Pocket binoculars that fit in your pocket! (4 Viewers)

[Pepitogrillo]

Hello,
As the 10x ones are no longer tolerated by my hands, I am after an 8x, small manageable, good optically, and mechanically... mid-range... waterproff.
Is there such a specimen?
greetings
Pepito

 

[Mike Crawley]

Hello,
As the 10x ones are no longer tolerated by my hands, I am after an 8x, small manageable, good optically, and mechanically... mid-range... waterproff.
Is there such a specimen?
greetings
Pepito

Opticron have a few which might suit you

https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/compact-binoculars/t4-trailfinder-wp-compact-binoculars/t4-trailfinder-wp-8x25-black

Aspheric 3 8x25 | Opticron

Click to view this page on www.opticron.co.uk

www.opticron.co.uk

as do Hawke (I have the 8x25 Endurance ED)

Nature-Trek 8x25 Binocular

An extensive range of binoculars in several configurations. The Nature-Trek family utilises our System H2 optics produced in a shock resistant polycarbonate body, providing a robust yet lightweight package. The high grip rubber armour ensures a secure hold in all weather conditions. Optics are...

uk.hawkeoptics.com

Endurance ED 8x25 Binocular - Green

Stunning optics providing crisp, clear and bright images with enhanced light transmission. Endurance models benefit from our System H5 optics. ED glass is utilised to reduce colour fringing. The Fully Multi-Coated lenses provide high resolution images which ensure no details are lost when...

uk.hawkeoptics.com

 

[eronald]

I guess that's the same with my old Leitz 6x24, where the diopter adjuster is exposed and hence, my favorite diopter adjusters are the ones on my larger Ultravids, where they're both easy to adjust, and lockable too. Then there's the graceful manner in which they made it just a little more effort, but very well protected and not at all difficult on the little Curio, which is actually in all ways, just a masterpiece in miniature excellence.

By sharp I assume you mean the view, and yes, I was thoroughly impressed and will end up with a VP 8x25 of my own eventually. Now I finally understand why they have such an expansive fan base, and why so many think them the ideal balance of performance minus the bulk and weight.

Yes, the VP25 optics better in a classic design is my impression. When they upgraded the optics from 20 to 25mm they botched the physical design. As a result, the diopter knob rubs and is exposed and the whole binocular folds insufficiently for carrying. The diopter adjustment is totally a joke anyway.

My feeling is that they’re a recased Kamakura OEM product anyway and one can probably get the equivalent quality in some japan-only design, possibly the Nikon 8x25, which you could investigate.

I think thge real reason we don’t see a lot of superior small binoculars is that the manufacturers who have the branding to sell them at a profit don’t want to harm their overpriced and oversize Big Berthas like the Swaro x32 NL models. The 10x32 NL ends up with basically the same pupil size as the 8x25 VP, but of course the physical size and the profit margins are much higher. The 7x21 Curio is carefully specced to sell but not compete.

Edmund

 

[Elkhornsun]

I currently own 11 pairs of binos and find the ones I use by far the most for birding are the Swarovski 10x25 CL Pocket Mountain ones. With smaller objective sizes I want 10x magnification to get the best light transmission and detail rendition for low light bird identification. My wife prefers the 8x25 version which are easier to hold steady.

Folded and in their case they fit in a jacket pocket or in a water bottle sleeve on a backpack or fanny pack (or bum bag). With my bird photography I leave the 12.4 ounce binos hanging off my neck which leaves my hands free for the camera and its telephoto lens. The binos in their case at 2.5 x 3 inches fit in small space in my photo backpack so I can grab the bag and have everything I need. The carry case at 2.5 x 3 x 6 (length) has a belt strap and it never gets in the way for general hiking.

 

[jring]

My feeling is that they’re a recased Kamakura OEM product anyway and one can probably get the equivalent quality in some japan-only design, possibly the Nikon 8x25, which you could investigate.

Hi Edmund,

do you have any pointers to that better Nikon 8x25? Apart from the usual suspects like the cheapo Sportstar roofs and Travellite reverse porros? I mean there is the old HG-L / LX-L 8x20 but that does not fit...

I might be able to ask a friend who speaks and reads japanese to have a look if you have any links to japanese sites...

Joachim

 

[yarrellii]

More pocket binoculars that fit in your pocket. The Vixen @Six 6x18.

Just posted a more detailed insight in the "Others" subforum, but it suffices to say that at 145 g (5,1 oz), these offer a 9º FOV and a 55 cm (21,6 inch) close focus, costing 75 $. No Leica Ultravid quality, obviously, but no terrible flaws either (for the price), so a really interesting option for an inexpensive everyday carry that can do a lot of things.

Here compared to the Nikon 8x25 Travelite EX (Prostaff ATB) and the Nikon CF III 7x20 (my standard for pocket binos).

You can read the complete review here.

 

[yarrellii]

Binoculars that fit in your (cycling jersey) pockets!

As an avid cyclist, I usually carry binoculars in many ways. Inside the pannier (this is probably the most common); when I'm carrying a handlebar bag (an Ortlieb Ultimate), the binoculars go inside the bag; other times, if I'm carrying a lightweight binocular, like the Nikon Travelite 8x25, or even the Opticron Traveller 8x32, I carry a case on my belt, so they're always there if needed (I tend to do this on the way back from carrying my daughter to school every morning, and so a I linger on the way back home, usually stopping several times to check what's on, especially in migration season); and then sometimes I carry a binocular case "bandolier style" (the Swarovski from the EL x32/x42 that I use to carry the Canon 12x36 ISIII), but only for short trips. And then, I sometimes take the road bike in order to put on some miles, but if this happens during an interesting period of the year (like right now), then I try to pack something for that odd opportunity that always comes unexpected.

While trying 8x20's, I could test that the Swarovski Habicht could fit on a "tool bottle"...

... this was nice. However, the double hinge, small eyecup design didn't do it for me in the end. Now I'm happy to report that the Vixen @Six 6x18 are a great road cycling companion, they fit inside the back pockets of a cycling jersey



I don't like large smartphones (which is basically every other smartphone nowadays) and I try to find compact models (this is becoming harder and harder). So for me, the ideal smartphone is no larger than 6 inches and a weight of around 150 g (5,29 oz). My partner has a 6,6" smartphone that weights more than 190 g (6,7 oz)... which for me is unbearable. No wonder when you carry the Vixen (145 g - 5,11 oz) on your pocket (even while cycling on your jersey) you basically forget it's there, it's so light and small, just like with a very light and small smartphone To avoid any problem with perspiration and sweat, I carry it conveniently sealed in a ziplock bag. Today I had to stop my bike to admire the majestic soaring flight of a booted eagle that seemed to really enjoy the patch of land I was crossing. Glad I had some binoculars with me.

(I wonder if Vixen could get a contract for a special Tour de France edition of the @Six... I wouldn't mind one with the red polka dot design )