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

[A2GG]

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.

That's where I'm at Tantien. I had the SE 8x32 and swaro CL 8x30. I got rid of the SE and just have the CL as my main bin. I want to get one 'WonderBin" that will combine the specific attributes I appreciate of the SE and CL; razor sharp optics in a small compact roof. I just have to save some more money.

 

[cycleguy]

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Do you have a logical selection strategy?

I'd say it comes down to understanding your need(s) and then selecting your binocular to match your need(s).

With that in mind, I find my needs aren't all that specialized and I can get by with a single binocular just fine... it happens to be a 7x36 roof.

However, I could justify these:
a lower cost beater bin for full time storage in the car (economy bin),
a backup and/or loaner bin (excuse to get another bin bin),
a carry around my neck all day out in the field being strenuous bin (the 7x36),
a lounging in my back yard or in camp bin (a 8x42mm bin),
a rested on a tripod bin (a 10x or better bin),
an ultra lightweight and minimalist bin for the extreme can't weigh me down with anything scenario (a pocket bin).

I'm sure I'll think of a few more later... like maybe I'll pursue my interest in owls someday bin (see like day in the dark of night bin).

CG :eat:

 

[Dorian Gray]

It’s interesting that the number three comes up again and again. Maybe that is some kind of manageable sweet-spot. Fewer of you are in favour of my owning just two binoculars, it seems. I must make amends.

I was inching towards a used Docter 8x42 B/CF when I discovered it focused ‘backwards’ (anticlockwise rotation moved the focus farther away). Otherwise it might have been a nice companion for my existing 8x32 SE and Trinovid 8x20, which are neither waterproof nor very bright in dark conditions. On the other hand, the Docter was quite heavy, and one reason I’d like a waterproof binocular is to take it on bicycle tours where it might get soaked for hours. Low weight is nice on a bicycle.

Perhaps there’s no way to find a low-light waterproof binocular that’s also light enough to sensibly carry on a bicycle. In that case I should have made sure at least one of my small-aperture binoculars was waterproof! (This is where it gets complicated.)

I don’t think I’d want a 10x model at this point. I would be tempted by a 7x or a 6x, but low magnifications are rare in binoculars with high-end mechanical construction. Finding a mid-priced binocular with excellent optics is far easier than finding one with excellent ergonomics, materials, and build quality.

Thanks for the discussion, all. If money were no object this would be an easy problem to solve. On the other hand, I’m not foolish enough to think having a dozen binoculars would make me one iota happier than having two or three, so I’ll manage. And even within my budget constraints, and in a market arguably lacking in innovation, a real problem is the surfeit of choice!

 

[Cluster]

I too have a small "collection" that will be bumped up by one or two because one or more of them is a non WP bin.
My target binoculars will be:
7x24 for hiking / light holiday carry.
8x32 for general use. (This is an EII so I use a (WP) Bushnell Excursion 7x36 on wet/very cold days).
8x42 for "serious birding" from hides or watching shore birds. (HRWP8x42, although in fair conditions the EII is good for this too).

My Excursion 7x36 may be replaced by a ZR 7x36, so may become my "car bin".

Oh! I have a kitchen bin too. This is supplied from the small collection of inexpensive but unsaleable bins that I have, (older porros with fungus etc..or just plain unexciting).

I am jealous of those who have a need for a Front porch pair and even a back porch pair!


Dave..

 

[Pinewood]

Hello all,

My ideal combination is 7x and a 10x. Two days, ago, I was out with a 7x42 Zeiss ClassiC and a 10x32 FL, carried in a canvas mini-haversack. The 7x was perfect for finding birds, while the 10x was great for getting a good look at phoebes. When I go to the shore, I take an 8x and a 12x on a monopod.
Today, I just carried an 8x. Someone on this Forum has the motto, "The sevens can do everything an 8 can do, except when you need a ten."
For a loaner, I can offer an 8x30 Leitz Binuxit.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :scribe:

 

[number6]

Yes you do need another, 7x42, my suggestion, Leica ultravid HD.

 

[looksharp65]

Someone on this Forum has the motto, "The sevens can do everything an 8 can do, except when you need a ten."

Close enough. That used to be me, and the phrase was more like "A 7x can do everything just as good as an 8x does, except for the things that a 10x does the best".
I now have two nice 8x, the Meostar and the E II. When I use them, I don't bring the 6.5x/10x combo. I found that at least the E II matches and replaces the 10x32 FL if necessary, but it is way less usable for close-in birding than a 6.5x roof.
Perhaps I should swap my 6.5x/10x for 6.5x/8x. Weird.

