Strategies for choosing several binoculars with strengths that complement each other? (1 Viewer)

[Dorian Gray]

Has anyone given much thought to the topic of owning two or more binoculars?

Clearly it would be more elegant to have a single versatile binocular that serves all of your needs. I suspect most of us started like that. Hopefully some of us remain there.

However, after a while you might come to think you want a specialised lightweight binocular and a specialised low-light binocular. And so you go about choosing a complementary pair of instruments.

Now let’s assume that new knowledge and a flight of whimsy lead you to imagine you need a third binocular. How do you spread the workload between them now? Perhaps (1) a lightweight binocular, (2) a bright Porro of low magnification, and (3) a compact, waterproof roof with high magnification.

Et cetera. It’s possible to dream up rationalisations for owning even a dozen binoculars, each fine-tuned for narrower and narrower niches.

Do you have a logical selection strategy? Or were your binoculars acquired in a series of haphazard impulse buys? Why do you keep the binoculars you own? I’m especially interested in thoughts from people who own a small number of binoculars and use them all regularly.

Cheers!

P.S. I own a Nikon 8x32 SE and a Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA. You guessed it: I’m wondering if I need a third! Probably a waterproof model with a large exit pupil. But magnification? Porro or roof prism? Imaging characteristics? New or used? Weight? Brand? Price? I dunno.

 

[Binastro]

. Hi Dorian Gray,
I regularly use a dozen different binoculars each for a specific task.
But this is for astronomy with different kinds of objects needing different binoculars.
The binoculars are chosen for the task and not in a haphazard manner.

For instance a 4×22 binocular with a measured 16.5° field for finding Mercury and new bright comets in Twilight.
5×25 very high resolution binocular for finding the planet Venus in daylight taking exceptional care to hide the sun behind a building. Etc etc.

Many of these binoculars are quite old and have characteristics that are simply not available in a usable modern binocular.
also many are second-hand but in very good condition.
Although there are so many different types and makes binoculars nowadays the actual choice is probably less rather than more particularly regarding usable extra wide-angle binoculars.

But I don't know if the same tactics applies to birdwatching as I don't suppose that there are so many different tasks.

 

[Hermann]

P.S. I own a Nikon 8x32 SE and a Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA. You guessed it: I’m wondering if I need a third! Probably a waterproof model with a large exit pupil. But magnification? Porro or roof prism? Imaging characteristics? New or used? Weight? Brand? Price? I dunno.

8x42, roof, waterproof. The best you can afford.

Hermann

 

[jremmons]

if you have an 8x32 and 8x20 I'd go with a 10x42 or something similar... I find myself using my 10x more and more and almost never grabbing my 8x, which is admittedly lower quality than either my 10x or 6x. You could also go with a 6x/7x or something if you do a lot of birding in dense habitats. The $400-600 market always seems to afford great value considering build and optical quality, with models such as the Leupold McKinley, Vortex Viper HD, and Zen Ray ED3.

I always like waterproof roofs but that's just because they are great generalist binoculars.

 

[typo]

My 7x36 gets most use but I find a 12x50 more convenient than carrying a scope and tripod. I don't really do much low light stuff but a 10x56 works best for me. The 7x36 was carefully researched but the others were fortuitous acquisitions. I have others as well but they mostly sit on the shelf.

David

 

[Sancho]

Hi Dorian (are you the person or the portrait?), I´ve been struggling with this for years. I´ve attempted to formulate a "3-bin" strategy, and have currently settled on compacts (Ultravid 8x20), mediums (SV 8x32) and Big-Eyes (SLC 15x56).
Now this should serve all purposes, except frivolous use of online shopping facilities seem to dictate that I always gravitate towards having seven pairs; no matter what I sell in order to achieve my strategic goal of three, an extra four pairs always seem to materialise. These are usually a couple of medium porros (currently EII and SE), and an extra compact or two (currently Travelite 8x25 and Traveller 6x32).

 

[looksharp65]

8x42, roof, waterproof. The best you can afford.

