Folks - Continuation of assessment of Terra 8x32 with the Terra 8x42 plus other selected binoculars listed below.
I added the other binoculars to see how their brightness would compare to the Terras in pre-dawn and post-dusk observations. This took many hours of my time, but it was worth it to me because some of my assumptions about certain models were not validated, and there were some surprises.
The Terra 8x42 was subjected to the same resolution tests I put the Terra 8x32 through described in post #85. I had to borrow a Terra 8x42 from a town friend because my purchase of that model went to a niece about a year ago. With all the variations in identical models being reported on this web site, I can only say I had only one model of each binocular to use. All observations were taken from a rock solid tripod using Zeiss's binocular holder to help reduce motion.
Midway through my assessment I decided to add a variable, viz., the use of three different "extenders" to see how resolutions would hold up as exit pupils began to shrink. These three were: Zeiss's 3x12 B extender, Bushnell's 2.5 Elite extender, and Bushnell's 2.5 Booster which attaches on the objectives. I'll elaborate on their performance at the end of my assessment.
(7 power)
Bushnell 7x50 Bino-Foto
Canon 7x35
Zeiss Dyalyt 7x42 BGAT
(8) power
Terra 8x32
Terra 8x42
Nikon 8x32 SE (porro)
Leupold Cascade (porro) 8x42
Kern 8x30 IF 1977 (porro)
Zeiss 8x30 B (porro) monocular
(10 power)
Nikon E11 10x35 (porro)
Nikon 10x70 (porro)
(12 power)
Nikon SE 12x50 (porro)
(15 power)
Zeiss 15x60 BGAT (porro)
Terra 8x32 v. Terra 8x42 - The 8x42 was a little brighter in low light situations as expected with the exit pupils being 4 mm/5.25. That extra 10 mm of objective lens does make a difference. And the larger pupil of the 8x42 allowed easier eye placement when things got dim. Both models surpassed all other models in brightness and details other than the Nikon 10x35, the Nikon 10x70, the Nikon SE 12x50, and the Zeiss 15x60 BGAT.
The covering of the 8x42 is black and compared to the 8x32 more apt to require a firmer grip. The 8x32's covering has a less slippery surface, and its color combinations are IMO more pleasing to the eye. Both models have identical eyecups, robust and comfortable, with four stops, one being when the eye cups are flat against the body. Focus speed is significantly different with the 8x42's focusing knob rotating 1.5 times to the 8x32 1 time. This made the 8x42 more difficult to tweak to get that ultimate view. This was most noticeable when the extenders were being used. The 8x42 has more bulk and weighs almost a half pound more than the 8x32. In terms of resolution, I could see little difference except in very low light situations. Both focused closer than the specifications listed by several inches (front of objective to target) The diopter adjustment are identical located on the right ocular barrel. Movement requires some finger pressure. No slop at all. The FOV of course favors the 8x32 by 29 feet, 404 to 375. If mobility were a high priority, I would recommend the 8x32. For all day use including after sunset and pre-dawn, I would recommend the 8x42. Neither is an alpha but at the same time they should satisfy a large number of users.
Higher power was expected to show more detail than the Terras, even with dated coatings. The real surprise to me was the performance of the Nikon 10x35 and particularly the Nikon SE 12x50. The latter held right up to the Zeiss 15x60 to darkness. The SE 12x50 I feel is in a class by itself as a 12 power. I also believe the Nikon 10x35 is a very under rated binocular even with its 3.5 exit pupil. For the person who can handle 10 power binoculars, its light weight and resolution and dim light ability will be useful in birding. Zeiss's discontinued 15x60 BGAT (sob!) with the Terras new coatings would be wonderful. I expected Nikon's 10x70 to really shine with its huge 7 mm exit pupil. It was good but the Nikon 10x35 EII pushed it. Better coatings I believe.
The other binoculars performed as expected. The Bushnell 7x50 Bino-Foto is the only 7x50 I have seen with the Nikon SE 8x32 resolution, sharp across the entire field. It was not as bright as the Terras. My beloved Zeiss 7x42 BGAT, even with its 6 mm exit pupil was not as bright, but in normal daytime use, its wonderful wide field and colors trump almost anything. The Canon 7x35 is one of those second Canon models which is very, very good, better than the B&L Zephyr. It faded too, along with the Kern 8x30 IF with its Leica lens, but both handled low light better than expected. The Leupold Cascade, which is just a clone of Opticron's 8x42 HD WP, and the Minox 8x44 porro, performed well in the low light situations, but it did not surpass the Terra 8x42. The little Zeiss 8x30 B made in the 1970s was surprising clear until after sunset. The Nikon 8x32 SE is less bright than either Terra, but it is still the resolution champ in my collection.
Bringing the extenders into use was fun. I could use the Bushnell Booster 2.5 because a machinist friend of mine has made adapters for all my binoculars, including the Zeiss 15x60 BGTA. It provides a superior FOV and excellent resolution when used. The Bushnell Elite 2.5 fits the Terras like a glove and the center resolution is decent. I had more fun using the little Bushnell 3x12 extender because it required some improvisation to fit certain binoculars such as the the Zeiss 15x60 BGAT. Its rubber eyecups are stiff enough to allow the 3x12 to be pushed in the cup securely enough to use for a quick peek or two. The Zeiss 3x12 has the ability to tweak the image just a tiny bit because it adds a second focusing system to the view. It then become as 45 power spotting scope. Not bright but still able to read highway sign letters 5 inches high from a distance of 3 miles.
The 3x12 extender can be used with the Terra eye cups fully extended. Just do one wrap of 3M auto super strength molding tape (03609) around the base and insert. It will do no damage and align perfectly with the center of the ocular lens.
Enough. Before the power goes off and I lose this post.
John
