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Message: <blockquote data-quote="audio217" data-source="post: 2365487" data-attributes="member: 69154">Nikon 9x30 and 12x36 Execulite Vintage BinocularsIn the latest reply to this forum both members didn't mention what binoculars that they made a comparison to? I compared my Nikon 9x30 binoculars to my Pentax 8x32 SP's ($650) and I preferred the Nikon 9x30 hands down to these highly rated binoculars. The 9x30's are a very unique design and easy to use with clarity on par or better than these expensive Pentax's. The Pentax's were bulky and seemed alot heavier also and would be hard to carry around all day long. I recently sold them.I also compared the 9x30's to my expensive pair of Bausch & Lomb 7x35 Elite's. These binoculars sold new for $1200. These are great binoculars but I still perferred the 9x30's. The 9x power had an edge of the 7x and the extra power gave the image better detail.  There many different types of binoculars and it is a matter of personal preference and how much money you would like to spend. Technnology is important with the coatings, but I also had a pair of Browning 8x32's which were favorably rated and they were heavily coated with the latest phase technology but flared when in direct sunlight. The image quality was quite nice but they were bulky and disppointing when viewing on a bright day.I also have a pair of the rave reviewed Pentax 8x42 WP and it is an excellent binocular . They have a larger objective thus a brighter image and wider FOV. I compared my 12x36 to these binoculars and I wasn't disappointed. Again, the Nikon is lighter and easier to carry and has the same or similar quality. I liked the 12x Nikons because of their unique classic design. Easy to focus and to hold as well as being very clear and sharp.The price of any worthwhile binocular is condition. Both my 9x30 and 12x30 are in pristine condition and are collector quality. You might be lucky on Ebay and find one for the price the member mentioned, but is it rare to find one top shape. Most of the ones I have seen are "user" quality thus the $90-$175 price range. Nikon 9x30 when new went for $565.00 and the 12x36 went for $750.00 in the 70's. Not cheap by any degree .  .  .</blockquote>

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