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What's your most used binocular? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter William Lewis
- Start date
Ratal
Well-known member
I wanted to love these - but the 13mm of useable eye relief killed it for me - no sunglasses at sea / snow / desert - so had to bow out.
Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25. Smaller, so more likely I will have them in a jacket pocket during the cold weather months. I only pack the 8x42 when specifically intending to go birdwatching or sightseeing rather than opportunistically.
I suppose I always carry my Nikon 5x15 HG monoculars, but they are not binoculars.
I suppose I always carry my Nikon 5x15 HG monoculars, but they are not binoculars.
Ratal
Well-known member
My Victory 8x25 get used extensively. Great binocular to always have to hand even iof busy in the city.
I have a ScotteVest jacket with lots of pockets, and yes, I usually carry the VP 8x25 with me at all times, but the unseasonably hot summer meant no jackets and no pockets for carry.
Most-used overall - Swaro EL-SV 8x32. It's not my favorite bino, but I use it the most because it's ER lets me use it w/sunglasses. I live in very bright areas.
Most-used this past year - Leica 7x35 Retrovid. No particular reason - I just like it. Plus it is fun to watch other birders trying to figure out what I am using. You can tell when someone is paying close attention to what is hanging in front of your chest.
Most-used this past month - Meopta 8x32 Meostar (Cabela's variant). It is my "truck bino", and since I haven't made any trips lately that are specifically to use binoculars, the viewing I did do was just quick unplanned stops that lasted only a short time.
Most-used today - Nikon EII 10x35. I keep it on the windowsill that faces the back yard and the mountain top beyond. Since we keep feeders in the backyard, I get to view birds every day from the comfort of my living room.
Most-used tomorrow - ehhh... probably the Nikon. I'm not planning on going anywhere............
Most-used this past year - Leica 7x35 Retrovid. No particular reason - I just like it. Plus it is fun to watch other birders trying to figure out what I am using. You can tell when someone is paying close attention to what is hanging in front of your chest.
Most-used this past month - Meopta 8x32 Meostar (Cabela's variant). It is my "truck bino", and since I haven't made any trips lately that are specifically to use binoculars, the viewing I did do was just quick unplanned stops that lasted only a short time.
Most-used today - Nikon EII 10x35. I keep it on the windowsill that faces the back yard and the mountain top beyond. Since we keep feeders in the backyard, I get to view birds every day from the comfort of my living room.
Most-used tomorrow - ehhh... probably the Nikon. I'm not planning on going anywhere............
Two of my favorites, but it's the 8x20 Ultravid that is always with me and gets used every single day, even over my 7x21 Curio.
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Good lineup!
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Has it ever needed a service?
Boogieshrew
Well-known member
Leica Retrovid 7x35. Used nothing else for over a year.
They are the bins I've been waiting all my life for.
They are the bins I've been waiting all my life for.
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Such a good quality all rounder, if they had a bit better transmission id have one instead of the SLC.
I think of the Retrovid every time I'm using my old Leitz and just may end up with one someday, largely encouraged by the number of posts I've read like yours just now.
7x42FL purchased new in 2010 I think it was, still love them.
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Am I right in thinking we've not got a single nl yet!
Seems like 32mm and less is a very popular choice, victory pockets being especially favoured along with the retrovids. I've had a good bird up outside the tent with the opticron srga 8x32's this morning, now there collimated properly I'm really enjoying the little guys, all you really need. Lots of fly overs in the environs of the blackwater estuary in England today, I think I'm up to 20 odd species without a great deal of effort!
Will
Seems like 32mm and less is a very popular choice, victory pockets being especially favoured along with the retrovids. I've had a good bird up outside the tent with the opticron srga 8x32's this morning, now there collimated properly I'm really enjoying the little guys, all you really need. Lots of fly overs in the environs of the blackwater estuary in England today, I think I'm up to 20 odd species without a great deal of effort!
Will
Anyone not into optics who look through my CL8x25's are completely blown away.
It's only the die hards on here, going on about exit pupil, kidney beans, black outs, glare etc etc etc that really care.
NL's and the like (over 2k) are for a very small group of people really into their optics and demand the very very best.
Most folk are happy with a nice lightweight small bino, and it shows.
There's a lot of love for the retrovid, and various pocket binos.
I still rate Conquests as superb, along with Swaro CL's, Leica Ultra's....
'Mid range' stuff is so good, you've got to go some to justify 2 or three times the cost.
I can't.... some can.
I can't ever imagine the need to buy NL's personally, but fully understand those that do.
My little CL's still see more use than my Meostars and never disappoint 👍
