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Dilemma pls help compact alpha uk (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Gaz1969uk
- Start date
has530
Well-known member
Optically the Zeiss VP are my favorite among all the compacts I have tried (many of them). Their wider FOV really makes a huge difference to me and they have excellent image quality. I personally like the single hinge design and found the focused to work better with my larger hands than the swaro. The only real drawbacks I would caution are that the single hinge design doesn’t fold down as small as the swaro, and the eye cups are too small and short. At first I had to hover them over my eyes but have now slipped larger eyecups over the top and they are much more comfortable to use. However this is just my experience. Can’t really go wrong with either and if possible go to a store that carries both and try them!
SanderBird82
Well-known member
I have the VP 8x25.
I love the single hinge, focus button and handfeel of this binoculair. Its very sharp and clear view Its lighter and has more FOV and AFOV than Swaro 8x25. Also light transmission is better.
I dont need to "float" them. I can put it under my eyebrows.
Some like Swaro 8x25 more. I tested too short to compare. Some say it has a little bit more contrast or sharpness. I am not sure.
The dual hinge makes them more a bit more compact and better build quality. But heavier.
There is also the Swarovski CL Curio 7x21.
Much more compact. But maybe too small for some people.
Try before you buy.
I love the single hinge, focus button and handfeel of this binoculair. Its very sharp and clear view Its lighter and has more FOV and AFOV than Swaro 8x25. Also light transmission is better.
I dont need to "float" them. I can put it under my eyebrows.
Some like Swaro 8x25 more. I tested too short to compare. Some say it has a little bit more contrast or sharpness. I am not sure.
The dual hinge makes them more a bit more compact and better build quality. But heavier.
There is also the Swarovski CL Curio 7x21.
Much more compact. But maybe too small for some people.
Try before you buy.
crinklystarfish
Well-known member
The VP is - in my estimation - superior optically but it has an extremely poorly-engineered diopter adjustment knob that has too large a '0' detent; meaning that if you need adjustment of around +/- 1 diopter or less, it will very frequently reset itself to '0'. The knob is also prone to breaking off. Furthermore, I agree with @has530 regarding the relative bulk (for a x25), and too-short eyecups.
The Swarovski is inferior (but still very good) optically, yet (for me) is less 'finicky' in use (eyecup design better matches eye relief). It can, though, suffer from too-loose hinges, and the rubber on the eyecups can detach over time (Swarovski will ordinarily send out free replacements).
Neither hang particularly well around the neck because of a) poor strap lug placement in the Swaro, and b) the asymmetry of the Zeiss.
Notwithstanding these negatives, both are extremely competent.
The Swarovski is inferior (but still very good) optically, yet (for me) is less 'finicky' in use (eyecup design better matches eye relief). It can, though, suffer from too-loose hinges, and the rubber on the eyecups can detach over time (Swarovski will ordinarily send out free replacements).
Neither hang particularly well around the neck because of a) poor strap lug placement in the Swaro, and b) the asymmetry of the Zeiss.
Notwithstanding these negatives, both are extremely competent.
Last edited:
Gary some excellent advice above but as the owner of both of your initial choices, and they are super bino’s, a small spanner(s) in the works…….
have a good hard look at the Swarovski Curio 7x21.
It is without fear or favour the best compact I have ever owned and I have owned one or two over the years. The difference in magnification is imperceptible and the FOV from such a diminutive little bino can only be appreciated by looking through them. They are an optical revelation.
I said spanner(s). Suggestion No2.
The Nikon HG L 8x20, currently on Amazon UK at £489 and a peach of a bino. The 10x version, which I have abused for over 25 years, is even cheaper at £438 and is just a stunning bit of kit. These two, in my view, are the equal of any of the ‘Alpha brand’ compacts and their Made in Japan optics and construction surpass several of them.
All my opinion of course, based on owning and using. Others may have different opinions but the forum mantra ‘try before you buy’ is, as ever, the best advice.
have a good hard look at the Swarovski Curio 7x21.
It is without fear or favour the best compact I have ever owned and I have owned one or two over the years. The difference in magnification is imperceptible and the FOV from such a diminutive little bino can only be appreciated by looking through them. They are an optical revelation.
I said spanner(s). Suggestion No2.
The Nikon HG L 8x20, currently on Amazon UK at £489 and a peach of a bino. The 10x version, which I have abused for over 25 years, is even cheaper at £438 and is just a stunning bit of kit. These two, in my view, are the equal of any of the ‘Alpha brand’ compacts and their Made in Japan optics and construction surpass several of them.
All my opinion of course, based on owning and using. Others may have different opinions but the forum mantra ‘try before you buy’ is, as ever, the best advice.
Gaz1969uk
Well-known member
I'd just like to say thanks to you all for the guidance, I have been out today and tried both pairs and I ended up with the Swarovski 8x25cl.
I liked the handling, focus and eye placement of the Swarovski to the Zeiss and to my eyes couldn't see any difference in the sharpness.
Hopefully these will last me now, I wanted to keep it light and these are actually my main and only set of binoculars.
Thanks again
Gary.
I liked the handling, focus and eye placement of the Swarovski to the Zeiss and to my eyes couldn't see any difference in the sharpness.
Hopefully these will last me now, I wanted to keep it light and these are actually my main and only set of binoculars.
Thanks again
Gary.
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SanderBird82
Well-known member
Great! Enjoy!
Gaz1969uk
Well-known member
Thanks bud.
