What binoculars do you think have the most WOW factor! (1 Viewer)

[[email protected]]

Sure, you say that today.......

I have had and been using compacts lately alot. I like to have at least one pair around. I like them for throwing in your pocket. They are convenient. So the dielectric coatings is the big difference between them. It is interesting that the Swaro is a little brighter than the Ultravid in the Kikert Test even though I believe it because the Swaro is so bright. The Swaro's were way brighter than the Zeiss Victories which I believe to be true.

Prism Coatings on compact binoculars and Kikert Scores on contrast, brightness, and sharpness.


Zeiss Victory 8x20- Dielectric 7 4 8+

Leica Trinovid 8x20- Silver 9 4- 9

Leica Ultravid 8x20- Dielectric 10 4+ 8

Swarovski's 8x20- Dielectric 11- 5 10+

Nikon LXL 8x20- Silver


Notice from the above chart that the Swaro was superior in all areas. Contrast,Brightness, and especially sharpness by 2 FULL POINTS!

 

[Brigadier]

I have had and been using compacts lately alot. I like to have at least one pair around. I like them for throwing in your pocket. They are convenient. So the dielectric coatings is the big difference between them. It is interesting that the Swaro is a little brighter than the Ultravid in the Kikert Test even though I believe it because the Swaro is so bright. The Swaro's were way brighter than the Zeiss Victories which I believe to be true.

Prism Coatings on compact binoculars and Kikert Scores on contrast, brightness, and sharpness.


Zeiss Victory 8x20- Dielectric 7 4 8+

Leica Trinovid 8x20- Silver

Leica Ultravid 8x20- Dielectric 10 4+ 8

Swarovski's 8x20- Dielectric 11- 5 10+

Nikon LXL 8x20- Silver


Notice from the above chart that the Swaro was superior in all areas. Contrast,Brightness, and especially sharpness by 2 FULL POINTS!

Dennis,

Kikkertspesialisten last tested the Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA on June 4th, 2007 and awarded it:

Contrast: 9
Brightness: 4–
Sharpness: 9

This looks to be consistent with what you've found.

Unfortunately they've never tested the Nikon LXL/HGL 8x20 or 10x25.

 

[[email protected]]

Dennis,

Kikkertspesialisten last tested the Leica Trinovid 8x20 BCA on June 4th, 2007 and awarded it:

Contrast: 9
Brightness: 4–
Sharpness: 9

This looks to be consistent with what you've found.

Unfortunately they've never tested the Nikon LXL/HGL 8x20 or 10x25.

They do not seem to ever test Nikon but contrary to many peoples opinions about their testing results I agree pretty close so I don't think they are off that much. Do you have the link for the Trinovid results?

 

[Robert Wallace]

This thread seems to have gone off course with a discussion of compact binoculars which IMO are not "Wow" binoculars because of their compromised spec. Sacrificing FOV and brightness in favour of compactness. This is not a criticsm of compact binoculars but an objective observation.
From what I have learned from the various comments on the BF binocular threads I would nominate the latest Zeiss 8x56 FLs, because their large exit pupil will be easy to look through and the image will be potentially very bright. This is not a binocular I would wish to own for birdwatching, too bulky and heavy.
From my own collection I would nominate my Zeiss (West) 8x30B porro prism binoculars because they look so elegant and in most conditions give an adequately bright image, also they weigh just less than 500g.

 

[[email protected]]

This thread seems to have gone off course with a discussion of compact binoculars which IMO are not "Wow" binoculars because of their compromised spec. Sacrificing FOV and brightness in favour of compactness. This is not a criticsm of compact binoculars but an objective observation.
From what I have learned from the various comments on the BF binocular threads I would nominate the latest Zeiss 8x56 FLs, because their large exit pupil will be easy to look through and the image will be potentially very bright. This is not a binocular I would wish to own for birdwatching, too bulky and heavy.
From my own collection I would nominate my Zeiss (West) 8x30B porro prism binoculars because they look so elegant and in most conditions give an adequately bright image, also they weigh just less than 500g.

I think many would disagree with you on compact binoculars not being a WOW! In my and many others opinion the alpha compacts like the Swaro 8x20 are even more of a WOW because of the small aperture you don't expect them to be a WOW and then you look through them and they are even more of a WOW! I don't know about the Zeiss (West) 8x30B porro prism binoculars. How old are they? A lot of the old classics although good optically aren't as bright or don't have as good of contrast because of the advancements in coatings on the newer glass. The Zeiss 8x56 FL's are definitely WOW but they are a back breaker for birding.

 

[Kammerdiner]

Saw my 100th North American year-bird on Jan. 16 (Hermit Thrush). All with the 8x32 SV, all amazing. WOW even. OK, two of those required a scope to ID (Common Moorhen and American Black Duck).

You can waste time talking about rolling ball and balderdash if you want to, or you can go see some birds. Take your pick. Get an SV if you want to see some birds.