Hermann

Or maybe 7x42. Nikon EDG II or Swaro SLC Neu/Swarobright.

1) You may want to extend your range by using higher magnification, of course provided that you can hold it rock steady.
Although I have found that my 8x30 E II equals my 10x32 FL's handheld resolution, I'm personally not yet ready to abandon the 10x format.

2) If you regularly go birding in dense forests and thickets, a 6.5x32 is extremely usable and comparatively cheap, the Viking MD being the cheapest I think.

3) Another useful companion is a good 8x32 roof. Maybe the Sightron if you (unlike me) can accept the anticlockwise focuser, or a Meostar if you can't.

4) This Delta Titanium ED 8x56 porro sounds really, really great if you're into owling:
http://www.allbinos.com/index.php?test=lornetki&test_l=199
It is much more niched than a 7x42 but then again, it's not very expensive.
Compare it to the Allbinos review of the Zeiss FL 8x56 and be taken aback.


With an increasing number of binoculars, each of them will see less use but it is also probable that your total binocular using time increases.
I choose to bring a 6.5x32 for walks in the forest, the 8x30 E II for days when I use contacts and want to enjoy its exquisite and immersing view, the Meostar 8x32 for hauling around to and fro' the work (bike) and finally the 10x32 FL for more serious birding at the coast.
(I have found that the 10x32 is less suitable while cycling due to the effects of my heartbeats on the stability of the view. I'm considering the Meostar HD 8x32 once it hits the European shelves).

//L

 

[A2GG]

I've discovered my limit is 3 at this point. At one point I had 5 binoculars, but felt it was a waste. I can understand if someone has additional interests (astronomy and other types of observation) that he or she would need more. And, some people collect modern and/or vintage optics and that's a hobby in itself.

I have a vintage porro, my main pair for birding/nature observation (Swaro CL) and my little 'on the go' Olympus 7x21 that fits in my handbag. In the future I could see myself perhaps needing a 10x or a scope for shorebirds, large fields, etc. Sometimes I feel a bit frustrated when at a large field with the 8x.

 

[looksharp65]

... "3-bin" strategy ...
Now this should serve all purposes, except frivolous use of online shopping facilities seem to dictate that I always gravitate towards having seven pairs; no matter what I sell in order to achieve my strategic goal of three, an extra four pairs always seem to materialise.

I can echo that without reservations, but will probably stick with 6 pairs. But I can justify that with the fact that I don't have them all in the same place.
Carrying the whole band while biking is a Herculean task! :-O

//L

Oh and I sort of forgot the old Meopta porro, the miniature Nikon Mikron and the Papilio. They are very nice in their own way but more as collector's items or due to nostalgic reasons. Not for everyday use like the others.

 

[paul2013]

Sure. 6x wide field for close-up to med. distance. (the yard/park), a bright 8x42 and a compact, light 8x (8x24-32) for easy carry/travel (8x is the most useful mag. for many people, including me), and a 10x for that distant shoreline and the stars.

 

[dalat]

8x42, roof, waterproof. The best you can afford

Yes, that's it for me so far. When I got back into birding about 6 years ago, I bought a Ultravid HD 8x42. That's been my main birding binocular ever since, good buy. For a while I was aiming at haveing 2 binos covering all needs, but have been struggeling so far to find the optimal second one.

- I bought a red Trino 8x32 for my wife and as second one for myself. She didn't use it much and I found it a bit too heavy after a while and sold it.
- I've been using a Zeiss FL 10x32 for 2 years now, which seemed like the ideal complement to my 8x42, I used it mainly in the mountains where light is nice and I don't have a scope with me. It took me some time to realise that 10x is too much for me, it never gave me the same relaxed view as my 8x Ultravid, so I decided to sell it (anyone? see the sales section).
- I've had a Nikon HGL 8x20, which is great, but I never used it much, so I gave it to my brother (who uses it for checking out rock climbing walls, ideal for that)
- I've bought now a second hand Nikon EII 8x30, but more out of curiosity, I don't think (yet) that it will get much use in real life. I've not had in hands yet.

