Best lightweight 8 x 32 & 8 x 42 binoculars in these price ranges? (1 Viewer)

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Hello everyone, first post, very glad to be here and looking forward to learning and sharing and meeting other naturalists and birders from around the world.

I My wife and I are outdoorspeople (backpacking, cycling, kayaking) and birders looking for new good quality, good value binoculars in both the $400-699 range and the $200-400 for both ourselves and friends and colleagues traveling with us. Got a good start on research reading the Cornell Ornithology Lab 2013 binoculars roundup. It’s remarkable how much the quality of binoculars has improved in the last decade.

We pack extraordinarily light and compact gear for trips and expeditions and like to minimize weight as much as possible. 2-4 oz here and there adds up. Also, while we take excellent care of our equipment, we often venture into difficult weather or terrain, so try to avoid bringing overly expensive gear. We also appreciate binoculars with good eye relief for glasses wearers.

The best in class Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 (22.2 oz.) is excellent, and the 8 x 32 format offers more compact size and lower weight, and we think 8 x 32 should take in more than enough light for day and mid-dawn and dusk viewing, but it runs $900.

1) Do you agree that a quality 8 x 32 glass should offer enough light for day viewing and mid-dawn and dusk, not so far removed from 8 x 42?

2) We are wondering which would be the best current 8 x 32 glasses in the 400-699 range? 8 x 32 wasn’t covered in the survey in this price range. If the Nikon Monarch 5 is Best in Class at 8 x 42 Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 (20.8 oz. a very reasonable weight), which 8 x 32 binoculars in this price range would be best? Some examples we found below (the Zeiss and Kowa appear to use better quality glass, and we heard that another downside of the Leupold is that the glass is only coated on one side):

a) Zeiss 8x32 Terra ED Binocular (17.99 oz / 510 g) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...6_000_terra_binocular_8x32_edition_under.html

b) Kowa 8x32 BD32-8 XD Prominar Binocular (19.75oz/560g) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1123583-REG/kowa_bd32_8xd_8x32_bd32_8_xd_prominar.html

c) Leupold 8x32 BX-3 Mojave Binocular (17 oz / 482 g), http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/992389-REG/leupold_117986_10x32mm_mojave_black.html

3) Because there’s only 2 ounce weight difference between the Nikon 8 x 42 Monarch 5 (20.8 oz) and the Zeiss 8 x 32 Terra ED Binocular (17.99 oz), would you strongly recommend the Monarch 5 8 x 42 over the Zeiss 8 x 32 Terra ED, or will they be very closely comparable?

4) What’s the best current 8 x 32 glasses in the $200-399 range?

Thank you sincerely for your advice.

 

[Saturninus]

Psst...I know you are interested in an 8x32, but here is a little known binocular that never gets much attention, but has a lot going for it, and retails for $399

Kruger Caldera 8x42

It is as compact as some 8x32s despite having 42mm objectives, and has a good checklist of attributes:

ED glass
phase correction
dielectric coated prisms
lightweight magnesium chasis
wide angle (438 feet)
limited lifetime warranty

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Psst...I know you are interested in an 8x32, but here is a little known binocular that never gets much attention, but has a lot going for it, and retails for $399

Kruger Caldera 8x42

It is as compact as some 8x32s despite having 42mm objectives, and has a good checklist of attributes:

ED glass
phase correction
dielectric coated prisms
lightweight magnesium chasis
wide angle (438 feet)
limited lifetime warranty

Thanks for the suggestion, but looking it up it's 25 oz - even heavier than the Nikon Monarch 5 8 x 42. Going with an 8 x 42, it would have to be about as light or lighter than the Monarch 5 to consider it. So the attraction the 8 x 32 was first weight and second compactness. Would carry something a little larger, but not a set that's a lot heavier.

Also would the side eye shield, a nice feature, interfere with glasses?

 

[ceasar]

If you are going to use binoculars while wearing glasses and want to see the entire FOV you had better try them out first. The construction of your glasses will be a factor. One with side eye shields will definitely require trying it out

Bob

 

[PhilR.]

1) Do you agree that a quality 8 x 32 glass should offer enough light for day viewing and mid-dawn and dusk, not so far removed from 8 x 42?

