8x32 Dilemma? (1 Viewer)

[Sumo11]

Hope to get a steer from the community....
Wife and self looking to "downsize" our binoculars. Some of the 8x42's are too heavy for prolonged periods.
We've had some success with GPO Passion ED 10x32 and are looking at 8x32 variants.
I will keep one 8x42 pair and we will be buying either one or two pairs of smaller binoculars.
Currently we could "stretch" our budget to Conquest HD or Leica Trinovid HD both in 8x32 format - the dilemma is that we could also buy two Kowa BD ii's for roughly similar (perhaps the 8x32 AND 6.5x32)
On paper the Kowa binoculars appear lighter and have a larger FOV which appeals to both of us. They also seem to get solid reviews from many.
We'll use the binoculars at RSPB sites, walking shortish distances etc. but would describe ourselves as novices/beginners/light users if that makes sense.
Any guidance would be welcome - the budget will not go beyond the models above.
Thanks

 

[jring]

Hi,

first of all, welcome to birdforum!

Two questions, before we start:

- do you or your wife wear glasses while using the bins? If yes, we need to check for sufficient eye relief.

- are used bins an option? In the UK there are quite a few reputable dealers that offer used glass at good prices...

Joachim

 

[A2GG]

I use the Trinovid HD 8x32 and love it to bits. However the conquest and Trinovid 8x32 aren’t considered light weight 32s. If you’ve had success with GPO I say try the 8x32. Kowa BDII has good build quality I hear and some like the optics. You could also look at Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 which I’ve tried a couple times and had positive impressions each time.

 

[Sumo11]

Joachim - thanks for such a quick reply.

My wife does wear glasses and I don't ! Interestingly, my wife says that she has a better view when she doesn't use her glasses to view through but as I said we're not experts by any stretch. We simply enjoy being outside. She used the GPO 10x32 to view Terns, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, a heron and some Canadian geese yesterday and appeared very happy with the results.

She very much liked the smaller form factor of the 10x32 vs 8x42 but did observe a narrower field of view.

Used bins could be an option.

Many thanks again.

 

[Sumo11]

Beth - thank you.

That very much captures my thinking.

 

[jring]

Hi,

had quick look at the usual suspects (Cleyspy, InFocus, London Camera Exchange and Ace Optics) for used 8x32...

One up from the Trini HD... and this one is small and light... at the cost of eye relief, so best used w/o glasses

Used Leica ULTRAVID 8x32 | London Camera Exchange -Derby

Used Leica ULTRAVID 8x32 | London Camera Exchange - Derby | To buy or for more information visit Derby or call 01332 348644

www.lcegroup.co.uk

The Passion ED in 8x32...

Used GPO PASSION ED 8X32 GREEN/BLACK| London Camera Exchange -Chester

Used GPO PASSION ED 8X32 GREEN/BLACK | London Camera Exchange - Chester | To buy or for more information visit Chester or call 01244 326531

www.lcegroup.co.uk

If you really want the Conquest... it's nearly indestructible and good ER but it is neither small nor lightweight...

Used Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 binoculars | London Camera Exchange -Chester

Used Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 binoculars | London Camera Exchange - Chester | To buy or for more information visit Chester or call 01244 326531

www.lcegroup.co.uk

This must be the cheapest Swaro on sale... with instant veteran birder cred included due to looking like it was dragged around the world, over 10 years out of production and the funky focus wheel at the front end... some like it a lot though... despite being not light and ER is soso...

Used Swarovski 8x30 SLC WB| London Camera Exchange -Nottingham

Used Swarovski 8x30 SLC WB | London Camera Exchange - Nottingham | To buy or for more information visit Nottingham or call 0115 941 7486

www.lcegroup.co.uk

Plastic fantastic from china, but still well regarded. Small, lightweight and a good mix of generous eye relief and wide field. And a 30 year transferable warranty plus Pete, their very helpful Sales Manager on this forum...

Second hand cameras, camera part exchange, digital cameras UK, used cameras, photographic shops, England

The London Camera Exchange supplies second hand cameras, new cameras, digital cameras and other camera equipment and provides a camera part exchange in photographic shops all over England, UK.

www.lcegroup.co.uk

Another Conquest, cheaper and more signs of use...

Used Zeiss 8x32 Conquest HD

#html-body [data-pb-style=OBN4CQT]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-attachment:scroll}A used Zeiss 8x32 Conquest HD binocular Comes with case, neck-strap, caps & rainguard In...

www.aceoptics.co.uk

PS: if your wife's prescription is only spherical and not more than 5 diopters or so difference between the eyes, there is not really an optical reason to use the glasses with the binoculars as they can be set up with the diopter drive. But of course, if you can't see the bird w/o glasses, remving them to use the bins is not great...

Joachim

 

[Sumo11]

Joachim,

Thank you very much - you really didn't need to go to all that trouble. It's very much appreciated.

