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="Sancho" data-source="post: 3305858" data-attributes="member: 27039"><p>The easy answer to the OP's question (Why would anyone want to use small fiddly compacts) is...When they want to see far-away things close up, but don't have room to carry regular binos. I love my Leica Ultravid 8x20, and have probably used them more, and seen more birds through them, than any other bino I've owned (of which there have been too many). The Ultravids fit perfectly in the rear-pocket of my cycling jerseys (without a case). Perfect for when I'm out on a training ride and spot or hear something interesting. (I've been chastised on randonnées by my cycling-buddies for doing this. It also means I have to put in extra leg-work to catch up). Unfortunately my little Ultravids are out of collimation, and I'm not sure the cost of repair is worth it (a clerk in an optics store here said it would cost 250-300 euro). The Swarovski pocket 8x25 is lovely, but too big for a cycle jersey pocket. So I will have to save up for a new Ultravid 8x20.</p></blockquote><p></p>