I would greatly agree. I have several nice 8x42's, but I hardly ever use them as they do not provide a great amount of performance increase over our very good 8x32's.

2) We are wondering which would be the best current 8 x 32 glasses in the 400-699 range? 8 x 32 wasn’t covered in the survey in this price range. If the Nikon Monarch 5 is Best in Class at 8 x 42 Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 (20.8 oz. a very reasonable weight), which 8 x 32 binoculars in this price range would be best? Some examples we found below (the Zeiss and Kowa appear to use better quality glass, and we heard that another downside of the Leupold is that the glass is only coated on one side):

a) Zeiss 8x32 Terra ED Binocular (17.99 oz / 510 g) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...6_000_terra_binocular_8x32_edition_under.html

b) Kowa 8x32 BD32-8 XD Prominar Binocular (19.75oz/560g) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1123583-REG/kowa_bd32_8xd_8x32_bd32_8_xd_prominar.html

c) Leupold 8x32 BX-3 Mojave Binocular (17 oz / 482 g), http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/992389-REG/leupold_117986_10x32mm_mojave_black.html

IMO the best 8x32 between $400 and $700 would most likely be the Meopta that is sold in the USA at a place called Cabela's. Supposedly, the new Vanguard Endeavor EDII is excellent as well, and as it costs around $350, would be a better buy than the Meopta. The Kowa Genesis is very good, but much more expensive and is also one of the heavier binos in this class. The Mojave is good, but if going down that low, you might as well just get a Sightron SII Blue Sky.

3) Because there’s only 2 ounce weight difference between the Nikon 8 x 42 Monarch 5 (20.8 oz) and the Zeiss 8 x 32 Terra ED Binocular (17.99 oz), would you strongly recommend the Monarch 5 8 x 42 over the Zeiss 8 x 32 Terra ED, or will they be very closely comparable?

Hard to compare the two, as they are in different size classes, but I know that for a traveling bino, I would much prefer the Terra over the heavier M5. The Nikons FOV is too restrictive for me. YMMV, of course.

4) What’s the best current 8 x 32 glasses in the $200-399 range?

IMO the Vanguard I just mentioned. The best *buy* however would be the Sightron Blue Sky. I might change my mind once I use the new Terra.

Thank you sincerely for your advice.

hth...

 

[Saturninus]

Thanks for the suggestion, but looking it up it's 25 oz - even heavier than the Nikon Monarch 5 8 x 42. Going with an 8 x 42, it would have to be about as light or lighter than the Monarch 5 to consider it. So the attraction the 8 x 32 was first weight and second compactness. Would carry something a little larger, but not a set that's a lot heavier.

Also would the side eye shield, a nice feature, interfere with glasses?

Ah yes it would only make sense if you felt the extra aperture was worth weight, but as you point out, the Monarch 5 is even lighter. It's hard to beat that polycarbonate chasis.

As for the winged eyeshields, they fold back very easily. You could keep them folded back, and eyecups would feel like any other ordinary eyecup.

I didn't see the Monarch 7 8x30 in your list. I closely considered that option a few months ago. Never had a chance to try one out, but I almost bought a pair online based on the specs alone. It was the lightest, most compact binocular I could find that also fulfilled all the other criteria I had in mind.

 

[FrankD]

Well since I currently use the 8x32/8x30 configuration more than anything else and my two favorites roughly fit into your price range then my suggestions would be....

$400-$700 Maven Optics B3 8x30 (16 oz, good eye relief, wide field of view) - retails for $500

http://mavenbuilt.com/optics/

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=300721

$200-$400 Sightron SII Blue Sky 8x32 (17 oz, good eye relief) - retails for $170 so save yourself the other $30 because the increase in optical performance offered by the $300-$400 models isn't worth the increase in cost associated with it.

http://predatoroptics.info/catalog/product.asp?pid=75080&ret_id=1185759

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=211793&highlight=Sightron


If keeping weight to an absolute minimum is your main priority then I would also suggest considering these two in your research...they both weigh under 14 oz and offer solid optical performance at their respective price points....$230 and $385.

