'Two into one' upgrade suggestions please. (1 Viewer)

[sbpbirder]

I've got two pairs of binoculars currently, and for me one pair would be enough. 😲 So ages ago I first bought a pair of Minox BD 8x32 BR aspheric and then later when feeling richer(!) a pair of Swaroski 10x25CLs.

I'm at a stage now where anything as heavy as the Minox gets to be a bit much carrying them a long time. They're about 750g with strap. The Swaros are much lighter but without the big FOV I like so much.

So I'm going to either part exchange or sell the two pairs and get one. Can I have suggestions for a pair of lightweight - circa 500g? - binoculars with a really good FOV and costing not more than the Swaro CL Companions, preferably less cost! When we're back off our Egypt trip (actually I've 3 pairs of bins, I bought a £10 pair of Minoltas off eBay to take with me), we'll go on a long weekend trip up North Norfolk way, a good opportunity to try before I buy. Thanks.

 

[Cavendish]

Sounds like you have a solid plan! So in decreasing order of budget:

The Zeiss SFL 8/10x30 are better than the Swaro CL 8/10x30 in many people's view but they may also be over budget. The next step down is likely to be the Nikon 8/10x30 Monarch HG at c. £800.

After that it might be worth looking at some of the better Opticron 8/10x32 options as their models are generally lighter than average. However, although they are fine binoculars, they will be a step down from the three options mentioned above.

Good luck with the quest and look forward to hearing what you opt for!

 

[sbpbirder]

Thanks denco, I don't wear glasses, except for reading. I will need to translate $s to £s in our shops, probably 1 to 1!
I do like 8x30/2s but if there are lightweight bigger binoculars to try I'll give them a go, I'm making a list.

 

[sbpbirder]

I've had to translate 24oz to grams = 665g, so a bit too heavy.
I think I'll have to stick with looking for 8 or 10 mag x 32/0 for lightness of weight.

 

[sbpbirder]

Sounds like you have a solid plan! So in decreasing order of budget:

The Zeiss SFL 8/10x30 are better than the Swaro CL 8/10x30 in many people's view but they may also be over budget. The next step down is likely to be the Nikon 8/10x30 Monarch HG at c. £800.

I hope I don't try the Zeiss, they 'look' good! Bit more than I'd like to pay.

Don't know about Opticron, I'd like to have some ED glasses I think? Well I'm a sucker for 'bells & whistles'. Any suggestions welcome as long as a good FOV and about 500g/18oz(?).

 

[sbpbirder]

FYI ChatGPT gives me:

"1. Vortex Optics Viper HD 8x42

• Weight: 570g
• Features: High-quality ED glass, fully multi-coated lenses for great clarity and color accuracy, and durable construction.
• Why it’s great: The Viper HD combines excellent optics with a solid build, all while keeping weight under the 600g mark.

2. Opticron Countryman BGA ED 8x42​

• Weight: 590g
• Features: ED glass, high-definition optical coatings, and a robust, waterproof design.
• Why it’s great: These binoculars offer superb value, with a clear, sharp image and a relatively lightweight build.

3. Nikon Monarch 7 8x42​

• Weight: 570g
• Features: ED glass, waterproof and fog-resistant, with a wide field of view and great low-light performance.
• Why it’s great: Known for its balance of performance and portability, the Monarch 7 delivers crisp, bright views in a lightweight package.

4. Hawke Endurance ED 8x42​

• Weight: 560g
• Features: ED glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and a lightweight, ergonomic design.
• Why it’s great: The Endurance series offers good optical performance and is easy to carry around without compromising on quality.

These options should give you a good mix of portability, optical quality, and value. If you have a particular budget or brand preference, let me know, and I can narrow it down further!"

Does anyone have DeepSeeks opinion?

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Within the parameters set out (size, weight, FOV, cost, spec) these are the obvious choice: https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/binoculars/traveller-bga-ed-binoculars
My wife loves hers, and I'm impressed whenever I have a look through them.

 

[sbpbirder]

Okay I've further interrogated ChatGPT and got:

"Summary of Newest Models with Wide FOV

• Widest FOV (8.3°): Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 and Kite Lynx HD+ 8x30
• Lightest Option: Opticron Traveller BGA ED 8x32 (~450g)
• Best Value: Hawke Frontier ED X 8x32 (~£419)
• Premium Performance: Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 and Zeiss Terra ED 8x32

If you want to balance modern design, wide FOV, and price, the Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 or Kite Lynx HD+ 8x30 are standout options. Let me know if you'd like a deeper comparison!"

I've not heard of the Kite Lynx or Hawke Frontier, any views on them?

 

[sbpbirder]

I think the ChatGPT is incorrect on the weight of the Nikon Monarch 7 8x42. They are as heavy as the Nikon HG 8x42 at 669 grams. That is why they call it Artificial Intelligence! It could be referring to the older Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 instead of the newer M7, but they are still 660 grams.

Nikon MONARCH M7 8x42 Binoculars

Compact MONARCH M7 8x42 binoculars take performance to the next level — featuring a rubber-armored body and comfortable eyepoint for eyeglass wearers.

www.nikonusa.com

I knew I should just stick with listening to you guys!

 

[Bezzer]

...and also forget its price/best value options no one pays rrp nowadays.

 

[Cavendish]

I hope I don't try the Zeiss, they 'look' good! Bit more than I'd like to pay.

Don't know about Opticron, I'd like to have some ED glasses I think? Well I'm a sucker for 'bells & whistles'. Any suggestions welcome as long as a good FOV and about 500g/18oz(?).

These are discontinued from >£400 hence available at considerable discount from various places. They are highly regarded - there is at least one review on this site.

Verano 8x32

 

[sbpbirder]

These are discontinued from >£400 hence available at considerable discount from various places. They are highly regarded - there is at least one review on this site.

Verano 8x32

Thanks, I hate to say this (I'm a bit daft), but I want to spend more money!

 

[Dennis Mau]

Considering all your requirements, I would get the Nikon HG 8x30. I think that will be the best binocular for you, but it is best if you can try them yourself first.

 

[Maljunulo]

Thanks, I hate to say this (I'm a bit daft), but I want to spend more money!

Always a smart move with optics.

 

[Montereyman]

People often comment on the FOV but in actual use I scan with my eyes and then when I spot something I train the binoculars on it. I need a wide enough FOV to make the target acquisition possible.

The Swarvo 10x25 provide a slightly greater FOV than my 12x50 binoculars. My 16x42 have a very narrow FOV of 3.8 degrees with their image stabilization but that is not a problem with my process of using my eyes for the initial subject detection and the binoculars for confirmation.