Let's do it again, 8x32 for EDC (1 Viewer)

[kkokkolis]

Summary of answers

@jremmons: From the pictures, I don't see how I could grab the optical tube with my hand, as I do with the Monarch and the Conquest.

@perseid28: The price difference between the HG L and the Conquest is minimal. I might go for what I already know or try something different, according to impulse. For the moment I am looking at 400-500 euros binoculars first, since when I will be wanting the maximum from my arsenal I have my Conquest for that, whereas a reasonably priced binocular will make me a fearless everyday carrier and user. If they steal it I will cry half. I could try Leopold if it was available in EU for a nice price.

@Torview: That's undestantable but against my philosophy. Which summarizes in "αγαθόν εύκτητον" or "μηδέν άγαν" as some peculiar people said around these soils and waters 2.5 millenia ago. And I have two kids who wouldn't know how to split the Swarovision and make two monoculars when I die and they are happy with 20 euros binoculars (my daughter went astrocamping with a Bresser 10x50 from Lidl and she was happy) because they haven't met YOU yet! So they'll be happy with 3 good binoculars each (that might become 4 or more) and 4 telescopes each, to use from their future houses that both have a nice sea view. Half an alpha each is not an option. Until I die I will just have more toys to play with and I like that plan, it works perfectly for me.

@ Steve C: I don't call it obsession because I have seen obsessions that would ruin your sleep forever (I am a Psychiatrist by the way). And because when I get what I want I stop and move on. I had a plan with telescopes to buy one of each design and when I did I stopped (I had to have 3 dobsonians because the 12" is a dinosaur and needed portability every now and then and I gave one small Mak and a small RFT to my daughter). I haven't bought a gem or mineral specimen for years and I still enjoy my collection. It's the same with my Swiss Army Knives, Lead Soldiers etc. When I'm done I'm done. I know that nothing is perfect and nothing is complete. I just love observing and beeing able to everyday carry a good and working bino will give me more opportunities of pleasure. Until I get it I use my Papilio and feel very nice with it. I agree with everything else you said, so I think after that thread I'll settle and I will be pleased with whatever I buy since I ruled out most non satisfying options already.

@Troubadour: The Conquest 32 looks more promising than the 42. The Lynx isn't available here, so ruling it out might be my next step, since gratification isn't ensured and it resembles the Monarch 7 as others said. Same goes for Maven I guess.

@ Vespobuteo: That's wise that you said. But unfortunately we are treated as Europeans or Afroasians here at will. Being able to try is always the exception, since only cheaper models are stocked (I tried the Terra but not the Conquest). But I can send back a faulty Nikon or Pentax or Zeiss, since they have representatives here.

@ FrankD: Ruling out Celestron simplifies things, although that 7x and 4.7 exit pupil and 9.1 degrees FOV were very promising. Nikon is better represented here than anything. Every shop has Nikons, like the Action EX and Aculons, but you have to order the more expensive and capital controls stalled the market.

I might grab something from BF classifieds now that I know what I need.

 

[PhilR.]

I can tell you about the Conquest HD, Terra, M7, Cabela's/Meostar HD, LX/L, Granite, and Mojave. The Granite is the worst-performing of these, with the Terra a close 2nd. The M7 , LX/L, and Conquest HD are both sharper and brighter, and have smoother focus wheels. The Conq.HD does weigh more, but the M7 weighs less. The LX/L weighs a lot more.

I would rate the M7, Meostar, and Mojave very close to each other. A purchase choice would depend more on ergonomics than optical performance. I like all three, but kept the M7 as I much prefer it's slim and trim dimensions and weight. Optically, if gives up very little to the Conquest HD. I did not find the Cabela's/Meostar to be sharper in view than my Conquest HD, but of course no two pairs will test the same.

The LX/L and Conquest HD are overall the best of the above. They also weigh the most too. Perhaps that is why they are the best. One does not rate higher than the other. The Conquest HD weighs less and is perhaps one or two-percent sharper, but the LX/L's focus wheel is smoother and faster, and it has a grip to it that in my hands is surpassed by none. The LX/L also has a warmer color, which I tend to prefer over that of the ConquestHD. The ConquestHD has a nicer neckstrap, and it has a very poorly-designed objective cover. It would be hard to choose one to get rid of, but for some reason I tend to prefer the Nikon. My wife uses the ConquestHD now, and I really do not miss it at all. That being said, I do think the ConquestHD is a better buy for most people, as it is cheaper at normal retails than the LX/L, and yet has an extremely sharp, bright, and wide view that is pleasing to most. It is better than the M7 (which you would expect given their prices), although you would have to decide if that slight increase in performance and great increase in weight are worth it........

 

[kkokkolis]

I intend to EDC it as I said, so the Monarch 7 hits most bases, with the added benefit that it is one I already tested myself and I know I like it.
I almost decided. I just would like to read a few words about the Pentax DCF ED 8x32 I found at half price, if anybody has tried it. Pentax occupies a mental stronghold of mine.

 

[brocknroller]

Let’s try a thought experiment to resolve this stubborn issue.