I think I might buy a top 8x32 in future (perhaps when there is something new and great from Zeiss and Leica), but if I do, this would likly become my allround bin then, replacing the 8x42 (only complaint I have about that is it's a bit heavy).

So I kind of gave up the 2 binoculars strategy, I think now that for birding, 1 good binocular is all you need. The trick is to find the right one, and there I mean more the right configuration (mag and size) than the brand or model.

 

[Troubador]

Zeiss Victory Compact 8x20 on our PC work station: always handy to grab when a bird flies by.

Zeiss FL 8x32. My 'carry' of choice when driving in wild country (lighter on the neck than a 42) and for trips where I will be lying down to take photos or when clambering on rocks. These 32s tuck away easily inside my jacket to keep them out of the way.

Zeiss HT 8x42. They do everything else, handle really well and are bright and sharp. Love using them.

So thats it: 3 bins, 3 jobs.

Lee

 

[Dennis Mau]

Has anyone given much thought to the topic of owning two or more binoculars?

Clearly it would be more elegant to have a single versatile binocular that serves all of your needs. I suspect most of us started like that. Hopefully some of us remain there.

However, after a while you might come to think you want a specialised lightweight binocular and a specialised low-light binocular. And so you go about choosing a complementary pair of instruments.

Now let’s assume that new knowledge and a flight of whimsy lead you to imagine you need a third binocular. How do you spread the workload between them now? Perhaps (1) a lightweight binocular, (2) a bright Porro of low magnification, and (3) a compact, waterproof roof with high magnification.

Et cetera. It’s possible to dream up rationalisations for owning even a dozen binoculars, each fine-tuned for narrower and narrower niches.

Do you have a logical selection strategy? Or were your binoculars acquired in a series of haphazard impulse buys? Why do you keep the binoculars you own? I’m especially interested in thoughts from people who own a small number of binoculars and use them all regularly.

Cheers!

P.S. I own a Nikon 8x32 SE and a Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA. You guessed it: I’m wondering if I need a third! Probably a waterproof model with a large exit pupil. But magnification? Porro or roof prism? Imaging characteristics? New or used? Weight? Brand? Price? I dunno.

1)SV 8x32 for all around use. Waterproof and sealed.

2)Nikon 8x30 EII for wide field use when it is not raining or wet.

3)Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 for my compact and light carrying.

 

[dalat]

3)Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 for my compact and light carrying.

Got that already? What about a small review?

 

[Lost Arra]

Anyone keep a "loaner" for clumsy and heavy-handed friends or kids?

I find my Yosemite 6x30 to be perfect for loaning. Good view but won't break the bank if it bounces off the pavement.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Got that already? What about a small review?

It's on preorder. I think at 15 oz. it should be a good compact small binocular like the Swaro CL that won't break the bank but it should be a little better than the 8x20's and 8x25's.

 

[Alexis Powell]

I have a number of bins that I've accumulated (bought, been given, inherited) for different reasons, but I only use a select few for birding, and I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I'd want in a "minimal" set for birding+butterflying. In the past, it was necessary to make more compromises, or to own a larger number of bins to match specific conditions/uses, but the best models today are able to "do it all" with respect to my optical and ergonomic needs, and some almost do everything I desire from a bin. Nowadays, the main limitations of do-all binoculars are those imposed by physical laws, so for me the perfect set is an 8x20, 8x32, and 8x42 that match my optical and ergonomic preferences.

