What 3 binoculars do you USE the most for birding? (1 Viewer)

[[email protected]]

We have only 3 pairs in our household.

My main bin is a Ultravid HD 8x42, which I use most of the time.
The other is a Nikon EII 8x30, which I sometimes take for hikes in the mountains because it is lighter. It also sits in the shelf and I grab it for watching stuff around the house.
My son uses a Yosemite 6x30.

I tried a while for a second bin to complement the Ultravid 8x42, starting with a Trinovid 8x32 BN, which I liked but replaced by a Zeiss FL 10x32, because it seemed the better complement to the 8x42. I also sold it because I could not get used to the fast focusser. Then I bought the EII, mainly out of curiosity. It is a nice bin, but it does not get much use, it is just not as comfortable to use as the Ultravid.

So for now, I gave up on the idea of a second bin, as I realised that after all, the Ultravid gives me all I need. I might consider replacing it in a while by a 8x32, perhaps once the 8x32 SF and the Ultravid successor are available. But probably not.

You mean you use them for a bird feeder and birds close to the house?

 

[dalat]

You mean you use them for a bird feeder and birds close to the house?

The EII, yes, for birds and mammals around the house. And, as I said, sometimes for hikes in the mountains or casual walks where birding is not the main purpose, as they are a bit lighter than the UV.

 

[chill6x6]

I'm glad you said what THREE binoculars I used the most!

Without question the binocular I used the most is the Zeiss Victory HT 10X42. Main reason is if I can't identify a bird, I want it to be MY fault, not the binoculars. There is something that causes me to pick these over the Swarovski 10X42 EL SV almost every time. Probably because it SEEMS the HT's MAY and I said MAY be ever so slightly brighter early morning and dusk. Also I like the fact that the lens rain guard cover is independent of the carrying strap. That allows me to use the rain guard WITH my harness.

Second most used is the above mentioned Swarovski 10X42 EL SV. Not much difference between the EL SV and the HT, IF any. Looking forward to used these Swarovski's a little more in the future.

THIRD most used binocular…. Vortex Viper HD 8X32. REGARDLESS of selling price…GREAT binoculars. Light, great FOV, easy focusing, and crisp optics. Very little if any difference optically between these and my Zeiss FL 8X32 T*.

 

[bcskr]

My favorite all around is 8x32 SV EL.
In the woods or jungle, 7x42 EDG.
In a vehicle, or when I don't want to carry a scope, 12x50 SV EL.

 

[[email protected]]

My favorite all around is 8x32 SV EL.
In the woods or jungle, 7x42 EDG.
In a vehicle, or when I don't want to carry a scope, 12x50 SV EL.

How do you like the 12x50 SV? Can you hold it steady enough without a tripod?

 

[bcskr]

The short answer is yes, but not for prolonged viewing.
I really enjoy using it with a tripod, haven't yet tried a monopod.

 

[bcskr]

Here's the long answer: I couldn't imagine using this glass because I hardly ever use my 10x42, until a recent trip to Belize sponsored by Eagle Optics and Swarovski. Clay Taylor had a large assortment of optics so I had the chance to look through the 12x50 EL. I said "wow" and he laughed and said that's what everyone says. It is so well balanced that it is very easy to hold. It is definitely a special use item. I would not want to spend the entire day using it without support.

 

[[email protected]]

Here's the long answer: I couldn't imagine using this glass because I hardly ever use my 10x42, until a recent trip to Belize sponsored by Eagle Optics and Swarovski. Clay Taylor had a large assortment of optics so I had the chance to look through the 12x50 EL. I said "wow" and he laughed and said that's what everyone says. It is so well balanced that it is very easy to hold. It is definitely a special use item. I would not want to spend the entire day using it without support.

Those 50mm apertures present quite a view. The SV's really aren't that big for a 50mm.

 

[jremmons]

Kowa Genesis 8.5x44 -> My go-to binocular if I'm out birding on my own time; the more time I've spent with it, the more I have begun to notice things about it that are amazing... but since I'm not using it for work duties anymore, I spend less time using it that I did previously.
Swarovski SLC-HD 8x42 -> The binoculars provided to us by our employer for work-related purposes. My favorite pair of binoculars I've utilized (though the Kowa are an exceptionally strong competitor), though I'd still like to try the newest Zeiss.
Leupold Mojave 8x42 -> My lightweight binocular typically stored in my car for birdspotting when not birding. Durable and decent optically.

 

[David in NC]

Here's the long answer: I couldn't imagine using this glass because I hardly ever use my 10x42, until a recent trip to Belize sponsored by Eagle Optics and Swarovski. Clay Taylor had a large assortment of optics so I had the chance to look through the 12x50 EL. I said "wow" and he laughed and said that's what everyone says. It is so well balanced that it is very easy to hold. It is definitely a special use item. I would not want to spend the entire day using it without support.

Clay was carrying that 12x50 around at the Birding Optics Expo in April of last year also. I was talking to him and Joel Simon about Swarovski and ergonomics in optics. He had me try it and I had the same revelation...it seemed steadier than some 10X bins I've held and owned! :t:

 

[[email protected]]

A monopod or harness would be good for that one.

 

[[email protected]]

A monopod or harness would be good for that one.

I guess I should say what three binoculars I use the most because I started this thread.

