Patriot222
Well-known member
I'm looking for a 10x32.
This purchase would be specifically for reading signposts at a distance, looking for stiles etc while out on self-navigating multi-terrain long distance runs. But I'm after alpha not just because they give me more pleasure but also as the glass would soon enough get bird & wildlife use too.
I realize 10x32 is not the finest spec for a bright view. Also that Leica are among the dinkiest / most compact which matters to me when out running, with the limited storage capacity that entails.
What do you think? (10x25 or smaller is not a route I want to take.)
Hi Tom, I'm a short distance runner and a long distance hiker out here in the desert Southwest of the US. I did, in the past carry 8x32FL or 10x32BN on some longer distance trails, depending on where I was going. If I was going to the top of a plateau to spend the day or an overnight, sometimes they were worth the extra bulk and weight because I might sit down at an observation point or move from point to point within the same general area. These days, I carry a Canon 10x30IS II because I find that the benefit of a relatively good but still image, is more valuable to me than a near perfect image that's shaking around, made more difficult by elevated respiratory and heart rate as I'm hiking high altitude peaks or just moving briskly on flat ground.
In the case of same day, mileage hikes, were I may still want an optic to see trail signs, marker cairns, or to ID man-made structures or areas containing water, I found that my 10x25LX or 8x25CL made a huge difference in my willingness to pull out the optic and use it for brief looks. See, I used to keep the 32mm glass inside of the main body of a lightweight hydration pack because I couldn't comfortably carry them over distance any other way. With the 25mm glass, I can keep them in a front strap pocket or on the stretchy side pockets of my pack. I use them for those quick, specific looks and if I do stop for an extended break or to have a lunch, the 25mm format doesn't detract for me at all unless it's early light or the sun is setting. I will however miss the stabilization of the 10x32IS II but the 25mm is half the weight and bulk and more accessible.
With weight being so critical to comfort and distance, going to the 25mm has been one of the most liberating equipment changes that I've made in the last few years along with going to a lighter day pack. The best part, I don't feel like I've had to give anything up. With the Zeiss Victory 25's coming it at under 11oz I'm probably going to replace my 8x25CL at some point.
In any case, I respect your desire for a 32mm for the purposes you described but since I've been down that road and it wasn't ideal for me, I wanted to share my experiences.