The best you've ever seen (2 Viewers)

[PhilR.]

Honestly, this is a troll bait topic.
Apart from a very few, such as maybe Henry or Timmo, no birder has the time, talent or funds to really evaluate dozens of different binoculars well enough to pick a winner.

Nobody is asking you, or anyone else for that matter, to pick a winner. The OP merely asks what is the best *you have seen*.

This is a forum, where people go to talk about a subject that interests them. If you don't want to talk about the subject but instead merely want to insult, then you should just go somewhere else.

 

[PhilR.]

Which binocular has the best pure optics of any you have seen.

As I've seen a lot over the years, it's hard to pick out the absolute best. However, for some reason the Zeiss Victory FL 8x32 does stick in my head, although it might be because of the overall package, and not entirely the optics alone.

OTOH, the best I own and therefore have experience with is the Nikon SE 8x32.

 

[mulligatawny owl]

If incredible sharpness, great color fidelity and brightness, and a wide, easy view are what you desire, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better, I think.

A lot of people would probably argue the EL Swarovision as being superior, but I found it to be less friendly on the eyes (due to rolling ball) and not quite as sharp in the center. In this regard, only the SLC-HD has bettered the Kowa Genesis I now own.

Of course, everyone's eyes are quite different and these are only my subjective impressions.

Justin

I'm starting to think the SLC HD 8x42 I had was a bit of a dud, I prefer both the SE and the Conquest HD to them, especially in regard to sharpness .

 

[CharleyBird]

Every time I look through an expensive pair of Zeiss I get the urge to splurge...from the 7x42 to the 8x32. I so want and nominate a pair of HT 8x54.

 

[edwincjones]

the best?

the one I am using at the time

edj

 

[WJC]

Hi Phil:

As a former Texan, I, too, have been trained to throw New Yorkers “under the bus” at every opportunity. However, I must say, I took no offense at etudiant’s comments. Even if I read them wrong, there was a lot of truth in his succinct observation.

I have witnessed people almost come to blows over who had the “best” binocular, when both—regardless of cosmetics and price—were manufactured in the same plant, often where neither combatant might suppose. For example: The American binocular on the left, and the European on the right were both manufactured in . . . Japan.

This whole matter is a two edged sword. As you point out, this is a forum for sharing and comar . . . Kommarad . . . commer . . . friendship. Then, there are those who want all the answers in a tidy, precise package, which, with people having different knowledge, needs, and perceptive abilities, can never happen.

But just think, if performance COULD be quantified, these forums would shrink by 98%! Frankly, I would rather have the friends than be smug about some chunk of glass and aluminum. I’ve looked through the best; I’ve owned the best; my birding bino is the 8x32 SE. But, if my 60s Jason Statesman is the one that’s handy when I want to go walking and observing birds—it’s the Statesman I grab. Should I pass a birding snob while on the trail, I smile and move along. I just want to enjoy nature—not get in a peeing contest with another observer.

(Pecos) Bill

PS Okay, Ed: Yours was more succinct!

 

[elkcub]

Swaro 8x42 SLC-HD

Ditto. This is also the best I've seen to date.

Ed

 

[brocknroller]

Like Mooreorless and Torview, my birding glass is a 8x32 SE. HOWEVER, the difference in it, and myriad others I've never seen, is below the threshold of recognition for virtually all observers.

We like our answers wrapped up nicely in easily quantifiable packages. But, while convenient, it's not realistic! Thirty binos sit on my work bench, waiting for my attention, as they have been for . . . two years. Among them are the BEST and the WORST. But, even those in the middle would provide years of great service in the field.

Just remember: there is no perfection in binoculars and trying to reach that which doesn't exist can cost heavily.

My first good guitar was a top of the line Rickenbacker ($$$$) and my best sounding guitar was a Gretsch Nashville ($$$$). When maturity overtook ego, I learned an Epiphone Casino ($) was just right for my needs. :-C

Bill

It was also right for the needs of John Lennon, after he stripped the paint off:

John-Lennon-Casino

Brock

 

[WJC]

"It was also right for the needs of John Lennon, after he stripped the paint off:"

32 vintage RICs, 3 Hofner 500\1s, all the big Gretsches, and a half dozen Epiphones, and even before my stroke I didn't have the talent (or at least dedication) to be a REAL player. It's much like that with some bino enthusiasts. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. But, I have learned to replace ego with something more mature. Oh, I hate it when that happens.