Let’s say you have all your top picks laid out on a table outside, and you’re still mulling over which one will suit you best, eeny, meeny, miny, moe …. Suddenly a rare bird to Greece, which might be a Buff-breasted Sandpiper, flies into view and lands just out of your visual range to ID without binoculars.

QUICK! It’s flapping its wings and is about to fly away. If it is a Buff-breasted Sandpiper, you could receive a high honor from The Hellenic Rarities Committee. Which bins do you reach for?

That’s your keeper.

Brock

 

[PhilR.]

I almost decided. I just would like to read a few words about the Pentax DCF ED 8x32 I found at half price, if anybody has tried it. Pentax occupies a mental stronghold of mine.

In your first post, you mentioned "lightweigh 8x32 for every day carry". Although I too have a soft spot for Pentax, one of which was the first decent bino I ever purchased and is the one I blame for starting me on this long and crazy path, I would say that it would not meet your stated criteria. These weigh almost as much as a 42mm Vortex Razor (so does the Nikon 32mm HG L/LX L. btw). If that is truly your most important criteria, then the 32mm M7 (or Kite or Maven) would meet it better than anything else mentioned so far.

The Pentax ED also has a smaller FOV than many of the others mentioned above too. That alone would make me shy away from it. But then again, FOV might not matter nearly as much to you as it does to me.

 

[PhilR.]

Let’s try a thought experiment to resolve this stubborn issue.

Let’s say you have all your top picks laid out on a table outside, and you’re still mulling over which one will suit you best, eeny, meeny, miny, moe …. Suddenly a rare bird to Greece, which might be a Buff-breasted Sandpiper, flies into view and lands just out of your visual range to ID without binoculars.

QUICK! It’s flapping its wings and is about to fly away. If it is a Buff-breasted Sandpiper, you could receive a high honor from The Hellenic Rarities Committee. Which bins do you reach for?

That’s your keeper.

Brock

That's a good way of looking at it.

If I were just sitting at the table and did not intend on getting up to view, I would reach for the Nikon HG L/LX L. Mostly because of it's very quick, precise, and smooth focus wheel, and slightly because I prefer it's colors that are warmer than that of the Conquest HD. Kinda like the smell of the Nikon's rubber armor better than that of the others too. Yeah, I know -- it's kinda weird.

If however I had to get up and walk a mile or two to get to my viewing site to see this wonderful bird you mentioned, it would be my 32mm M7 that I would grab, and feel comfortable knowing it will provide an excellent view...

 

[kkokkolis]

Brock, I would reach for the Conquest with no hesitation. It has the lesser color aberration I have seen so far.
But I would hesitate to every day carry it. I will be taking the Conquest 42 with me when going for birding but I doubt I will do the same on every travel or walk or when working or when running errands, as I intend to do with a 32.

Phil, thanks for your input. Nikon Monarch 7 is the winner.

Look at it. Considering its weight, it is much closer to a compact like the Papilio (which has a peculiar 3D footprint for a bag) than a medium binocular. A clamshell hard pouch would be perfect for it and I may scrap the strap since it's light and provides a sure grip.

 

[CliveP]

Look at it. Considering its weight, it is much closer to a compact like the Papilio (which has a peculiar 3D footprint for a bag) than a medium binocular. A clamshell hard pouch would be perfect for it and I may scrap the strap since it's light and provides a sure grip.

That's why I've been trying the Bresser 8x28. It's just a little bit smaller and slimmer than my M7 and half or less of the price but it should (provided I get mine repaired or a good replacement) be able to give me a portion of the view that I get with my best bin the 8x43 Sapphire as colour wise they have some similarity.

If the Bresser doesn't work out I still have the 8x25 Viking Vistron but I hope the Bresser does work because the 28mm and good eyerelief provide for both better resolving power and less eyestrain with prolonged use than both my 25mm bins. The narrow but still usable fov of the Bresser is a trade off for the more relaxing eyerelief.

That's why I suggested the Bresser. It can be a useful bin with good colour, contrast and distant resolution and yet almost a compact. When I get my Everest back from Bresser in Germany (if ever, though not in a rush) then hopefully I will have a better report to make regarding it and will hopefully post a few pics showing all my small bins lined up along with the M7.

For sure the M7 is a better bin than the Bresser but that's why we have large bins because they are the ultimate, even better than the M7 and alike, and we only need something to give a more basic view when we want easy portability and the Bresser has a little better portability than even the M7 so if it works out for me when I get it back then I think I will probably forgo an M7 8x30 and stick with my 8x43 Sapphire when not using the Bresser and I also have the Kowa SV 8x32 which is good, the 10x30 M7 of course and the Papilio II.

 

[kkokkolis]

I have the Papilio and if my diagnosis of obsession is valid, a 8x20 or 8x26 comes next.

 

[CliveP]

Based on my initial Everest 8x28 I am concerned about it having any reliability but I'm hoping they sorted something with it seeing as how they are listing a 20 year warranty on their site for it.

I think the one I bought on auction may have been a return originally and they just auctioned it off.

I do look forward to seeing what I get back from Bresser and hope they send me a good example they have checked or that they have made a good repair of the one I had that will last at least for a couple of years as it may in fact get a lot of use.