I note both yours and Beth's comments regarding the weight of the Conquest and Trinovid - I would more than likely be OK with that but I'm not too sure about the significantly better half....

Once again, very many thanks for your input and Beths - I'll let you all know what the final verdict was in due course.

Best wishes

 

[Binocollector]

I have the Kowa BDII 6.5x32 but also looked through the 8x32 at length when I decided which one to buy. The 6.5x32 works pretty well with by glasses. I didn't try the 8x32 with glasses though. The 8x32 has sharper edges and a larger AFoV. It was pretty impressive actually but I still went with the 6.5x32 because I wanted the lower magnification. They share the same body so yes, they are rather small and lightweight. Also some of the best eyecups on any bino. But I read that sometimes the glued-on rubber on the diopter ring can come loose. Didn't happen with mine so far, just something to be aware of. The older version (I think still made in Japan) of the Kowa BDII had a plastic diopter ring without the rubber on top. On the new one, I am pretty certain it is rubber glued to a plastic ring underneath.
Another nice one in 8x32 is the Meopta Meopro 8x32 HD, the older "assembled in USA" version. Also rather wide FoV, slight rolling ball effect however due to very low pincushion distortion. But if you want your lines at the edge of the FoV to be fairly straight -- it's a solid choice. Only the eyecups could feel a bit more solid. But if you find a good deal, I paid 270€ for mine used, it's a nice bino. (The 138m/1,000m are not correct, I think. The officially stated FoV was 8.3° on that model, if I remember correctly which would be around 145m/1,000m -- it's definitely a nice and wide view.)

Teleskop-Express: Meopta Binoculars MeoPro 8x32 HD-504-0000

Lower magnification offers increased depth of field and increased stability. Excellent choice for viewing nature in densely forested terrain and for following birds in flight.

www.teleskop-express.de

 

[Richard D]

I've tried a fellow birders BD II 8x32's and thought they performed well for the price. He's a glasses wearer (I'm not) but he liked them.

 

[[email protected]]

Nikon MHG 8x42. They have all the advantages and performance of a 42mm with the weight and compactness of most 32mm binoculars. They weigh 24 oz. and have an 8.3 degree FOV. You will not beat them for the money.

I would not recommend Kowa's especially the BD II 8x32's. Most models have a lot of fall off at the edges, which is apparent when you are using them and is very obvious and annoying to me.

 

[Binocollector]

I would not recommend Kowa's especially the BD II 8x32's. Most models have a lot of fall off at the edges, which is apparent when you are using them and is very obvious and annoying to me.

The 8x32 has much less fall off at the edges compared to the 6.5x32. And it's only apparent if you roll your eyes around in the FoV. But it also depends on your age. My eyes often don't even see the field curvature that others complain about in the same model.
As always, try before you buy does very much apply.

 

[Cavendish]

Plastic fantastic from china, but still well regarded. Small, lightweight and a good mix of generous eye relief and wide field. And a 30 year transferable warranty plus Pete, their very helpful Sales Manager on this forum...

Second hand cameras, camera part exchange, digital cameras UK, used cameras, photographic shops, England

The London Camera Exchange supplies second hand cameras, new cameras, digital cameras and other camera equipment and provides a camera part exchange in photographic shops all over England, UK.

www.lcegroup.co.uk

I would second this suggestion - they're light and compact, have a very decent field of view and overall are a pleasure to use.

The only caveat being to try them in store if at all possible to a) make sure they work for you both as individuals and b) make sure you get a decent pair. I had a couple of lemons that somehow got through QC. However that was a long time ago (pre-Covid) and I'm sure Opticron will be better at screening them out these days.

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

I have here a Kowa 6,5x32 in front of me after finishing a test report that will be published on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor. I do not confirm the fall of of the image towards the edge of the field. Moreover the imgae is sparkling due to the combination of a large exite pupil and hig light transmission. Nothing wrong with this Kowa.
Gijs van Ginkel

 

[chill6x6]

Hope to get a steer from the community....
Wife and self looking to "downsize" our binoculars. Some of the 8x42's are too heavy for prolonged periods.
We've had some success with GPO Passion ED 10x32 and are looking at 8x32 variants.
I will keep one 8x42 pair and we will be buying either one or two pairs of smaller binoculars.
Currently we could "stretch" our budget to Conquest HD or Leica Trinovid HD both in 8x32 format - the dilemma is that we could also buy two Kowa BD ii's for roughly similar (perhaps the 8x32 AND 6.5x32)
On paper the Kowa binoculars appear lighter and have a larger FOV which appeals to both of us. They also seem to get solid reviews from many.
We'll use the binoculars at RSPB sites, walking shortish distances etc. but would describe ourselves as novices/beginners/light users if that makes sense.
Any guidance would be welcome - the budget will not go beyond the models above.
Thanks

So I actually have some of these binoculars. In fact I use a 8X30/8X32/8X33 the vast majority of the time currently.