1)Swarovski 8x32 Swarovision(40% of the time)
This is my all weather go-to binocular. It is kind of the jack of all trades and does everything pretty good. It is small, lightweight and waterproof. It never disappoints.

2)Nikon 8x30 EII(30% of the time)
The Nikon EII is my binocular for my BIG FOV fix. At 8.8 degrees there is no other 8x binocular with a bigger FOV. Even the new Zeiss 8x42 SF has a smaller FOV than the EII. The EII gives you that 3D realistic porro view at an astonishing price. The EII represents the best optics you can get for the money. The EII's are just a lot of FUN to use.

3) Leica Trinovid 8x32 BA(30% of the time)
The Leica Trinovid is my foul weather tough condition travel binoculars.They are the toughest binocular made and there is nothing like them. They are a beautifully made classic and the view through them is a natural comfortable realistic view that is hard to explain. My SV's are a little brighter but the Trinovids are more REAL. When you look at a bird with the Trinovids you can be sure that the view is not changed or altered in any way. That is why so many people love these. I recently purchased a pair of the BN's to compare to the BA's I have already. The BN's have the close focus advantage and tougher lens coatings but I hear the BA's are a little sharper. I want to compare the two to see which I prefer.

That's is it. These are the only binoculars I have right now.

 

[bcskr]

Watching birds when it (12x50) is mounted on a tripod with a ball head is really quite amazing.����

 

[Sandy Leng]

1/ Zeiss Victory HT 8x42, my main birding bin. Used in all weathers, superb.

2/ Nikon E11 8X30, great for travelling or in a coat pocket when walking. Also my wife likes it as its nice and light and fits her small hands nicely.

3/ Swift Audubon 804 8.5x44, stays in the house and used for checking the birds in the garden. still optically great even though it's over 40 years old.

These are the only bins I own, don't want or need anything else.

Sandy

 

[temmie]

I use and own one binocular, and suggest every one of you who has 3 or more, to send some to those guys who have none, and are still trying to make a living from guiding in poor countries. The binoculars will see much better use and more birds then when they are sitting in the drawer most of the time.

 

[John Dracon]

Temmie - I understand your post. Young people without resources have been my focus for giving away binoculars for many years now. Is there a way some of these "guiding in poor countries" persons can be identified and given binoculars and maintain their dignity and confidentiality at the same time? Many time I have thought about an international foundation dedicated to moving unused binoculars from "drawers" into the hands of people who will begin to look at birds for what they really are, a marvel of complexity, beyond the ability of our most sophisticated engineers to duplicate. Perhaps there already such foundations or efforts some where in our world?

With the communication advantages brought about by the Net, it could happen that an organization dedicated by altruistic motivations as opposed to profiteering could make this happen. I happen to believe that there are millions of people in affluent countries who would part with decent binoculars if (and this is a big IF) those binoculars did not end up in the hands of unscrupulous persons or pawn shops. Any ideas on my thoughts?

Both of our posts belong on a different thread, but I thought I would expand on your comment.

Best wishes,

John

 

[David in NC]

Also,

Temmie's post also serves to remind me to check myself to make sure I'm not turning into a "binocular snob".

I MYSELF am turned off by anyone who "flaunts" wealth (or affluence) and fear I myself have appeared to be one of those types to some. I just love bins and love birding like the rookie I am (everything is so new and cool!) I can see how I (some of us?) may look this way if it appears we bemoan having such a "tough time" narrowing our stable of alpha and sub-alpha binoculars down to "just three".

Some may disagree but I'll man up and say it could appear that way.

 

[[email protected]]

I use and own one binocular, and suggest every one of you who has 3 or more, to send some to those guys who have none, and are still trying to make a living from guiding in poor countries. The binoculars will see much better use and more birds then when they are sitting in the drawer most of the time.

Very good idea. What binocular do you use?

 

[[email protected]]

1/ Zeiss Victory HT 8x42, my main birding bin. Used in all weathers, superb.

2/ Nikon E11 8X30, great for travelling or in a coat pocket when walking. Also my wife likes it as its nice and light and fits her small hands nicely.

3/ Swift Audubon 804 8.5x44, stays in the house and used for checking the birds in the garden. still optically great even though it's over 40 years old.

These are the only bins I own, don't want or need anything else.

Sandy

How does the Nikon EII compare to the Swift in your opinion? Two nice porro's there.

 

[[email protected]]

Temmie - I understand your post. Young people without resources have been my focus for giving away binoculars for many years now. Is there a way some of these "guiding in poor countries" persons can be identified and given binoculars and maintain their dignity and confidentiality at the same time? Many time I have thought about an international foundation dedicated to moving unused binoculars from "drawers" into the hands of people who will begin to look at birds for what they really are, a marvel of complexity, beyond the ability of our most sophisticated engineers to duplicate. Perhaps there already such foundations or efforts some where in our world?

With the communication advantages brought about by the Net, it could happen that an organization dedicated by altruistic motivations as opposed to profiteering could make this happen. I happen to believe that there are millions of people in affluent countries who would part with decent binoculars if (and this is a big IF) those binoculars did not end up in the hands of unscrupulous persons or pawn shops. Any ideas on my thoughts?

Both of our posts belong on a different thread, but I thought I would expand on your comment.

Best wishes,

John

Nice thought.