
 
Sell the Leicas, keep the Zeiss and buy a Leica 8x32BR (just find a sample with smooth focuser). The brightest and most compact means two pairs of binoculars.

Ilkka :t:
 
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