Opticron Discovery 8x32 ......

http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/discovery_wp.html

http://opticscamp.com/opticron-disc...opticron-discovery-wp-pc-8x32-binoculars.html

Opticron Traveler BGA 8x32

http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/traveller_bga_mg_black.html

http://opticscamp.com/opticron-trav...6-opticron-traveller-bga-8x32-binoculars.html

 

[SteveTS]

4) What’s the best current 8 x 32 glasses in the $200-399 range?

Kenko DH MS 8x32, $320.00 - $350.00 :

http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Binoculars-8x32-DH-Waterproof/dp/B002R59KO8

http://www.optics4birding.com/kenko-8x32dh-ms.html

Considerably wider field of view than the Sightron SII BS 8x32, very handy with nicer optics, and the case has useful belt hoops. To be fair one member did report buying a (? demo) unit recently with a substandard focuser but that is the only negative report of this binocular that I've heard.

Spend your budget and don't look back.

Kenko DH MS 8x32 overview : http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/452/limit/recent

best wishes,

 

[FrankD]

Samandag,

I think the Sightron SII and the Kenko DH MS have the same field of view going by the published specs you listed.

...and the Kenko DH MS looks alot like the Sightron SIII 8x32 for $319 here.....

http://www.manventureoutpost.com/pr...nBa-mjRKznEXhjsouAn6MQl0iAfFUeHBnkaAoLE8P8HAQ

I also noticed the eye relief is shorter on the Kenko (in comparison to the Sightron SII 8x32).

 

[SteveTS]

Yes, you are right. I've been working off a mis-listed FOV spec for the Kenko Ultraview EX OP DH II 8x32, it's (virtually) the same bin as the Sightron SII BS 8x32, at 113m when it is in fact 131m :eek!:

...and the Kenko DH MS looks alot like the Sightron SIII 8x32 for $319 here.....

They must be the same, saving the OP a buck, well done ! It's a great little bino.

 

[FrankD]

Ah, I think you might have misinterpreted my posting the SIII for $319. I wasn't comparing the prices but rather just the similarities in models. I would have posted the comparison even if the Sightron was $329 or $339.

 

[SteveTS]

Nah, as I said they must be the same.

I already mentioned this in the review of the Kenko DH MS 8x32 -

"Do looks count ? Well, Sightron aficionados may notice the striking similarity between these and the Sightron SIII Magnesium 8x32".

It would make sense to have them available at the same price.

Trade up and take a look at the Kenko DH MS 8x32 / Sightron SIII Magnesium 8x32.

best wishes,

 

[[email protected]]

$400-699 Range

Probably the Zeiss Conquest 8x32 HD $749.00 for a demo. The demo's are like new. It is worth stretching $50 over your price range for a lot better binocular than the other ones you are looking at. You could also look at older Alphas like Nikon 8x32 HG or the Leica Trinovid 8x32 BA or BN on Ebay. The Trinovid doesn't give up much to the newer alphas and is extremely tough for the outdoor use you are talking about and it is small, compact and light. Don't overlook these. The build quality is way superior to the Chinese binoculars.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=zeissconquesthd8x32

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-8-X-3...530?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c4f2ae142



$200-400 Range

In this lower price range the best binocular optically you can get is the Nikon 8x30 EII which is a porro. Unless you are dropping in the river all the time it is pretty tough but not waterproof. If you need waterproof the Vanguard Endeavor ED in 8x32 or 8x42 is probably the best bang for the buck because it has the advantage of HD glass over the competition.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Binocul...qid=1429122080&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+8x30+EII

http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-Ende...122255&sr=8-1&keywords=vanguard+endeavor+8x32

 

[John Dracon]

Many quality binoculars exist in the under $200 category. Certainly, an 8x32 or even an 8x30 will suffice for normal day time and early morning and late evening use. You have described you and your wife as outdoors types, which I fully understand. I'm making the assumption that both of you have a strong pulse, strong enough to be noticeable when using binoculars. You need something optically decent, tough, light weight, reasonably compact and and highly water resistant. For around a $100 you can purchase a Leupold Yosemite in the 6x30 persuasion. Its 5 mm exit pupil allows for easy alignment. It has a life time guarantee. Six power binoculars IMO are vastly underrated. Anything over 30 mm objective lens increases weight and size, and your activities suggest those characteristics are important to you. Just a suggestion for your consideration.

