New binoculars (1 Viewer)

[Happy haggis]

I am looking to replace my old Leica 8x32s' after more than 20 years service. I do a lot of woodland birding now and find they are not as bright as I would like, maybe it's my ageing eyes.
I'm sure that after all these years optic design must have come on in leaps and bounds, so have been searching here and anywhere else I could find for potential replacements.
Swaro's are too costly as are the other top of the line Alphas, but the Conquest HDs are definite contenders.
The 8x32s appeal for their light weight, which is significant as I have some neck problems since having surgery 18 years ago. However, would I see a noticeable difference using the 8x42s?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[eddy the eagle]

I have and use daily The Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 and can thoroughly recommend them.I also have 10x42 Zeiss Victory HT but the 8x32 are my favourite for woodland birds,warblers etc,with a greater FOV you can get onto the smaller birds really quickly.Regards ...Eddy.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I am looking to replace my old Leica 8x32s' after more than 20 years service. I do a lot of woodland birding now and find they are not as bright as I would like, maybe it's my ageing eyes.
I'm sure that after all these years optic design must have come on in leaps and bounds, so have been searching here and anywhere else I could find for potential replacements.
Swaro's are too costly as are the other top of the line Alphas, but the Conquest HDs are definite contenders.
The 8x32s appeal for their light weight, which is significant as I have some neck problems since having surgery 18 years ago. However, would I see a noticeable difference using the 8x42s?
Any help would be appreciated.

The best optics in an 8x32 roof would be the Zeiss Conquest 8x32 HD but if you don't need waterproof there is always a porro called the Nikon 8x32 SE which is just as good and cheaper.

 

[Happy haggis]

Thanks both for the suggestions. |=)|
Waterproof is really essential up here in the north of Scotland. ||

 

[SteveTS]

The Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 is excellent ; bright, wide and light, it is worth noting that the ER is just 16mm but a 'best buy' regardless. I wouldn't be without one.

 

[Happy haggis]

Thank you!

 

[mtmander]

So nobody has any comments on the Conquest HD 8x42 ? The OP wanted input on if there would be a noticeable difference using the 8x42s vs the 8x32s ?

 

[james holdsworth]

So nobody has any comments on the Conquest HD 8x42 ? The OP wanted input on if there would be a noticeable difference using the 8x42s vs the 8x32s ?

I have only briefly tried the 42's, but would say any optical difference would only be noticeably [by most] at dawn / dusk. The 42's could be better for stray light though, the 32's are only fair / good in this respect.

That said, an optics junkie would prefer the 42's for many small reasons, and would likely see more advantage than a ''regular'' buyer.

 

[Happy haggis]

Thank you James. I wouldn't describe myself as an 'optics junkie' but my wife might disagree, especially given the amount of camera gear around the house!

 

[SteveTS]

would I see a noticeable difference using the 8x42s ? Any help would be appreciated.

I haven't used the 8x42 but just a brief look at the specs will tell you that it is heavier at 795g against 630g for the 8x32.

Additionally the 8x32 has a much wider FOV : 140m (8x42 128m), and a better close focus.

 

[MPeoples]

I like a 42mm or larger binocular because I do a lot of low light viewing and also use them for astronomy. I have viewed with the 42mm Conquest HD, they have a very sharp and chrisp image. The problem is it may take you some time to get use to a larger binocular if you have been using a smaller one for many years.

 

[Happy haggis]

Thanks Samandag. I think overall, the 8x32 will be a better bet.

 

[eddy the eagle]

I wear glasses full time and the 16mm ER for me is not a problem,no blackouts and no kidney beans.....Eddy

 

[lebiffo]

I have 32s and 42s in the alpha range and I have to say to my ageing eyes the difference is not readily discernible except maybe in dim twilight. Also with the same qualification my 30 year old Leica and Zeiss compare very favourably with recent alpha purchases. The big difference I have found unfortunately is in my eyes which have deteriorated in recent years so before investing in expensive bins it's worth having a thorough eye check. I had one over here by an ophthalmic surgeon (in France) which picked up a cataract in my right eye and a developing one in my left! I've now had an implant in the right eye which has made a fantastic improvement, I am waiting on a similar operation on the other to complete the job. I have to say that I had an eye test in the UK 14 months ago which identified a fall-off in vision but did not identify the cause it was just put down to old age, I was 68!

 

[Torview]

I`m going to enter a wildcard, I own and love my Opticron 7x42 BGA SE, its brightness and easy view is fantastic, it scored very well here...........http://www.kikkertspesialisten.no/p...2_7x50_binoculars_review_kikkert_test7x40.pdf

and can be had from Uttings for half price.....http://www.uttings.co.uk/p107435-op...gclid=CLijsOX6hb0CFWjpwgod1wMANA#.UxyiYz9_uSo


Only minus is the slightly narrow apparent fov but it is in reality its 400ft and no problem to me, I`v used it all Winter instead of my Nikon SE and think its the best value for money I ever had in a binocular period.

P.S. at 669g its more the size and weight of many 32mm offerings.

 

[SteveTS]

I`m going to enter a wildcard, I own and love my Opticron 7x42 BGA SE, its brightness and easy view is fantastic, it scored very well here...........http://www.kikkertspesialisten.no/p...2_7x50_binoculars_review_kikkert_test7x40.pdf ... its the best value for money I ever had in a binocular period.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that review, that's a good one. Henceforth we will know you as the 7x 'extremist'.

It's a great bin, and I love it. There's not much between it and the Zeiss Conquest 8x32 HD at dusk ; if you have the use for them buy both !

 

[SteveTS]

before investing in expensive bins it's worth having a thorough eye check

This is advice worth it's weight in gold.

An annual or twice yearly eye check costs either peanuts or nothing and can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the view. :t:

 

[SetophagaFusca]

Long-time lurker, first time poster here. Torview: looking at the Optictron 7x42 BGA SE specs online, it is stated to have a 366ft/1000yds true field of view. I was wondering where you got that it has a 400ft/1000yd TFoV? (Note: I cannot read the posted review.)

Also: I found I preferred the 8x42 Conquest HD in terms of eye-placement(glasses wearer) but that the 8x32 was usable under most conditions.

 

[SteveTS]

Long-time lurker, first time poster here. Torview: looking at the Optictron 7x42 BGA SE specs online, it is stated to have a 366ft/1000yds true field of view. I was wondering where you got that it has a 400ft/1000yd TFoV? (Note: I cannot read the posted review.)

Also: I found I preferred the 8x42 Conquest HD in terms of eye-placement(glasses wearer) but that the 8x32 was usable under most conditions.

That's 'reviewed at' 122 metres at 1000 metres, or 400ft/1000 metres, not 400ft/1000yd.

I guess there's a longer ER in the Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 compared to the 8x32.

 

[Happy haggis]

I had one over here by an ophthalmic surgeon (in France) which picked up a cataract in my right eye and a developing one in my left! I've now had an implant in the right eye which has made a fantastic improvement, I am waiting on a similar operation on the other to complete the job. I have to say that I had an eye test in the UK 14 months ago which identified a fall-off in vision but did not identify the cause it was just put down to old age, I was 68!

I wish you well with your surgery Roger. My eyes are OK apart from the usual age issues.
Many thanks again to all for their thoughts. |=)|