Back in the field,

Mark

 

[[email protected]]

I think many would disagree with you on compact binoculars not being a WOW! In my and many others opinion the alpha compacts like the Swaro 8x20 are even more of a WOW because of the small aperture you don't expect them to be a WOW and then you look through them and they are even more of a WOW! I don't know about the Zeiss (West) 8x30B porro prism binoculars. How old are they? A lot of the old classics although good optically aren't as bright or don't have as good of contrast because of the advancements in coatings on the newer glass. The Zeiss 8x56 FL's are definitely WOW but they are a back breaker for birding.

I spent a lot of time this afternoon comparing the Nikon 8x20 LX and the Swaro 8x20. I wanted to keep the Nikon because it was $300.00 less expensive but in the end I had to return it to Adorama. The little Swaro won out. First off it is lighter and smaller which is an advantage with a compact binocular that you might want to carry in your pocket. The Swaro will easily fit in your pocket,whereas, the Nikon is much bulkier and heavier. Then I compared the optics. In the afternoon when the sun was high the Nikon was doing pretty good but as the sun started to drop the Little Swaro with it's dielectric prism coating came into it's own. The Swaro is quite a bit brighter and you notice it more the darker it gets. A compact is handicapped anyway by it's aperture so any additional brightness is a good thing because it extends your available viewing time at dusk and dawn. The contrast and sharpness on the Swaro's were better also. The view is considerably better than the Nikon. Kikkert is pretty much right on on these compacts.

 

[Kammerdiner]

Sorry, the compacts are what they are: second rate. Live with it if you can.

I'm mostly done with them.

Mark

 

[[email protected]]

Sorry, the compacts are what they are: second rate. Live with it if you can.

I'm mostly done with them.

Mark

They are more finicky than my Swaro 8x32 EL but once you get used to them they are a definite WOW. The Swaro 8x20 is definitely not 2nd rate!

 

[Newbflat]

Sorry, the compacts are what they are: second rate. Live with it if you can.

I'm mostly done with them.

Mark

One of the dumbest things I have heard said here.

 

[Giorgio]

Saw my 100th North American year-bird on Jan. 16 (Hermit Thrush). All with the 8x32 SV, all amazing. WOW even. OK, two of those required a scope to ID (Common Moorhen and American Black Duck).

You can waste time talking about rolling ball and balderdash if you want to, or you can go see some birds. Take your pick. Get an SV if you want to see some birds.

Sorry, the compacts are what they are: second rate. Live with it if you can.

Back in the field,

Mark

You are a bit like the Chuck Norris of binoculars.
I assume that the one who has got a Nikon porro, a Swift, or a Zen Ray Ed2, will miss all details of a bird, because if you don't have a Swarovision, you cannot bird.
Next time you have the opportunity to use a 8x20 Swaro, try to look through with a different point of view, you can really say a short Wow, perhaps not the Wow of possible incoming ET radio signals, but it's surprising the first time you look through and see the image they offer your eyes for their little aperture.

 

[Kammerdiner]

You are a bit like the Chuck Norris of binoculars.
I assume that the one who has got a Nikon porro, a Swift, or a Zen Ray Ed2, will miss all details of a bird, because if you don't have a Swarovision, you cannot bird.
Next time you have the opportunity to use a 8x20 Swaro, try to look through with a different point of view, you can really say a short Wow, perhaps not the Wow of possible incoming ET radio signals, but it's surprising the first time you look through and see the image they offer your eyes for their little aperture.

I've used the 8x20 Ultravid for nearly four years and the Bushnell 7x26 Elite for about a year and a half. I still have the little Olympus Underdog, the 8x25 Tracker reverse porro. A dozen other compacts have come and gone. But for day in day out birding they just won't do. I use them when I can't use something better, and there are plenty of times for that, including backpacking, etc., where size/weight are important.

As for the tiresome charge of Swarovision elitism, I'll let it pass. I still have a Zen ED2 and I used the Nikon SE for three years. The little SV is my choice because it works amazingly well.

Chuck Norris? Kind of my antithesis actually.

Mark

 

[pompadour]

From a thread on the Swaro. pockets ~4 yrs ago: "I think in most reviews both the Nikons and the Leicas are favoured over the Swarovskis." This was also clearly the case overall from everything I could read up 1½ yrs ago. A 10x pocket is important for me as my primary bin(!) Going by that got a L. Ultravid (costlier but lighter than the Nikon). Seems now the Swaro. may have been improved. Would really like to see a recent comparison of the two by someone able to see the full FOV in the Leica (some do, some don't; I do easily, w. or wo. specs). Esp. dim-light use is impt. to me, and seems the present Swaro. pockets are better for this (maybe v. slightly, but it matters!) Not able to compare myself (n.a. in these parts).

 

[pompadour]

Found a way (awkward!) to adapt the principle in post #607 to bigger bins, so a person of avg. strength can hold, say, a lightish 10x~40 roof a little steadier for a few seconds, if that's of any use. The first time: close fist loosely. Open out fore- and midle fingers with tips 1" apart. Bend so each of the two joints makes ~45°. Frame eye with knuckles against face. Partly open other fingers. Fit bin in hands and adjust. Press upper finger above eyebrow, lower below eye.