My current set in regular use for birding are Leica 8x20 Ultravid, Zeiss 8x32 FL, and Swarovski 8.5x42 EL (old style with original slow focus). I use the 8.5x42 whenever it is appropriate because I prefer full-sized bins and because I find the view through that model especially satisfying (huge flat low-astigmatism sweet spot, and I don't see the excessive CA that others commonly comment on--maybe this was higher in the faster-focus version? I have no trouble seeing CA in many other bins, including the 8x32 EL and Leica 8x42 Ultravid, which I nevertheless use regularly) but it isn't so great for butterflying or for quickly getting on flitty spring/fall migrant passerines in brushy cover, so I tend to use it mostly in the winter and open country. In situations where focus speed (but not close focus) matters, and in very cold weather (< -20 degrees F), I use Leica 8x42 Ultravid. My hope is that Swarovski will release an updated 8.5x42 with variable ratio focus because then I'd have a full-sized bin that not only works for all birding situations, but that would also be good for butterflying, in which case I'd use the Zeiss 8x32 FL a lot less than I do now. Until then, I'm sticking with what I have.

I have a couple 10x bins, but I don't like the trade-off in FOV and DOF, so I don't find birding uses for them (If I need magnification, I carry a doubler for incidental situations and a scope otherwise). I also have 7x bins, but I don't find much advantage, even in tight situations, over current 8x models.

--AP

 

[Kammerdiner]

Small, medium, and large for me:

8x20 Leica Ultravid
8x32 Swaro SV
8.5x42 Swaro SV

The only one I'm not entirely satisfied with is the 8x20 UV. Try as I might, the 2.5mm exit pupil remains a bit "fiddly."

I suspect the 8x25 Swaro CL might replace it when I get them side by side. No rush on that comparison though; I'm trying to avoid the expense. That Nikon 8x30 M7 will also get a chance, although it's on the heavy side for a true compact.

But for me the 32 and 42mm SV's are lifers--utterly satisfying. If they ever get replaced it sure as heck won't be because they aren't good enough. Like others, I have some back-ups and loaners, including Zeiss 8x32 FL, Zen 8x43 ED2, Bushnell 7x26 Elite.

By the way, that Bushnell 7x26 might just be the equal of a Swaro CL. It's that good, in which case my CFP gets another $800 to play with and I'll just live with the absurd hang angle of the Bushie. :-O

I've tried 10x a few times but for whatever reasons I just can't warm up to it. Likewise I think the big, bright binos (50-56mm) would be lost on me. My eyes aren't exactly "spring chickens" anymore. Plus, I wouldn't like the weight.

Those three binos plus two scopes (big and little, 82mm and 50mm) and I'm set for life.

All made possible by the continuing good advice found here on Birdforum. :t:

Thanks to all,
Mark

 

[A2GG]

Anyone keep a "loaner" for clumsy and heavy-handed friends or kids?

I find my Yosemite 6x30 to be perfect for loaning. Good view but won't break the bank if it bounces off the pavement.

I had the Yosemite 6x30 which was my first bin purchased for birding/nature observation. I thought I'd never get rid of it since it held sentimental value being my first bin ever. I used it the first few years, but after that I only used it once in a blue until it wasn't being used at all and just sitting there in the stacking cabinet. I felt uncomfortable with the fact it was no longer being used, so I donated it to the Audubon sanctuary in Bernards. They use donations as loaners and I thought it would be a great one for the children to use. I knew that I wouldn't feel any regret donating my cherished Yosemite for beginners and children to use.

 

[Tantien]

I've been re-thinking my strategy as well. I've decided to buy for purpose which ideally would leave me with just three.

1. My Nikon SE 8x32s are my favorites and are for all non-wet conditions.
2. I've settled on the 8x32 Vortex Viper HDs for my primary travel/all-round binos. If I had the budget, these would ideally be a Zeiss or Swaro of the same magnification.
3. For pelagic birding and whale watching, I've recently replaced my Atlas Intrepid 10X42 ED binos with Canon 12x36 IS's. The would be my primary distance binos.

So that's three. But I also realized that I need to cover the portable situations and I should keep a pair for each of my car that are not too expensive but more than adequate for being kept in a car. So I also have a couple of older, but still decent, compact reverse porro "beater bins" for my cars that would be available for quick, "emergency" viewing.

If you can afford it and want to combine #1 & 2 together, you could do that as well, but the total viewing quality of the SE is really hard to obtain in a roof unless you go many times the cost of the SE itself.