Both the GPO Passion ED 8X32 and the Kowa BD II XD 8X32 were disappointing to me. The Passion ED's focus adjustment was spongy and optically it suffered by comparison. It didn't seem as well make as the 8X42 counterpart. The Kowa is a neat little package and seems very well made however optically I thought it too suffered by comparison. I wouldn't re-buy either one.

In the $400ish range I like the Nikon Monarch 7/M7 8X30 and the Opticron Traveller BGA ED 8X32. Both are great for the price.

But if it were me...I'd add a little more to the pot and get a Zeiss Conquest HD 8X32 or a Kowa Genesis 8X33. Both are a step up in just about every way over the others above. I've had a Conquest HD 8X32 since May 2017. It's a great binocular. I bought the Kowa Genesis earlier this year. I really like it as well. I can recommend either without reservation. The Conquest HD does have a little more ER for eyeglass wearer. The Genesis is a little tight on ER but I can use them with eyeglasses.

I'd like to add the Nikon Monarch HG 8X30 to your list. It's my favorite in the sub $1000 8X30/32 binocular category. Excellent birding binocular. It's small, lightweight, well-made, superior FOV, and excellent optically. You can find it for $830 and even less on eBay.

I don't think you can go wrong with either the Conquest HD, Genesis, or the Monarch HG.

 

[[email protected]]

So I actually have some of these binoculars. In fact I use a 8X30/8X32/8X33 the vast majority of the time currently.

Both the GPO Passion ED 8X32 and the Kowa BD II XD 8X32 were disappointing to me. The Passion ED's focus adjustment was spongy and optically it suffered by comparison. It didn't seem as well make as the 8X42 counterpart. The Kowa is a neat little package and seems very well made however optically I thought it too suffered by comparison. I wouldn't re-buy either one.

In the $400ish range I like the Nikon Monarch 7/M7 8X30 and the Opticron Traveller BGA ED 8X32. Both are great for the price.

But if it were me...I'd add a little more to the pot and get a Zeiss Conquest HD 8X32 or a Kowa Genesis 8X33. Both are a step up in just about every way over the others above. I've had a Conquest HD 8X32 since May 2017. It's a great binocular. I bought the Kowa Genesis earlier this year. I really like it as well. I can recommend either without reservation. The Conquest HD does have a little more ER for eyeglass wearer. The Genesis is a little tight on ER but I can use them with eyeglasses.

I'd like to add the Nikon Monarch HG 8X30 to your list. It's my favorite in the sub $1000 8X30/32 binocular category. Excellent birding binocular. It's small, lightweight, well-made, superior FOV, and excellent optically. You can find it for $830 and even less on eBay.

I don't think you can go wrong with either the Conquest HD, Genesis, or the Monarch HG.

I agree with all that except for the Nikon HG 8x30 does not work well for somebody that does not wear glasses because the eye cups are too short for the eye relief causing black-outs unless you float them in front of your eyes. It is a deal killer if you don't wear glasses.

Also, the Kowa Genesis 8x33 has soft edges like most Kowas that fall off abruptly, so they are noticeable while you are looking even on-axis. They were very distracting to me. Allbinos commented on the soft edges.

Kowa Genesis 8x33 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Blurring at the edge of the FOV	The blur occurs in the distance of 73% +/- 5% from the field of view center.	4/10.0

"The binoculars feature a huge field of view, even a bit wider than those officially declared 8 degrees – in fact, it is a record-breaker in this class, among contemporary produced roof prism instruments. Once again, though, too much emphasis was put on the big field of view and with small dimensions and vignetting prisms, we get the edge not as sharp as we would expect as a result. The Kowa would be probably better off with the field of view of about 7.8 degrees. Nobody could criticize it for it being too narrow, but its edge would look definitely better."

 

[[email protected]]

I have here a Kowa 6,5x32 in front of me after finishing a test report that will be published on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor. I do not confirm the fall of of the image towards the edge of the field. Moreover the imgae is sparkling due to the combination of a large exite pupil and hig light transmission. Nothing wrong with this Kowa.
Gijs van Ginkel

Maybe you better check again. I found the fall off at the edges of the Kowa BDII 6.5x32 to be very distracting. I think a lot of people would also find it distracting.

From Allbinos and they are usually correct.