 

[Troubador]

I've used the 8x20 Ultravid for nearly four years and the Bushnell 7x26 Elite for about a year and a half. I still have the little Olympus Underdog, the 8x25 Tracker reverse porro. A dozen other compacts have come and gone. But for day in day out birding they just won't do. I use them when I can't use something better, and there are plenty of times for that, including backpacking, etc., where size/weight are important.

As for the tiresome charge of Swarovision elitism, I'll let it pass. I still have a Zen ED2 and I used the Nikon SE for three years. The little SV is my choice because it works amazingly well.

Chuck Norris? Kind of my antithesis actually.

Mark

Mark, Mark, Mark

First you come out with "2nd rate and I'm mostly done with them" in what comes over as a brash, dismissive, and even contemptuous statement, then you come over all sensible and balanced in the post quoted above.

At home I never have my Victory Compact 8x20s far from my side, they are easy to put down anywhere amongst paperwork, cups and all that stuff. I would never dismiss them as second rate. And yet they would never be my choice for a proper day out, so I suppose I do rate them as second behind my 32s and 42s.

But I would never say that, its not polite. And some folks may only be able to afford a pair of 20s or just choose them because they don't see room in their lives for 'big bins' all over the house.

Enjoy your birding, whatever you take with you.

Lee

 

[[email protected]]

You are a bit like the Chuck Norris of binoculars.
I assume that the one who has got a Nikon porro, a Swift, or a Zen Ray Ed2, will miss all details of a bird, because if you don't have a Swarovision, you cannot bird.
Next time you have the opportunity to use a 8x20 Swaro, try to look through with a different point of view, you can really say a short Wow, perhaps not the Wow of possible incoming ET radio signals, but it's surprising the first time you look through and see the image they offer your eyes for their little aperture.

Exactly.

 

[[email protected]]

I've used the 8x20 Ultravid for nearly four years and the Bushnell 7x26 Elite for about a year and a half. I still have the little Olympus Underdog, the 8x25 Tracker reverse porro. A dozen other compacts have come and gone. But for day in day out birding they just won't do. I use them when I can't use something better, and there are plenty of times for that, including backpacking, etc., where size/weight are important.

As for the tiresome charge of Swarovision elitism, I'll let it pass. I still have a Zen ED2 and I used the Nikon SE for three years. The little SV is my choice because it works amazingly well.

Chuck Norris? Kind of my antithesis actually.

Mark

I think the compacts have their place. They are not as good as a Swaro 8x32 EL or SV but they are amazingly good for their size and can be used for birding with much success if you realize their limitations like light gathering ability. They are SO convenient to carry you can have them with you all the time. That is their big advantage and they don't get heavy around your neck. I understand your love for Swarovski's and the SV. If RB doesn't bother you they are probably the best roof prism binocular around. My two main roof's are Swaro's and I think they are among the best roof prism binoculars if not THE best made. Mind you I still love my two Nikon porro's the SE and the EII and I will never get rid of them. But I am SHOCKED how good the little Swaro 8x20's are. They are a big WOW for me and so are my Swaro 8x32 EL's which work better for me because RB bothers me.

 

[[email protected]]

From a thread on the Swaro. pockets ~4 yrs ago: "I think in most reviews both the Nikons and the Leicas are favoured over the Swarovskis." This was also clearly the case overall from everything I could read up 1½ yrs ago. A 10x pocket is important for me as my primary bin(!) Going by that got a L. Ultravid (costlier but lighter than the Nikon). Seems now the Swaro. may have been improved. Would really like to see a recent comparison of the two by someone able to see the full FOV in the Leica (some do, some don't; I do easily, w. or wo. specs). Esp. dim-light use is impt. to me, and seems the present Swaro. pockets are better for this (maybe v. slightly, but it matters!) Not able to compare myself (n.a. in these parts).

I think the Kikert Test are pretty accurate so based on their ranking I would try the Swaro 10x25. It beats the Ultravid on contrast, brightness and fov. With the Swarobright coatings they are impressive for a 20mm.

 

[james holdsworth]

People, people............how many times do we need to go through this?

Dennis likes a certain bin only long enough to set a few hooks [lots of takers here on this forum by the looks of it] and then he dumps them.

It has happened [quite literally] 20 times. So, engage in discussion at your peril as his motive is making a profit, not actually examining a binocular with an unbiased eye.

Every single model he currently owns will be on sale within a few months or less, mark my words.

 

[Steve C]

Saw my 100th North American year-bird on Jan. 16 (Hermit Thrush). All with the 8x32 SV, all amazing. WOW even. OK, two of those required a scope to ID (Common Moorhen and American Black Duck).

You can waste time talking about rolling ball and balderdash if you want to, or you can go see some birds. Take your pick. Get an SV if you want to see some birds.

Back in the field,

Mark

Sometimes I think that if I found the abandoned bottle with the magic genie inside it and was granted three wishes, that I would use one of those wishes to let SV owners be affected by rolling ball like a lot of people are. That would cramp some attitude.