Best alpha binoculars 10 x in 2024 (1 Viewer)

[jurek]

The thread says its all. What are the best 10 x magnification binoculars for an experienced birder on the market?

 

[Maljunulo]

And we’re off again.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Jurek,

I think it has been said here on BF and elsewhere before, and its my opinion too:
there is not the best binocular, as every bino has its own characteristics and strenghts. So the best way is to try them (all, if its possible) and choose the one that fits best for yourselve.

 

[jgraider]

Sky Rover Banner Cloud and it isn't even close.

 

[Maljunulo]

Can anyone propose a definition of "best" that we can all agree on?

 

[Canip]

Can anyone propose a definition of "best" that we can all agree on?

I can.
Best, as in „best“.
Agreed?

 

[Maljunulo]

I can.
Best, as in „best“.
Agreed?

I guess that's about as close to definitive as were likely to get.

Agreed.

 

[Paultricounty]

Can anyone propose a definition of "best" that we can all agree on?

Dennis can 😂🤭😉.

 

[Paultricounty]

I can.
Best, as in „best“.
Agreed?

Close enough, agreed. ✌🏼

 

[Maljunulo]

"Best" is one of those words that any fool knows the definition of ...... until someone starts a thread In Bird Forum.

 

[jurek]

Hello Jurek,

I think it has been said here on BF and elsewhere before, and its my opinion too:
there is not the best binocular, as every bino has its own characteristics and strenghts. So the best way is to try them (all, if its possible) and choose the one that fits best for yourselve.

You can give 2-3 best models to chose from. Especially that birdwatchers tend to have simpler preferences than binocular enthusiasts

 

[Binocollector]

Leica Noctivid, Zeiss Victory SF or Swarovski NL Pure.
Some like stabilized optics -- in that case: Canon 10x42IS.
A price bracket lower: Swarovski Habicht models, Meopta Meostar B.1, Zeiss SFL, Leica Ultravid.

 

[Maljunulo]

Any top of the line binocular. Swarovski NL, Zeiss SF, or comparable Leica will be "best".

Whether it will suit you, or any other individual, is problematical.

 

[Grando]

That being said, the best is still the Zeiss SF 10x32 and SF 10x32.

At least this week…

 

[GrampaTom]

The thread says its all. What are the best 10 x magnification binoculars for an experienced birder on the market?

Swarovski NL 1042, EL 1042
Zeiss SF 1042
Leica Noctivid 1042

If you're willing to make minor "possible" compromises for portability, compactness then:
Swarovski NL 1032
Zeiss SF 1032

Whatever else you do, please ignore "advice" about glare, Chromatic Aberration, Blue rings of death and DO NOT ignore the advice to try and get your hands and eyeballs on these

 

[Paultricounty]

Swarovski NL 1042, EL 1042
Zeiss SF1042
Leica Noctivid 1042

If you're willing to make minor "possible" compromises for portability, compactness then:
Swarovski NL 1032
Zeiss SF 1032

Whatever else you do, please ignore "advice" about glare, Chromatic Aberration, Blue rings of death and DO NOT ignore the advice to try and get your hands and eyeballs on these

I second that.

 

[MiddleRiver]

B&h has a nice comparison feature which allows you to compare 4 binos’ specs. It’s a good way to eliminate models based on basic stuff like FoV, weight, ER, etc. you can also filter searches by price, so between those two, you can narrow field to where online searches such as ‘10x42xxx review’ will typically generate links for perusal.

 

[forent]

(...) there is not the best binocular, as every bino has its own characteristics and strenghts. So the best way is to try them (all, if its possible) and choose the one that fits best for yourselve.

That's how it is. Period.

And that's why the ‘best’ 10x binoculars FOR ME IN PERSON at the moment are the Zeiss Victory Pocket 10x25: sharp, high-contrast, bright, sufficient field of view, no blackouts, hardly any CA, lightweight, small, easy to grip, suitable for glasses and one-handed use. Always with me, so I never miss an opportunity. The best thing: I can hold it more steady than any other 10x binocular I have tried so far.

Of course: when the light fades, I switch to an 8x42. But why should I carry it around during the day when the little Zeiss does the job? (Don't forget: FOR ME. YMMV! There is no 'best' for each and everyone.)

 

[Richard D]

Swarovski NL 1042, EL 1042
Zeiss SF1042
Leica Noctivid 1042

If you're willing to make minor "possible" compromises for portability, compactness then:
Swarovski NL 1032
Zeiss SF 1032

Whatever else you do, please ignore "advice" about glare, Chromatic Aberration, Blue rings of death and DO NOT ignore the advice to try and get your hands and eyeballs on these

It's a good starting list. If you're happy going used the Swarovski 10x32 EL are arguably still up there as a compact option, and if you don't mind the weight don't discount the Swarovski SLC 10x56.

 

[Ignatius]

I guess that's about as close to definitive as were likely to get.

Agreed.

But maybe we could look for the 'bestest'.