Foton binoculars (1 Viewer)

[badger1962]

Popped into my local family-owned optics shop todayto see what they had in the second-hand line (had a mint pair of Nikon Kgaku 9x35s here recently very cheap).
Nothing second haNd but they did have 3 pairs of Russian Foton binos. new not second-hand. Two of the pairs came in the original boxes with leather cases and all caps, one pair had lost its case. They were a 10x40, 7x35 and
5x25 (all roof prisms). I had a look through them just out of interest and was just amazed at the quality of the image.
I use Nikon HG 8x30s for my birding and whilst they weren't that good they were pin sharp and gave a lovely relaxed view. The diopter adjustment is positioned just forward of the main focus wheel so it's easy to adjust as you view (also easy to move accidently too I suppose!)
The 10x40s don't focus very close, but the others are fine. Another surprise is the weight, the 10s weigh in at about 630g, the 7s at 530g and the 5s at 500g. The only cheap and cheesy aspect is the way the straps attach via a metal clip.
The best bit was the price £5 for each pair! I couldn't resist, ideal for a second (and 3rd and 4th!) pair but with a truely excellent image.
I was wondering if anyone else had come across these as I've never heard of them before? I'd be interested to hear other peoples impressions of them if possible.

Cheers,

H

 

[Pinewood]

Yes. I know a very satisfied purchaser of the 7x35, at about US$129, four years, ago.
like this one.
The binocular is not phase coated but he thought that it was good value but not suited for his primary binocular.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur

 

[Simon S]

Sounds like you got a bargain there Badger. I have twice bid on a pair on the net only to be out bid at the last second. The 7x35 looks a copy of the Swift Trilyte roofs I own.

 

[Renze de Vries]

These Fotons actually are CZJena Notarems in Russian disguise. They easily match the Notarem's (1980's) optical quality while the two-part focus-diopterwheel is improved upon (the Notarem's two wheels interlocked which rendered them vulnerable, the Foton's decoupling is more reliable. Operating the wheel(s) is easily learned).
The 7x35 is the gem. In fact I don't know of a binocular with a quality-cost ratio as good as this one. FOV is a very satisfying 8.5 deg. (150/1000m) with a generous sweet spot. It compares very favourable to the Leitz Trinovid 7x35, i.e. it's slightly better because of improved coating.
As with most Russian optics overall construction suffers a bit because of wider tolerances and the flimsy strap is rubbish. However, with a pair of rings through the strap studs one can apply any strap in sight. The most serious flaw will be found in the very cheap eyecups which are - at least to me - too short. The solution is to put a pair of Swift rubber eyecups (older type, 1990's, still in good supply) over them, they fit beautifully and if needed, a drop of glue will keep them in place till the end of time.
Most definitely your Best Buy binoculars.

Renze

 

[badger1962]

Thanks to all for your replies. I took all 3 pairs to Newport Gwent Levels today to try. The 7x35s were indeed the best of the bunch, very easy to use and a nice bright image. Thanks too for the hint re: eye cups, I may well do what you suggested.

Cheers,

H

 

[MBS]

Hello,

I own two pairs of Photon 7 x 35 mm, bought more than a decade from now.

I confirm their very good optical quality. The price was around euros 150.00, in France, in the 90'.

By

 

[Pinewood]

I received a Foton 7x35 binocular, last night. The first thing I noticed was a lack of contrast compared to the current top sellers, but about as good as Porro binoculars made before multicoating. The closest focus seems to be about 5.5 meters, far less than many demand, today. Finally, those rubber eye cups do not stay down, but a couple of rubber bands, which came with bunches of broccoli, seem to hold them in place. The finish on mine seems first rate, but the strap and its attachments are certainly second rate.
With various caveats, the Foton may join the Yosemite, as a recommendation for those who have a minor interest in bird watching.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur :scribe:

 

[Pinewood]

I took the Foton for a "drive," today. The close focus is probably a bit less than five meters. It certainly lacks the contrast and brightness that phase coating and dielectic mirrors add. However, it is remarkably light and its limitations did not prevent me from spotting my first indigo bunting and a Wilson's warbler!
Definitely, this binocular qualifies as a loaner for friends who may join me on a walk, or as a spare, kept at work or a country place.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur :hi:

 

[OwenM]

I'm curious about the 5x since it appears to be under 17oz. and have a 12* 630ft. FOV.
Some of the ads that I've read state that they are fully coated.
Here is a PDF that says they are multicoated:
http://www.newcon-optik.com/Specs/fotons.pdf
Here, the description claims that they have an "all-new upgraded image reversing system", which makes me wonder if there is a newer version with multicoatings that is also phase-coated/corrected:
http://www.kalinkaoptics.com/detail.aspx?ID=19

I don't like the price for such cheap-looking, ugly little binos with so little eye relief, but 5x binoculars are few and far between, and would be perfect for football games, which would be their sole purpose if I were to buy them.
PC and FMC would certainly add a little more incentive to such a purchase.

 

[chartwell99]

I'm curious about the 5x since it appears to be under 17oz. and have a 12* 630ft. FOV.
I don't like the price for such cheap-looking, ugly little binos with so little eye relief, but 5x binoculars are few and far between, and would be perfect for football games, which would be their sole purpose if I were to buy them.
PC and FMC would certainly add a little more incentive to such a purchase.

Despite their appeal on paper, the 5x version is a real disappointment - not bright, not sharp and not pleasant to use. The 7x is by far the better way to go, offering a very satisfying wide field view in a lightweight, inexpensive and apparently well made instrument. I doubt phase coating has been used and the image is slightly yellow, but the view is still agreeable. Besides, 7x is an ideal magnification for football games.

 

[OwenM]

Not really. Even 4-500ft. FOVs at 1000yds aren't nearly enough for a football game. I've always used 7x35 or 8x30 porros at games, and have always wished for a wider view.
You can follow the ball easily, but even from the nosebleed section you can't watch the play develop, or see anything besides the line. What I'd really like is a 4x28-30 with a 800ft. FOV.
Too bad that 5x sucks. It would have been a step in the right direction.

 

[ceasar]

Here's a quality 5 x 32 with about a 700' FOV!

http://bigbinoculars.com/m532w.htm

Bob

 

[chartwell99]

Here's a quality 5 x 32 with about a 700' FOV!

http://bigbinoculars.com/m532w.htm

Bob

Wow - what a fantastic looking binocular. Have you actually used one?

 

[OwenM]

Pretty cool, especially for a Bama fan:t:
Good Lord the oculars on that thing!
It's certainly...different looking.
Found a review:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthre...ge/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/all/vc/1

 

[Elitescoper]

What I'd really like is a 4x28-30 with a 800ft. FOV.

OwenM-take a look at these:
http://www.bushnell.com/general/binoculars_xtrawide_13-0521.cfm?section=General Use

The Bushnell Xtra-Wides have a 900 ft FOV, and they are now a 4x30 (web page has not been updated from previous model spec of 4x21). Preset focus, designed specifically for spectator sports (poor choice for birding, though!). I know several folks that really like them for football, auto racing, etc.

 

[OwenM]

I've been wanting to see those in person. Saw some negative reviews about them, but they may have been being used outside their element. I'm leery of the free focus and presumably limited use. While I'd buy them for football, I'd no doubt want to use them for more general purposes as well.
For the price, I'll definitely give them a shot if I don't convince myself to buy these Miyauchis, though.
Thanks!

edit: I'm afraid we're tromping all over the topic of Foton binoculars. Sorreee:scribe:

 

[ceasar]

Wow - what a fantastic looking binocular. Have you actually used one?

No, but I would certainly like to try one out! I've been tempted to order one.

They are back ordered. The Cloudy Nights Forum has a big discussion on them. See thread 14 above for a link.

Bob

 

[terraz]

Good value for money in my opinion!

 

[pete seaman]

been using Foton 7x35's for over 15 years,first as a back up pair for my Optolyth Alpin 12x50's but in later years since starting to use a scope they have been 1st choice,well worth the £65 paid for them.

 

[Pinewood]

Hello Pete,

I am reasonably sure that the Fotons are dustproof, but could they be waterproof? One American importer just claims "water resistant." Have you ever had a really wet experience with the Foton?

Happy bird watching,
Arthur