I think it's a good concept in any case and I look forward to future improved models of this type as I am very happy with all of my bins larger than compact and have no need to look for anything else in that area for another few years by which time I'm sure everything will have progressed again although not at such a pace as with recent years.

I suppose my main point is in summary that I would choose my Vistron 8x25 or a good working Everest 8x28 over my Papilio II or M7 or Hawke Frontier 8x25 if I was aiming for a useful compact bin when not wanting to take my Sapphire 8x43 as the Vistron or Everest seem to fit the bill best. I'd definitely take the M7 10x if I wanted distance viewing or just fancied a change or as a travel bin for more serious viewing. Of course all the roles are interchangeable too. My Kowa SV 8x32 is my general daily home use bin though it could basically serve all roles.

 

[kkokkolis]

All functions are covered now, since I use the Papilio for shows and the Canons and telescopes for Astronomy (and I don't hunt or own a yaght). For travels the 8x42 were big and the 6.5x21 (de facto used for that up to the moment) small. The Nikon is just perfect.

I ordered through Astroshop.eu, Cash on Delivery. I expect them next week (as they promise).

Thank you all for your participation.


PS: I ordered for 360 euros and shortly afterwards a fellow BF member informed me about a 250 euros option!

 

[Tobias Mennle]

Whatever you choose, please do not "choose blindly", that´s the worst thing to do when buying a binocular:-O

In this price class it more depends on a good sample than anything else.

 

[kkokkolis]

You are right but we have no options at this corner of the world. I tried the Monarch 7 but I can't know how my specimen will perform until I receive it and try it myself. That's how life has it. But I wouldn't migrate to Germany or the US for that reason only. Many relatives of mine did for other reasons, and those who chose Australia were unfortunate regarding optics (but they have the most interesting skies and wildlife).

 

[Troubador]

All functions are covered now, since I use the Papilio for shows and the Canons and telescopes for Astronomy (and I don't hunt or own a yaght). For travels the 8x42 were big and the 6.5x21 (de facto used for that up to the moment) small. The Nikon is just perfect.

I ordered through Astroshop.eu, Cash on Delivery. I expect them next week (as they promise).

Thank you all for your participation.


PS: I ordered for 360 euros and shortly afterwards a fellow BF member informed me about a 250 euros option!

Great Chart Kostas, but you need another with the date you bought each instrument, where from and what price so that you can look back with nostalgia in future years at the odyssey of your optical journey.

Lee

 

[kkokkolis]

I keep track since 2009. So long I spent 15430€ on optics and accessories (not counting books) and sold back some for 1595€.

Next, a small monocular, possibly the Docter 8x21 C (modern Zeiss Turmon) with three additional dioptre elements, +2,:+5, +10.

Please, don't tell my wife!

 

[Troubador]

I keep track since 2009. So long I spent 15430€ on optics and accessories (not counting books) and sold back some for 1595€.

Next, a small monocular, possibly the Docter 8x21 C (modern Zeiss Turmon) with three additional dioptre elements, +2,:+5, +10.

Please, don't tell my wife!

For really close distance observing I can recommend the Zeiss 6x18 monocular. Both myself and Troubadoris have used these since 1997 and they are really excellent and very useful. They focus down to 30 cm at which point I have read they are actually magnifying by about 9x.

Lee

 

[kkokkolis]

I've seen it and agree it is very good (a bit dark as a microscope) but expensive for what I want it for. I told my friend to sell it to me if he gets bored with it (something very unlikely) but I wouldn't spend 305€ plus shipping for it at this point, especially when I prefer the stereoscopic view of the Papilio and I have a nice Bresser Researcher ICD LED with Amscope Ultra Wide Angle eyepieces at home I paid 300€ for which and they show spectacular images. I also have a Belomo 10x21mm Triplet loupe for fieldwork, which is my workhorse and one of the best loupes ever, made in a former Zeiss factory in Belarus. Similarly, the Docter is made in the former Zeiss Jenna factory as you know and as a Porro with no need for dielectric and phase coatings I expect it to perform. It will be used for quick looks before taking the bins out, for congresses and theater/opera and close work will be its secondary function.

 

[kkokkolis]

I received my Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 ED today. It has 9xxx serial number (the one I tried had 7xxx) and tested indoors it seems to be fine. I'l try it astronomically later at night.
It has the best objective caps and the worse ocular caps I have ever seen. This is a worldwide originality for Nikon, I can't really understand how they managed to do it.

 

[PhilR.]

It has the best objective caps and the worse ocular caps I have ever seen. This is a worldwide originality for Nikon, I can't really understand how they managed to do it.

That's interesting. The rainguard on my M7 works perfectly well. Perhaps they have changed the design.

To be honest, I've yet to see a rainguard that didn't work well.

Congrats on the arrival of your new bino. Always a nice occasion!

 

[kkokkolis]

It looks like it belongs to a bigger model (the 8x42?) and they didn't bother to scale it down. I guess I can fix it with some tape periferally inside.

The eyepieces caps from the above photo belong to my Canon 12x36 IS and they just happen to fit perfectly to the Nikon (and not so perfectly to the Canon, go figure).