Which compact binoculars (1 Viewer)

[dwatsonbirder]

Apologies for another thread which has probably been done to death, but here we go!

I'm considering a pair of compacts to take with me on dog walks - I have a few other decent bins, but I appreciate that for my purposes, I'm not after something comparative.

In short, I'm after something that is compact and lightweight, and ideally inexpensive (maximum of £100, but ideally under £80). Optical quality is not particularly high on the agenda, but something with good eye relief, sharp and ideally a wide(ish) fov are main considerations. The main use will be for an opportunistic infrequent look at anything interesting when out on a walk. The bin will live in my coat pocket, so don't have to be waterproof.

I've been considering the following, mostly used reverse porros as these seem to be cheap and I suspect optically superior to a roof;
Opticron vega 8x25
Opticron MFC 7x24
Nikon 7x20 cf iii

My father has a pair of Nikon travelite 8x25 EX, which for an affordable compact offers a decent view - ideally this is the standard I'm hoping to obtain!

I have considered the possibility of a Hawke sapphire, older Leica trinovid or a used Zeiss terra compact, but I'm reluctant to spend £200 on something that I may only look through once a month!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, used kit is also fine.

 

[Mike Crawley]

I've been tempted by Opticron's trailfinder 8x25 as a specialist pocket/hiking/town/dog walking binocular. Just not quite ready to purchase but intend to go to my local optic shop to have a proper look after Christmas
If I remember correctly they are about £90

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Thanks Mike, I did see those and they do look decent, however they're not as compact as I'm after (I think). My partner has a pair of Traveller 8x32 which are excellent, but a bit too big for what I'm anticipating using them for.

 

[Alexis Powell]

I would say that it is hard to go wrong with an 8x25 reverse-porro from any of the major brands. One of my past favorites has been the Nikon 8x25 ProStaff ATB because it is compact compared to some other 8x25, is waterproof (= dustproof and gunk-proof when in pocket), and has decent eye-relief, but I don't think it is really substantively better than cheaper models from Nikon, Olympus, Opticron, or Pentax. FOV is not a strong point of any of these bins.

--AP

 

[Dipperdapper]

Hello,

I think the new Barr & Stroud Series 5 8 x 25 is a good option at a price of about £99.95: very nice optics and ergonomics, magnesium alloy chassis, nice big focus wheel and even comes with a cute rubber rain guard and objective covers.

Barr and Stroud Series 5 8x25 Compact Binoculars The Birders Store

The Barr and Stroud Series 5 8x25 Compact Binoculars are convenient to take with you anywhere, so you don't miss any of the action! The magnesium body offers excellent robustness whilst retaining an overall light weight for comfortable handling.

www.birders-store.co.uk

And an honorary mention of the Pentax Papilio II 6.5 x 21 or 8.5 x 21; the 6.5 model has a very well corrected 7.5 degree field and is very nice to handle. Neither are waterproof though, so will need a bit of TLC.

Pentax 8.5x21 Papilio II Binocular - Best Price at Bristol Cameras

Regards,

Neil.

 

[Cest]

I have the Maven 7x28. It is clear and sharp. It retails for $160 US.

 

[Rg548]

At that price, go second hand from a reputable dealer, such as Ace Optics, you will get a lot more bang for your buck!!