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In your opinion, the best looking binoculars are.... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter rdnzl
- Start date
I think classic porros just have some of the best looks of the bino-world. To think that the twisted and contoured tubes of a Zeiss Jenoptem or a Swarovski Habicht (to name a binocular currently on sale) were designed many many many decades ago makes the iconic and breakthrough buildings of Frank Gehry pale in comparison. Those are some serious curves there 
And then there's the understated beauty of the black leatherette. Even the kidney-shaped one piece rainguards of old porros are a thing of beauty (yes, I know some roofs have them too).
If I had to chose one, it would be a split decision between the 8x30 and 10x40 Habicht (the latter looks more balanced, the former has the beauty of compactness). My only objection would be the "Swarovski" word written on huge white capital letters on the hinge (what a disgrace!!!).
And then there's the understated beauty of the black leatherette. Even the kidney-shaped one piece rainguards of old porros are a thing of beauty (yes, I know some roofs have them too).
If I had to chose one, it would be a split decision between the 8x30 and 10x40 Habicht (the latter looks more balanced, the former has the beauty of compactness). My only objection would be the "Swarovski" word written on huge white capital letters on the hinge (what a disgrace!!!
).
Swift did more or less this with some of their old porros, like my #766 - a blot on what is otherwise a rather nice, classically styled binocular. I keep thinking I ought to blacken them out. Fortunately I am at the other end most of the time!!!
I don't like the chrome squares on the eyepieces of this model either - I much prefer the look of the eyepieces of the Audubons rdnzl posted.
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Pinewood
New York correspondent
CharleyBird
Well-known member
I had a friend visit a couple of weeks back, he's an architect by profession and an artist/photographer by practice, collects cameras, goes to live drawing/painting, so he has a trained eye.
He has some RSPB viking 8x42 and Nikon monarch 10x42 and asked to see my binoculars so I put most of them on a table outside for him to try.
His eyes poured over the glass, first picking up a UV+ 10x32, which I find elegant with their understated design. Then, in what was mostly roofs, he saw the Nikon 8x30 E11 and kind of stopped; picking it up he ran his ringers over the sloping rounded curves of the prism housing, tried the focusing mechanism, looked at the way the hinge worked, and felt the whole weight in his large hands. Commented on the dimensional proportions, operational smoothness and feeling of good build.
Moved on to 7x42, 10x44, 12x50. Spent some time trying to judge the two UV+/FL 7x42 and couldn't decide which he preferred as the 'best' view. He liked the feel of the rubber armoured Steiner 10x44 and their eyecups.
Then he went back to the E11 and didn't put them down!
They are, as far as binoculars go, a beautiful piece of art.
He has some RSPB viking 8x42 and Nikon monarch 10x42 and asked to see my binoculars so I put most of them on a table outside for him to try.
His eyes poured over the glass, first picking up a UV+ 10x32, which I find elegant with their understated design. Then, in what was mostly roofs, he saw the Nikon 8x30 E11 and kind of stopped; picking it up he ran his ringers over the sloping rounded curves of the prism housing, tried the focusing mechanism, looked at the way the hinge worked, and felt the whole weight in his large hands. Commented on the dimensional proportions, operational smoothness and feeling of good build.
Moved on to 7x42, 10x44, 12x50. Spent some time trying to judge the two UV+/FL 7x42 and couldn't decide which he preferred as the 'best' view. He liked the feel of the rubber armoured Steiner 10x44 and their eyecups.
Then he went back to the E11 and didn't put them down!
They are, as far as binoculars go, a beautiful piece of art.
Sagittarius
Well-known member
I always thought Leica made the best looking binoculars and can't believe I've never owned a pair.
I thought the Swarovski SL was the best looking porros ever made and have an old pair I leave in my trunk for trips to the gun range.
But roof prism look much better than porros to me.
I like the way my Zeiss HTs looks, especially the adjusting wheel. :t:
I think the new Swarovski NL Pure is ugly except for the adjusting wheel but would like to own the 12x42.
The barrels on the NL Pure are hopelessly ugly to me but their look-alike HT adjusting wheel looks good. |=)|
I thought the Swarovski SL was the best looking porros ever made and have an old pair I leave in my trunk for trips to the gun range.
But roof prism look much better than porros to me.
I like the way my Zeiss HTs looks, especially the adjusting wheel. :t:
I think the new Swarovski NL Pure is ugly except for the adjusting wheel but would like to own the 12x42.
The barrels on the NL Pure are hopelessly ugly to me but their look-alike HT adjusting wheel looks good. |=)|
WJC
Well-known member
Is not using batteries more important than stabilizing effectiveness? :cat:
Bill
I must admit I think Leica have design spot on. Do like the look of the HT’s as well and also really like the 7x42 bgat dialyt. Can’t remember who put a picture up of the slc 7x42 neu, but those look great. And the the Meopta B1 Meostars also deserve a mention IMO.
Rich
Rich
PeterPS
Well-Known Member
Interesting! The Farvision 20x50 IS binoculars look nice, and they are less expensive than the Zeiss 20x60 S.
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John A Roberts
Well-known member
Well depending on where you are, and what's going on, these may very well be the best looking binoculars you'll ever see . . .
The full powered 16 oz Bar-nocular. A refreshing change from conventional 16x designs! (see: https://www.ebay.com/c/1971370308 )
n.b. prolonged use may result in loss of focus along with various optical aberrations
John
The full powered 16 oz Bar-nocular. A refreshing change from conventional 16x designs! (see: https://www.ebay.com/c/1971370308 )
n.b. prolonged use may result in loss of focus along with various optical aberrations
John
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The truly dedicated user may also encounter speech difficulties up to and including complete loss, as well as unpredictable behavioural changes that are later completely denied, despite the verbal and video evidence from witnesses.
Lee
Pinewood
New York correspondent
Hello John,
I always found that the Zeiss style of construction was not as good looking as the American one piece style of barrels.
Stay safe,
Arthur :hi:
John,
This is drop dead hilarious. Please everyone, I beg you, go back and revel in the pictures of the box art:
The name BAR-noculars;
The pricelessly cheesy expression on the model's face;
The gimme cap;
And yes Quincy, the tonsorially resplendent pornstache!
This is an unexcelled work of comedic genius, albeit unintentional.
Thanks,
Mike
Mask of Porro
Active member
Are the edges blurry on those Bar-noculars?
