Lightweight/compact binoculars for travel. (1 Viewer)

[sbpbirder]

@typo - thanks, that's interesting I didn't know that.

@ibramr - Am getting confused with the Nikon nomenclature, is the Travelite the same name over here.

 

[ibramr]

@typo - thanks, that's interesting I didn't know that.

@ibramr - Am getting confused with the Nikon nomenclature, is the Travelite the same name over here.

Greetings. The reference to the Nikon travelite is below for your use. Good luck.

http://nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/binoculars/compact/index.htm

I should also say that in the used market, the older travelite 7x20 and 8x20 were very functional. They are available used every now and then.

 

[typo]

There is a small roof that might fit the bill. CliveP was rather keen on the Hawke Frontier PC 8x25, which is phase coated and fully multicoated and can be found for around £70.
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=217398
http://www.deben.com/frontier-compact/hawke-frontier-8x25-compact-black-binoculars.html

I thought it was OK but rather out performed by the £100 more expensive Sapphire ED I mentioned.

David

 

[Binastro]

. I have the Nikon 10×25 Olympic logo binocular that you mentioned and at £30 think that it is excellent value.

There is a repairer who also sells new and secondhand binoculars somewhere near Crewkerne and I will try and find out his name.

. Intrasights is I think the firm in or near Crewkerne.

 

[sbpbirder]

Thanks Binastro, we're popping down to Devon for a seaside weekend in Oct., might see if the chap in Crewkerne is nearby/open.

 

[Cluster]

Although not waterproof, I tried a pair of Opticron MCF 7x24 reverse porro bins that easily outperformed my Hawke Frontier PC 8x25 bins. An old design and model, I understand, but a nice performer.

 

[sbpbirder]

Thanks again for all the suggestions - I've listed them so I can find them all/remember them easily.

Alpen Wings ED 8x20

Bushnell Custom Compact 7x26

Bushnell Legend HD 10x25

Eagle Optics Triumph 8x25

Hawke Sapphire ED 8x28

Hawke Frontier PC 8x25

Leica 8x20 or 10x25 !

Nikon Travelite 8x25

Nikon Sportstar EX 8x25 or 10x25

Nikon 8x25 EX reverse porro

Opticron Taiga

Opticron MCF 7x24

Olympus PCI 8x25

Vortex Vanquish 8x26

 

[paul2013]

Do you wear glasses? The Travelite's still had the old-style fold down eyecups last time I checked, and a narrow FOV and short eye relief. Also, I personally wouldn't travel with a 10x due to the lower light gathering capabilities (an exit pupil of at least 3 will help with evening use). I've owned or at least used about half the binoculars on your list, and I liked the Custom Compacts the best (including against the Leica roofs). You'll probably be happiest in the long run with a pair that has near a 350' FOV and min. 15mm eye relief. Waterproof is nice, too (Vortex Vanquish and a couple of others). You may want to visit a local store and compare a few in person.

Thanks again for all the suggestions - I've listed them so I can find them all/remember them easily.

Alpen Wings ED 8x20

Bushnell Custom Compact 7x26

Bushnell Legend HD 10x25

Eagle Optics Triumph 8x25

Hawke Sapphire ED 8x28

Hawke Frontier PC 8x25

Leica 8x20 or 10x25 !

Nikon Travelite 8x25

Nikon Sportstar EX 8x25 or 10x25

Nikon 8x25 EX reverse porro

Opticron Taiga

Opticron MCF 7x24

Olympus PCI 8x25

Vortex Vanquish 8x26

 

[sbpbirder]

Thanks Paul. I'm looking for two pairs one of which will need to be for a spex-wearer. However I am considering selling our 'full-sized' bins and buying two lightweight bins so have upped the budget to (around £250).

Am considering the Hawke Sapphire ED 8x25 as one to test and then as you say find a local store...