//L

 

[Pinewood]

Hello Looksharp,

I regret misquoting you. The 10x32 can come in handy for small birds and distant birds. Its major drawback is a narrow FOV, compared to the sevens or eights. I surely cannot use a ten to follow birds in flight.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur :hi:

 

[gandytron]

My strategy is:

8x20 - these live in by office bag and go everywhere. They also get taken on walks at the nearest bit of greenery to my house

7x42 - my main birding bin for my local patch and forest birding (often early morning/late afternoon and looking for passerines, so the light gathering and wide FOV are perfect)

10x32 - used for travel (my rule of thumb is: if getting on a flight, take the nice small x32 to save space/weight). I also use these for waders/shorebirds.

I also have an 8x43 (Zen) which is a used as a "loaner".

 

[Robert Wallace]

My first alpha pair of binoculars were the Zeiss 10x40 roof prisms which were highly recommended by the birding press in the late 70s and early 80s. I enjoyed using them but they had limitations in woodland, so I purchased the "definitive" Zeiss 7x42 roof. When I went on holiday in my car I had a "Rubbermaid" nylon tool bag into which the two pairs of binoculars plus my Nikon 60mm Fieldscope and extra lenses were neatly stored. In practice I only used the 10x when it was impracticle to carry my scope, but it was handy to know they were available if needed.
Today I use some Nikon 8x32 HGs as my default binocular and frankly they serve all that I need from my birdwatching binoculars. That said a pair of compact 8x20 binoculars are useful when outdoors on a non birding activity - just in case. Luckily I can borrow my wife's.
In summary I would always like a 10x and either a 7x or 8x full size binocular plus a compact 8x.

 

[Robert Wallace]

For those (like me) who need to convince their better half I will reference " Watching Birds"by James Fisher and Jim Clegg both eminent ornithologists in their time. Quoting from the 1978 Penguin edition ""but do consider the possibilities of becoming a proud owner of two pairs of binoculars, each suited to your precise needs".
I give you this following an amusing conversation with the staff of a well know optical retailer in North Norfolk UK. They are well used to hearing examples of mis-guided logic, false repairs including old equipment swapped for new, downright lies and deceit by men needing excuses to buy new optics. I am not being sexist it is usually men, remember the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

 

[ibramr]

Greetings. The troica 8x20, 8x32 and 10x42 would be optimal. The first for urban hikes, the second and third for both hiking and birding. If most of your birding is often in good light, 10x32 could substitute the 10x42 to gain some weight advantage.

In the nice-to-have category, the 7x42 stands out, specifically if it is either the Zeiss FL or the Leica Ultravid (Swarovski is also superb, but Heavy). They offer wonderful views really under any weather condition.

It should be mentioned that quality is key for you to enjoy. It is likely that one superb 8x32 would be better than any so-so fleet. And by quality, I mean both optical and handling attributes--which only you can decide.

Good luck.

 

[peter kitchener]

When purchasing bins my main considerations are optical quality, ergonomics, adequate eye relief (as a specs wearer) and minimum focal distance. Although I have owned Zeiss 10x40s and Swarovski 8.5x42 previously, I haven't used any magnification above 8 for several years.

Nikon EDGII 7x42; my serious birding bins, always used with a scope. Brilliant optics and ergonomics, but MFD only 2.1 metres.
Viking MD 6.5x32; for insect watching. MFD 1 metre.
Nikon 8x32 HG; My main bins for nearly 10 years, now used for "casual birding" if I don't have a scope with me. MFD 1.8 metres.
Pentax Papillio 6.5x21; Originally purchased for insect watching. MFD 0.5 metre, but I find them pretty hopeless for birding. Relegated to theatre use (twice a year!)

 

[Malcolm Stewart]

Out of curiosity, some years ago I bought a pair of 7x50 Porro binoculars (Minolta Activa, weather sealed & fog proof) and whilst I appreciated their ease of use, they rarely got taken out. That is, until we had short eared owls visiting our local reserve, when they were easily the bin of choice for viewing at and past dusk.

 

[Binastro]

. The 10×50 or 12×50 Minolta Activa that I had had very high transmission for a binocular of that price.
it may be that the 7×50 also had good glass and good multi-coatings.

 

[Dorian Gray]

Yes you do need another, 7x42, my suggestion, Leica ultravid HD.

Ha, I like the sound of that! I see a Vivian Darkbloom has one for sale, too, though I’d have to travel to London to get it. Just as well, perhaps.

Thanks very much for all your replies. I’ve enjoyed reading them and they’ve given me a lot to think about.

 

[Binastro]

. Paris to London two hours 16 minutes may be quicker if you go by train.
Average speed including stops is 136 mph. cruises at 186 mph except in the tunnel 95 mph.
In September 2013 they did it in two hours three minutes reaching 208 miles an hour a British record.
A nice day trip there and back to buy the Leica binoculars.