BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="BruceH" data-source="post: 3622997" data-attributes="member: 106398">Jack ..... Thanks for the kind words.  I appreciate it.  I have also been enjoying your posts, especially the one in another forum on the different types of birders. <a href="http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=350500" target="_blank">http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=350500</a> If you do get a chance to compare the 10X42 and 10X50, then please let us know if you find any difference in shake.  There is a good chance you will find the 10X42 easier to hold.  It should be about the same as your 8.5X Swaro expect for the small magnification difference.  I thought the 8.5X has a comfortable design with good balance.  I am not sure where you are at but Opticron does have local dealers, mainly in Audubon Society shops and specialty stores.  The iMagic BGA VHD is a recent model so it may not be at all dealers.  Opticron is probably the most active manufacturer in attending birding festivals around the country so those are a great place to see most of their products. <a href="http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/dealers.html" target="_blank">http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/dealers.html</a><a href="http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/festivals.html" target="_blank">http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/festivals.html</a>As to the question of do I find the less expensive binoculars lacking compared to the high end, generally the answer is no.  Obviously a Swaro 8.5X42 EL SV or a Zeiss SF will provide a noticeably better view than a Zeiss Terra and sometimes I have come across a viewing situation where I wished I had a higher end binocular, but most of the time I am satisfied with what I am using.  That is because I try to match the binocular to the type of viewing I am going to do.  The truth is, much of the time, the quality of the view or the requirements of the view, are not up to the capabilities of the higher end binoculars.  A good example is the use of the 10X42 iMagic the other day mentioned above.  The location was the Glendale Rechaarge Ponds that consist of six large shallow basins that are alternately filled with about a foot or so of water to percolate into the ground and recharge the ground water.  This is a bare open environment.  Here are some Google image links to give an idea of what it is like. <a href="http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/user/cimage/a-glendale-recharge-pond-overview-gop9g.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/user/cimage/a-glendale-recharge-pond-overview-gop9g.jpg</a><a href="http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/user/cimage/108.JPG" target="_blank">http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/user/cimage/108.JPG</a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/O_yef-HJU32m7KfPlenE3kQgYuFeFp2UC8QE3u6bKFfkBhES_rWq=w800-h533" target="_blank">https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/O_yef-HJU32m7KfPlenE3kQgYuFeFp2UC8QE3u6bKFfkBhES_rWq=w800-h533</a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRV7wG2-Q4g/TxNAni6JgbI/AAAAAAAADiE/p6sGG3rGcrk/s1600/DSC08966.jpg" target="_blank">http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRV7wG2-Q4g/TxNAni6JgbI/AAAAAAAADiE/p6sGG3rGcrk/s1600/DSC08966.jpg</a>It is just west of the Arizona Cardinals Football Statium. <a href="http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/user/cimage/118.JPG" target="_blank">http://www.birderfrommaricopa.com/user/cimage/118.JPG</a>The photos show that there is nothing scenic, it is bare without any supports for bracing and the views can be quite far as there is no way you can sneak up on the birds.  The great features of the Swaro 10X50 would not really come into play here.  Even though it has better contrast, there is really nothing in the view to take advantage of it.  The place is ugly and the birds are usually to far to get a close view of the feather detail or other features.  In theory, the Swaro should make it easier to get an id but in reality, the birds are so far that it does not make a material difference.  Other factors such as shape, behavior and general color patterns come more into play rather than picking up micro contrast detail.  I think it is actually easier to pick up more detail in this situation with the iMagic because I can hold it steadier longer when I have to do it free hand.  That is important because there were hundreds of birds in the ponds and it takes time to pick out the different species.  So in this situation, I thought the iMagic was an excellent tool for the situation and I was not let down at all.  I have been out there just before dark and in that situation I used the 10X50 and it was the best choice.  It is amazing how good the less expensive models are getting.  I do not have any that would be a disappointment.  However when the light, the subject and the surrounding environment are right, then the high end is spectacular.  If I think I will have a chance for those types of views then I will take the more expensive stuff.  I will also go with them when doing more difficult viewing and looking to pick out fine detail.  Game spotting is an example where you are trying to find a nose, an ear, a tail or distinguish between an antler or a tree limb.  I think the 8.5X42 Swaro EL SV is a great choice for a single binocular  because it can do it all with not a lot of compromises.  It may lack a little in magnification for the long views but even that may not be an issue if someone has trouble holding a 10X steady.  The only caution (other than the high price) on the 8.5X Swaro  is some folks (such as me) pick up rolling ball and can not adjust.  All of that being said, I think there are some very good quality less expensive models out there and I doubt you would have issues switching between one of those and the 8.5X Swaro in most cases.  It may be that since you were able to hold the 12X as steady as the 10X, it was easier to see the detail with the 12X and that allowed you to focus faster.  There is nothing wrong with just staying with one binocular  but then again, there is nothing wrong with having more.  The 12X you mentioned earlier may be better suited for different viewing situations so I can see a potential for getting a second model.  Also, if you are a binocular enthusiast, then it is a lot of fun evaluating and using the different models. Each provides a different experience.  Either way, I hope you stay with us.</blockquote>

Verification