BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="soloflyfisher" data-source="post: 3377365" data-attributes="member: 98376">I've got the 8x32 BAs too, but lately I've been finding the image either too small or too dark. I'm wondering if it's time to upgrade and would appreciate others' recommendations.Some history.  I purchased the 10x42 Trinovid Ultras back in the 1980s when Leica first introduced its revolutionary new mechanical design.  At the time most of the top birders in my area were using 10x40 Zeiss binoculars.  I decided to finally splurge on some alphas, and the Leicas were the most advanced on the market then, so I went with those and was never disappointed.In the 1990s though, I managed to damage them and decided something lighter would be better so I went with the 8x32 BAs.  Ten power had gone out of fashion and I was worried that a 3.2 mm exit pupil would be too small, so I got the 8x rather than the 10x.Over the years I've begun to miss the old 10x42 image.  So I was considering purchasing 10x42s or even 10x50s.  With more thought, though, I'm beginning to wonder whether what I really need is more field of view, more brightness and a larger exit pupil rather than more magnification. So now I'm considering an 8x42 model.  I'm tempted by all five of the alpha models.  Leica, Zeiss SF, Zeiss HT, Swaro ELs, and Swaro SLC.  As I read more, I'm less enamoured of the flat field binoculars, so my choice is rapidly narrowing to the Zeiss HT and the Leica HD Plus.  Still debating 8x or 10x too, but leaning toward 8X.I'd appreciate others' advice.  I may not have the opportunity to compare before buying, so advice is very helpful.</blockquote>

Verification