Bill

 

[Sancho]

I recently bought my son a Fender Strat-type Squire. I presume this is the Hawke/Zen-Ray of the guitar world. Cost a lot less than even my 2nd-hand SE´s, with a nice 50-watt amp included. Damned fine guitar, much better than anything I could have laid my talentless hands on at age eleven...

 

[WJC]

The things some of have learned about guitars, cars, golf clubs, and lawn mowers may be applied to binos, as well. Below are the last three of 7 or 8 Strats. One was Japanese—the others Mexican. The alder tree doesn’t care if it’s going into a guitar from Fullerton, California or Polynesia.

I have a Squire Jazz Bass. I looks, feels, and sounds like the real thing. However, it cost $1,000 less. At my age, I can afford to be into music, and not showmanship.

Not all, of course, but some observers fawn over performance data they don’t understand or the reality of which falls WAY below their threshold of perception. It’s value? Giving them something to talk/argue about on binocular forums.

Bill

 

[bh46118]

Honestly, if you don't like my thread stay out of it. I didn't ask you anything about birding.

Honestly, this is a troll bait topic.
Part from a very few, such as maybe Henry or Timmo, no birder has the time, talent or funds to really evaluate dozens of different binoculars well enough to pick a winner.
The Docter 12x50BGA that I used to carry was probably as good optically as any Nikon SE, just different.
My current Canon10x42ISL is certainly no better optically, but it is a more effective birding tool thanks to image stabilization.
As birders, that should be our priority. Optical merit is a means, not an end.

.8

 

[fugl]

Keep it civil, please.

 

[WJC]

"Optical merit is a means, not an end."

Logic gets more beautiful with its rarity. :t:

 

[bh46118]

Thanks Phil

You nailed it.

Nobody is asking you, or anyone else for that matter, to pick a winner. The OP merely asks what is the best *you have seen*.

This is a forum, where people go to talk about a subject that interests them. If you don't want to talk about the subject but instead merely want to insult, then you should just go somewhere else.

 

[David in NC]

I love binoculars AND birding, and have interests in both fields. The topic hasn't gotten old with me anyway.

 

[ceasar]

Hi Phil:

As a former Texan, I, too, have been trained to throw New Yorkers “under the bus” at every opportunity. However, I must say, I took no offense at etudiant’s comments. Even if I read them wrong, there was a lot of truth in his succinct observation.

I have witnessed people almost come to blows over who had the “best” binocular, when both—regardless of cosmetics and price—were manufactured in the same plant, often where neither combatant might suppose. For example: The American binocular on the left, and the European on the right were both manufactured in . . . Japan.

This whole matter is a two edged sword. As you point out, this is a forum for sharing and comar . . . Kommarad . . . commer . . . friendship. Then, there are those who want all the answers in a tidy, precise package, which, with people having different knowledge, needs, and perceptive abilities, can never happen.

But just think, if performance COULD be quantified, these forums would shrink by 98%! Frankly, I would rather have the friends than be smug about some chunk of glass and aluminum. I’ve looked through the best; I’ve owned the best; my birding bino is the 8x32 SE. But, if my 60s Jason Statesman is the one that’s handy when I want to go walking and observing birds—it’s the Statesman I grab. Should I pass a birding snob while on the trail, I smile and move along. I just want to enjoy nature—not get in a peeing contest with another observer.

(Pecos) Bill

PS Okay, Ed: Yours was more succinct!

Re the Japanese binoculars shown:

The binocular on the right is a Kahles, I have one and I can it tell by the thumb stud on the diopter ring. Additionally the Vortex Viper clone looks like it comes from the same Japanese manufacturer. Both are good binoculars.

I can't remember when America last took credit for any binocular although my guess is that the one on the left is a Brunton Echo which may or may not have phase coatings.

Bob

 

[bh46118]

This thread has become more about certain forum members psychological quirks than about the simple question asked. I guess I should have started another scintillating entry about stiff focus knobs, direction of focus knob rotation, rolling ball, which SE serial # is best, which paint chips taste best, what color of paint is the most fun to watch dry. I get excited just thinking about the possibilities.

 

[coolhand68]

In no particular order:

Nikon 8x30 EII

Leica 8x42 Ultravid HD

Swarovski 8x32 EL SV

 

[bh46118]

The EL 10X42 I recently saw is the first binocular that had me thinking $2500 for a single binocular might actually not be the craziest damn thing I've ever heard of.

In no particular order:

Nikon 8x30 EII

Leica 8x42 Ultravid HD

Swarovski 8x32 EL SV