Kowa BDII-XD binoculars hands-on - First impressions

In 2015 a new series of binoculars from the Japanese Kowa company was launched under a name of BD XD Prominar. It consisted of seven roof-prisms models with the following parameters: 8x32, 10x32, 8x42, 10x42, 8x56, 10x56 and 12x56 ...

www.allbinos.com

"Now let's progress to optical properties. The producers claim every pair of BDII-XD binoculars feature low dispersion XD glass. With such small physical dimensions, with a short focal length of the system, it is very difficult to take proper care of chromatic aberration correction, even with ED glass elements inside. Kowa was moderately successful here. In the center, chromatic aberration is not perhaps high but visible, no matter what model we examined. On the edge of the field, the aberration increases to high levels, but you have to remember you deal here with a really huge field of view. The 8x32 model experienced the least problems, and the 6.5x32 and the 8x42 fared the weakest. Wide fields of view often entail large out-of-focus areas on edges. Fortunately, the BDII-XD series manages to avoid that. The 6.5x32 model experiences most of the problems as blurry areas include 25-30% of edges; in the 8x42 that value decreases to about 20% and in the 8x32 and the 10x42 models it is just 10-15%".

 

[BogBean]

Again, it looks like the original poster wants to use binoculars for birding.
They aren't taking them into a lab for extensive testing.
The subjects will be in the centre of the view, and the peripheral view is there to assist pulling subjects into the centre, and keeping them there.

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

Dennis, post 16,
I have the Kowa 6,5x32 here in front of me and again: next to the very pleasant large FOV, I can not confirm your statement of blurry edges or "high level aberrations at the edge of the field". For its price I consider it a very good binocular.
Gijs van Ginkel

 

[Ignatius]

I have here a Kowa 6,5x32 in front of me after finishing a test report that will be published on the WEB-site of House of Outdoor. I do not confirm the fall of of the image towards the edge of the field. Moreover the imgae is sparkling due to the combination of a large exite pupil and hig light transmission. Nothing wrong with this Kowa.
Gijs van Ginkel

Dear Mr. van Ginkel, when will that test report be available on the House of Outdoor website?

 

[chill6x6]

I agree with all that except for the Nikon HG 8x30 does not work well for somebody that does not wear glasses because the eye cups are too short for the eye relief causing black-outs unless you float them in front of your eyes. It is a deal killer if you don't wear glasses.

Also, the Kowa Genesis 8x33 has soft edges like most Kowas that fall off abruptly, so they are noticeable while you are looking even on-axis. They were very distracting to me. Allbinos commented on the soft edges.

Kowa Genesis 8x33 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Blurring at the edge of the FOV	The blur occurs in the distance of 73% +/- 5% from the field of view center.	4/10.0

"The binoculars feature a huge field of view, even a bit wider than those officially declared 8 degrees – in fact, it is a record-breaker in this class, among contemporary produced roof prism instruments. Once again, though, too much emphasis was put on the big field of view and with small dimensions and vignetting prisms, we get the edge not as sharp as we would expect as a result. The Kowa would be probably better off with the field of view of about 7.8 degrees. Nobody could criticize it for it being too narrow, but its edge would look definitely better."

Maybe you better check again. I found the fall off at the edges of the Kowa BDII 6.5x32 to be very distracting. I think a lot of people would also find it distracting.

From Allbinos and they are usually correct.

Kowa BDII-XD binoculars hands-on - First impressions

In 2015 a new series of binoculars from the Japanese Kowa company was launched under a name of BD XD Prominar. It consisted of seven roof-prisms models with the following parameters: 8x32, 10x32, 8x42, 10x42, 8x56, 10x56 and 12x56 ...

www.allbinos.com

"Now let's progress to optical properties. The producers claim every pair of BDII-XD binoculars feature low dispersion XD glass. With such small physical dimensions, with a short focal length of the system, it is very difficult to take proper care of chromatic aberration correction, even with ED glass elements inside. Kowa was moderately successful here. In the center, chromatic aberration is not perhaps high but visible, no matter what model we examined. On the edge of the field, the aberration increases to high levels, but you have to remember you deal here with a really huge field of view. The 8x32 model experienced the least problems, and the 6.5x32 and the 8x42 fared the weakest. Wide fields of view often entail large out-of-focus areas on edges. Fortunately, the BDII-XD series manages to avoid that. The 6.5x32 model experiences most of the problems as blurry areas include 25-30% of edges; in the 8x42 that value decreases to about 20% and in the 8x32 and the 10x42 models it is just 10-15%".

Dennis,

One thing is for CERTAIN. If it weren't for other peoples opinion, you would't have one. Every single poster here is capable of "cutting and pasting" others peoples opinion. Yet, NO ONE does it, OVER and OVER but one BF member. Really, it makes it look as if you've never even held said binocular in your hand. Trust me....you're not coming across as an expert quoting other folks.

Arguing with Gijs...mercy. Might as well argue with Einstein or Oppenheimer. You should re-read what he has written and produced. Show some respect.

I recommend getting out from behind the laptop, pick up some binoculars, go outside, and go birding. Form your own opinions. Use binoculars for more than an afternoon. You'll develop a good opinion of a binocular and also understand why others like/dislike it.