Maybe it’s because we now have two kids, maybe it’s because we’re busier, who knows, but sometimes I find myself in “different” birdwatching scenarios, compared to, say, a couple of years ago. Very often there is less time available, and often the opportunity demands a lighter/smaller set of tools that can be carried "just in case", or in a more understated way. As a result, I’ve discovered myself unexpectedly enjoying more and more the company of a 8x25 (Nikon Travelite EX/Prostaff ATB), which offers a surprising level of comfort and, after a small tweak on the eyecups, it behaves almost like an 8x32, but at 350 g/12,3 oz and with a very small footprint. I can carry it on their case on the belt, I even ride my bike like this often and it’s like if they were not there. Because of this, I never use any strap with them (again, it’s usually “unexpected” or “low key” birdwatching).
So, out of necessity, I've started to like this small pleasure of using less and less and this is the “minimal” setup I've been using lately, which is small and light but without compromising terribly on performance. The Travelite are surprisingly capable (a Porro, after all), the image they provide is sharp and crisp, with surprisingly little CA, and if you take into consideration price/size/weight they are a rather appealing proposal, even close focus is not terrible, like in some Porros. And then I’ve added the Kowa TSN 501, which at little more over 400 g/14 oz offers a very usable 20-40x zoom. Obviously, the very last bit of top magnification adds little on the way of usable detail, but even at 30-35 is honestly surprising in terms of detail (and you can use a smartphone adaptor and get usable pictures in terms of documentation/ID). Yes, the view suffers from CA (I just don’t even dare comparing it to my Swarovski scope), but again, taking into consideration size/weight/price, I just can’t fault it. All in all, bino+scope weight in at 773 g (27,2 oz), which is not unheard of for a 8x42, for example it’s lighter than a Leica Ultravid HD 8x42.
In optics, as we know, it’s all about compromises, and there’s usually not such a thing as a “best binocular/scope”, but instead a model that fits a series of criteria (or compromises) that satisfies a certain user under certain circumstances. For example, for me the Canon 12x36 ISIII is a great binocular, personally serves me better than other "alpha" binos I've used. In fact it’s so powerful that I sometimes carry it when I don’t want/can’t carry a scope, but I know it suffers from pretty awful level CA and it’s not waterproof, I can live with those compromises. So, back to this light setup, while both the Travelite and the TSN 501 have many compromises, I think that for around 300 €/$ and 775 g the proposal offers a lot. And then, I can carry the whole set in a pretty understated sling bag, not much bigger than the bag of a 8x32 Swarovski EL (which is also used for the 8x42 SLC).
I’ve considered carrying a tripod, but so far I’ve done without one. So, yes, the use of the scope is limited to situations where I can lean/braze on something like a fence, window sill, an observatory or the like. But even like this, I’ve been able to enjoy some sightings where binoculars just couldn’t grant an ID. Nevertheless, I might consider a very lightweight tripod that fits in that bag, or even a collapsible monopod.
In a broader sense, I find this is in a way a very personal response to very personal needs, but fits in a bigger scheme of "finding what's best for you, not BEST overall" (which can become an obsession). I've tried many alphas, I've had many binoculars that excelled in many fields, but sometimes what I'm looking for is different, and a "worse" device might fit better. Not only are these two tools pretty capable and extremely light and compact, but also reasonably priced, which is perfect for this kind of birdwatching, and it wouldn't be a drama if I lost/damaged them (I bought them second hand). I feel a very special delight using them.
Anyway, this was just a rambling about things I’m using at the moment, not saying this is the best or this is the real answer to anything, just sharing ideas hoping it might help someone or spark some interesting conversation and discussion.
*I’ve intentionally avoided the term "ultralight", because I’m aware that there are lighter options, like an 8x20 binocular and a monocular, or even something like an ultrazoom camera, say a Nikon P900, but again, it’s all about the compromises you are ready to accept. While I really enjoy my 200 g/7 oz tiny 7x20 Nikon CF III (for example, I prefer it to things like a Leica Ultravid 8x20 or a Swarovski 8x20), the Travelite offers a level of viewing comfort and performance that remind me more of an 8x32 than of a compact.
So, out of necessity, I've started to like this small pleasure of using less and less and this is the “minimal” setup I've been using lately, which is small and light but without compromising terribly on performance. The Travelite are surprisingly capable (a Porro, after all), the image they provide is sharp and crisp, with surprisingly little CA, and if you take into consideration price/size/weight they are a rather appealing proposal, even close focus is not terrible, like in some Porros. And then I’ve added the Kowa TSN 501, which at little more over 400 g/14 oz offers a very usable 20-40x zoom. Obviously, the very last bit of top magnification adds little on the way of usable detail, but even at 30-35 is honestly surprising in terms of detail (and you can use a smartphone adaptor and get usable pictures in terms of documentation/ID). Yes, the view suffers from CA (I just don’t even dare comparing it to my Swarovski scope), but again, taking into consideration size/weight/price, I just can’t fault it. All in all, bino+scope weight in at 773 g (27,2 oz), which is not unheard of for a 8x42, for example it’s lighter than a Leica Ultravid HD 8x42.
In optics, as we know, it’s all about compromises, and there’s usually not such a thing as a “best binocular/scope”, but instead a model that fits a series of criteria (or compromises) that satisfies a certain user under certain circumstances. For example, for me the Canon 12x36 ISIII is a great binocular, personally serves me better than other "alpha" binos I've used. In fact it’s so powerful that I sometimes carry it when I don’t want/can’t carry a scope, but I know it suffers from pretty awful level CA and it’s not waterproof, I can live with those compromises. So, back to this light setup, while both the Travelite and the TSN 501 have many compromises, I think that for around 300 €/$ and 775 g the proposal offers a lot. And then, I can carry the whole set in a pretty understated sling bag, not much bigger than the bag of a 8x32 Swarovski EL (which is also used for the 8x42 SLC).
I’ve considered carrying a tripod, but so far I’ve done without one. So, yes, the use of the scope is limited to situations where I can lean/braze on something like a fence, window sill, an observatory or the like. But even like this, I’ve been able to enjoy some sightings where binoculars just couldn’t grant an ID. Nevertheless, I might consider a very lightweight tripod that fits in that bag, or even a collapsible monopod.
In a broader sense, I find this is in a way a very personal response to very personal needs, but fits in a bigger scheme of "finding what's best for you, not BEST overall" (which can become an obsession). I've tried many alphas, I've had many binoculars that excelled in many fields, but sometimes what I'm looking for is different, and a "worse" device might fit better. Not only are these two tools pretty capable and extremely light and compact, but also reasonably priced, which is perfect for this kind of birdwatching, and it wouldn't be a drama if I lost/damaged them (I bought them second hand). I feel a very special delight using them.
Anyway, this was just a rambling about things I’m using at the moment, not saying this is the best or this is the real answer to anything, just sharing ideas hoping it might help someone or spark some interesting conversation and discussion.
*I’ve intentionally avoided the term "ultralight", because I’m aware that there are lighter options, like an 8x20 binocular and a monocular, or even something like an ultrazoom camera, say a Nikon P900, but again, it’s all about the compromises you are ready to accept. While I really enjoy my 200 g/7 oz tiny 7x20 Nikon CF III (for example, I prefer it to things like a Leica Ultravid 8x20 or a Swarovski 8x20), the Travelite offers a level of viewing comfort and performance that remind me more of an 8x32 than of a compact.
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With very few exceptions, I never wish for more.