John

 

[ads]

Some random thoughts...

> Kruger Caldera 8x42

The Kruger Caldera is heavy and has a horrible diopter adjustment design... The diopter adjustment is a push button with a soft spring on the focus wheel, making it very easy to change the diopter setting everytime you want to focus.

> Supposedly, the new Vanguard Endeavor EDII is excellent as well,
> and as it costs around $350

Where do you see the Vanguard Endeavor ED II for that price? The cheapest I see is right under $500.

> Kenko DH MS 8x32... Considerably wider field of view than the Sightron SII BS 8x32

The specs for both are exactly the same... 7.5°

> Leupold 8x32 BX-3 Mojave Binocular

I think the real weight of the Leupold 8x32 BX-3 is 19 ounces something. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)

> Opticron Traveler BGA 8x32

It has a very narrow field of view.

By the way, the Maven weighs 17.7 ounces with all the covers on. I didn't weigh it without the covers.

There's also the Zen-Ray ZRS HD (Summit) 8x32 and the corresponding Celestron version of it which are relatively light.

 

[Kammerdiner]

As a backpacker who also likes to pack "extraordinarily light and compact" I would rule out an 8x42 right away. I've used an 8x20 at 8.5 ounces, and two 8x25's at 10 and 12.2 ounces. Compacts are always a compromise though, so one of the newer 8x30/32's in the 15-17 ounce range might be the way to go. I've seriously considered trying one. It's just a question of how you want to prioritize your size/weight.

For cycling, too, I can't see carrying much more than a compact unless you've got panniers and so forth. And if you're into mountain bikes I personally wouldn't put a binocular in a pannier anyway.

Kayaking gives you more leeway, of course, so for that I generally go 8x32, but again, I doubt I ever took an 8x42.

Lots of good suggestions above, so I won't add to those. But for the activities you mentioned I'd pass on 8x42.

Mark

 

[ads]

Regarding 8x32 vs. 8x42 format, I did not find the Kowa XD Prominar 8x42 to be any brighter at dusk than the Maven B3 8x30 or Sightron Blue Sky. The Kowa does have a larger sweet spot than either of those and less finicky eye positioning, so if weight isn't an issue, I prefer it... but weight is an issue for you, so that eliminates it. I have not tested the Kowa XD Prominar 8x32.

The Nikon Monarch 5 is spec'ed at 20.8 ounces, which is lighter than some 8x32's. But it has a narrow FOV.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Thank you for the very helpful advice and suggestions - whew that's a lot to digest! I should say that we've decided to stick with 8 x 32 as the best compromise for us of light weight plus good light gathering, and that's what a scientist and field researcher at the Cornell Lab suggested to us, so I'd like to focus on the best models in that power only, using the Zeiss Terra ED 8 x 32 as a benchmark - they can be found for $300-350.

So we'd consider only 8 x 32 models that are as good or better than the Zeiss 8x32 Terra ED Binocular (17.99 oz / 510 g), with the Zeiss Conquest on sale at around $750 being the very max we'd consider, and $300-450 being the sweet spot of quality and price. So only interested in models that are going to have the same or better performance of the Terra ED with similar weight and not much higher in price (lower is fine if comparable quality and performance). The performance would have to be very noticeably better to command a higher price.

Optics have improved so much in the last decade it's easy to forget how good the performance of a quality $300-400 pair can be compared with many older models that were far more expensive at the time.

Anyone know what the difference is between the Zeiss Terra ED and the Zeiss Terra ED Under Armour edition?

http://www.tristatecamera.com/produ...l2UypsQ8GwWJUN9MPhmVmUi_Er25raTIWkBoCNnfw_wcB

Also how much of an issue is brand support? I've heard some brands are much stronger in customer support.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Zeiss Terra ED vs. Vanguard 8x32 Endeavor ED II?

Zeiss Terra ED vs. Vanguard 8x32 Endeavor ED II? Has anyone used both? How do they compare?

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

After usability, which optical features most important in choosing binoculars?

Within the 8 x 32 category above, after usability has been taken into account (like eye relief for glasses wearers), which optical features would you most value, ranked from most important to least?