What binoculars to pair with Swarovski Curio 7x21? (1 Viewer)

[Sleepycapybara]

I have a 10x42 Vortex Viper HD from a while back but I never liked the contrast and large amounts of green/magenta CA. The curio has a much better CA performance which I appreciate so I'm looking for an upgrade to pair with it. I'm not sure if I want to stick with 10x or try an 8x but is that not too different than the Curio?

I'm looking at the NL Pure 8x32 or 10x32(would this be similar enough fov to a regular 8x?) and can't decide where to go or considering another brand. There aren't any shops near me that stock higher end binoculars, the best I see is Nikon.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The NL's, in general, have a wider FOV compared with similar sized binoculars from other brands

 

[hopster]

Depending on your budget, if you wanted x42 and are not after a very wide & flat field I would recommend the Kahles 8x/10x or Meopta B1+ 10x HD or a second-hand Swaro SLC, Zeiss HT (in 8x) or Nikon EDG. For a bit more money and wide/flat field the Swaro EL, though I personally would prefer the HT in 8x or the Meopta in 10x. Money no object; Swaro NL (but watch out for glare and/or armour quality!) or Leica Noctivid in 8x (neither of those problems, smaller FOV, better colours/contrast, a tiny bit more CA).

I have a lot less experience with x32 so I'll let others comment on that, other than to say that the Leica Ultravid gets a lot of love.

 

[Dennis Mau]

If you're looking at NL's make sure you check them out for glare. If you want an alpha with a huge FOV, look at the Zeiss SF 8x32 because in general Zeiss are more glare resistant. If you don't want to pay alpha prices, look at the Nikon MHG 8x42. I don't think you can find another 42mm binocular with an 8.3 degree FOV, with 92% transmission that only weighs 24 oz. for $1000. A 42mm binoculars like MHG 8x42 takes in almost 2x the light of an NL 8x32 or NL 10x32, has much easier eye placement and is way more glare resistant. The Zeiss SFL 8x40 and SFL 8x30 are another good choice, and they have them for $1100 and $960 at Campsaver with a discount code.

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[PW42]

For me, the perfect pairing with my Curio (these things are so personal) is the NL 12x42.

 

[edwincjones]

I think that it also depends on your planned use
birding, astronomy, general usage, other;
and your ability to hold the higher mag binoculars steady.

edj

 

[SanderBird82]

For me, the perfect pairing with my Curio (these things are so personal) is the NL 12x42.

Wow, thats a big gap. You dont miss a 8x42 or 8x32 in the middle?

 

[PW42]

No I don't. Although I do have 8x as well, I am totally content with the 7x and 12x and that is what I take when travelling.The Curio is bright and convenient so another pair has to be sufficiently different.

 

[Dennis Mau]

Wow, thats a big gap. You dont miss a 8x42 or 8x32 in the middle?

I agree. I would pair the Curio 7x32 with a 8x42. A 12x42 for me would have too small of a FOV and DOF even if it was an NL 12x42. The NL 12x42 still only has a 6.5 degree or 339 foot FOV compared to say the 8.3 degrees and 435 feet of a 8x42 and the 8x42 would be much brighter, have easier eye placement, and shake way less. For all around use and if you only have one binocular, you can't beat a good 8x42 like the Nikon HG 8x42.

 

[PW42]

Yep. It has to be what works for you. It is very much a personal decision. I find the Curio and 12x42 a perfect combination but quite understand the concerns expressed.