When I purchased my 7x42 FLs they had the closest focus, widest FOV and lightest weight of all the ultra premium 7x42s.Another plus point of the 7x42FL is the close focus of 2m, although not out of this world, it was, and I think may still be, the closest focusing full size 7x. Although the current spec of Edg wasn't available when I was choosing, I believe the 7x (and other 42's) have published close focus of 3m.
When I purchased my 7x42 FLs they had the closest focus, widest FOV and lightest weight of all the ultra premium 7x42s.
I would get the EDG II 7x42 if I could just afford it. BUT ... I can't follow your description. A flat field will not make all the ducks at the top (further away), the ones in between and the ducks at the bottom (closer) sharper.
On the contrary, they will be less sharp since the flat field will keep everything located at the same distance sharp (for example the ducks in between). All the ducks at that distance, from left to right, will appear sharp which is really nice.
Field curvature can mimic a greater depth-of-field since the bottom (closer) parts of the FOV may be more in focus. It comes at the expense of lacking edge sharpness in the horisontal direction.
//L
Edit: Astigmatism and other aberrations responsible for lacking edge sharpness are of course not desirable. Some curvature of field can be.
......................, but the 7x42 FL is my favorite....period. None of the current Alphas are 7x and therefore none of them would be my bin of choice. .......................
Frank,
Did you forget about the Nikon EDG-II 7X42?
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/Nikon-Products/Binoculars/7565/EDG-7x42.html
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I didn't forget. It is an excellent optic.....................
For the sake of keeping this thread on track my original choice of the word "Alpha" simply referred to the current flagship models from Zeiss, Nikon, Swaro and Leica. I would consider them to be the FL and HT, EDG, SV and SLC (HD or non-HD) and UV HD.
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I do consider the difference between 419 and 450 notable though if we are talking about the ultimate binocular, 7x in this case. I am not discounting the larger sweet spot of the Nikon but given the choice I would take the larger field of view even if it isn't as good on the edge.
Can anyone tell me why I would want to view a bird at the edge of the field of view?I always centre the bird I am viewing but maybe this is wrong.Of course when watching a flock of birds I concentrate on those in the centre and I am aware of the others and if I want too centre those as well.Can anyone explain please? Regards ...Eddy
Thanks Bruce for your effort! You may know I'm a great fan of sketches like yours and I have posted quite a few on the forum myself.
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//L
Three plus pounds of binocular. Yep, that will be popular in birding circles.
Yes, HaHa that is why I sold mine BUT it did have good optics. More for astro use.Three plus pounds of binocular. Yep, that will be popular in birding circles.
Took a chance on the Opticron Bga Se 7x42 Uttings are doing at just £219, the Bga line is a fine range although I`v never tried the 7x42 !
With Winter`s dismal light levels around the corner and an ever lessening choice of 7`s around I thought it was too good an offer to ignore.
Should be here tomorrow.
I've been agonising over the purchase of a used 7x42FL, wondering if I can justify a 7x of that value (or any another binocular for that matter). The Imagic range are good quality units, at this price, and as you say, the dwindling availability of 7x roofs, this appears to be a great choice. Got one ordered too. Thanks for the heads-up.
Edit: Incidentally, this past weekend, I visited a camera/optics shop in a nearby city. They had a range of Opticrons and Swaros in the window. I went in and asked if I could try the Opticron 7x42. The assistant/shop owner asked why I wanted anything 7x, then told me that 8x was what I needed. I'm sure he was "helping" me, but I didn't get to look through them, so wasn't tempted to buy them. Perhaps this bargain was waiting for me/us? (I hope he wasn't right. though......)
Dave