Yea, the 8 x 32 Trinovid BN is kind of like a '57 Chevy. A real piece of junk. Right?
Bob
No, rather a fine old classic like a 57 Chevy.
Yea, the 8 x 32 Trinovid BN is kind of like a '57 Chevy. A real piece of junk. Right?
Bob
Exactly. Differing opinions are what makes this forum interesting and educational. I have changed binoculars many times based on reviews and discussions here on bird forum. It is very helpful.
For someone who wants an allround birding binocular with great optics and handling, that will last forever and that does not cost as much as the current top-range, the Trino 8x32 is still one of the best options out there.
A different questions is what would be the right price for a used Trino. Here, unfortunately I agree to this:
Unfortunately, because I recently sold my Trino for only 600 €, which seems about the going rate in Europe. 700-800 € may be right, if the seller is not private but a reputated dealer who checked the bins before.
So rather than looking for more expensive new Zeiss and Nikons, or cheaper Zens that may fall apart in a couple of years, a good alternative could be to look for another Trino with a better price.
The point has been made and keeps getting overlooked about there being a distinction between overall package (optics, ergonomics, build quality, weight and size) versus pure optics.
If you decide that the BN is the one for you (as I have) then the price doesn't matter, as it will be the last pair you'll buy! Paid £700 for a mint pair two weeks ago...money well spent. I'll get at least £800 for the Ultravids I'm selling :t:
www.duffbirder.blogspot.com
...and very unsettling...and VERY expensive!
www.duffbirder.blogspot.com
The point has been made and keeps getting overlooked about there being a distinction between overall package (optics, ergonomics, build quality, weight and size) versus pure optics. Dennis is one who believes optics (no matter how small an improvement) trump all the other qualities, while others appreciate the whole package which includes optics as a major factor, but not the only factor. When I first joined this forum as an education in helping me pick my first alpha bin purchase I read through years and years of BF archives. I don't mean to slam Dennis as he is quite passionate about this stuff, but I have noticed that over the years he tends to be 100% into whatever bin is his favorite of the day. Each time it is the best, there is no need to even consider an other.
I also like the Zen Rays, but I would take an 8x32BN over the Zen Ray as an overall package, but even better for me is the 8x32 SE.
John
Hi again everyone, wow I didn't think my OP would spark so much debate! Thanks so much for your comments and thoughts, its appreciated. Have to be honest I'm currently leaning towards Swarovski although I haven't decided on whether to go SLC 8x30 or EL 8x32.
I have evolved. Each new binocular being slightly better IMO than the last. My favorites right now are the Zeiss 8x32 FL's and the Nikon EII's 8x30 or 10x35. The Zeiss 8x32 FL to me is the best overall package for me for an all around binocular.
Oh, no not a Swarovski 8x32 EL. Too much CA! Try them first. You can almost buy a Zeiss for the same price and a Zeiss is twice as nice.
Dennis:
I am thinking your wild recommendations are now getting out of hand.
This is a Leica thread, and you are saying the Zeiss is twice as nice as
the Swaro. Tell me, twice as nice as what?
And tell us, as the wind changes, what will your favorite be next month?
For most watching here, with the top 10 optics, it is largely personal
opinion, with all of them getting great reviews. No clear winners here.
In fact, I am thinking your bothersome boasting makes many users want
to pick something else.
Jerry
I also know that always chasing the next best thing is not a route to happiness, and there's evidence of that on this thread - I'm glad I'm not as obsessively driven by evident dissatisfaction as some of the contributors here.
Exactly - which is precisely why my point about people reacting to the view through my Leicas as being just like their own eyes but bigger is so relevant.And so, instead of looking THROUGH binoculars, I'm looking AT the birds, which is what I did for ten years before I chanced upon birdforum.
I think binocular technology is probably topping out anyway. Another product generation or two and it's over. What would be left to improve? Not much "new and improved" in toaster technology lately. Why should bins be different?
I have evolved. Each new binocular being slightly better IMO than the last. My favorites right now are the Zeiss 8x32 FL's and the Nikon EII's 8x30 or 10x35. The Zeiss 8x32 FL to me is the best overall package for me for an all around binocular.
Naw. Most of the time I buy used on E-bay or Astromart and never lose a dime when I sell them. It's kind of like I'm leasing them! Ha, ha! It's loads of fun!