This is topic Compact binocular-opinions. in forum Optics forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by sporterweight (Member # 189) on June 15, 2003, 07:55 PM:
I need a better pair of binoculars than the old swifts my Mom won at work!Something light-I'm thinking compact 7-8x20's.I've looked at the entry level zeiss-$300,leica-$400,and swarovski $500 glasses.Of coarse I'd like to go somewhere and look through them all.But I don't see that happening.Anybody have any input?Also I'm not solid on them being compacts.So what's light"looks good"?Sporterweight
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on June 16, 2003, 04:06 PM:
How ya doing Sporterweight? What will be the main use for these new binoculars you are wanting to get? I am not real sold on the compacts myself. The narrow field of view,
the less light the 8X and 10 X 20's allow in and the fact that they are so light they are harder for me to hold steady for glassing for extended periods. I have tried the compacts in the past and much prefer a 8x30 or 8X32 size for general packing around the hills without to much bulk or weight.
If at all possible I would try to look thru any optics you might consider buying. When your talking about dropping $500-$1500 on some high quality glass you might as well know exactly what your getting. I have had a set of Swarovski 8X30's for going on eight years. They are the most used piece of hunting or outdoor equipment I own. I use them almost daily, and don't regret spending the money for them. I did have a chance recently to use some brand new Leica 8X32's that were very nice. They are more money and are heavier but if I were buying today I'd give them are serious look. Good luck
Posted by sporterweight (Member # 189) on June 16, 2003, 04:26 PM:
Thanks Lonny,
They would be used for walking alot while hunting.And I'm not opposed to the bigger glass.I hear you get what you pay for in this area,but can only swing 5 big ones-max.I'm a creeper,I decide on one then I'm only a little ways from another.Right on and on then reality sets in!!Honestly I've never looked through a real good set,just the cheap stuff.Sporterweight
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 16, 2003, 05:34 PM:
Well, I use 9X35 poro prism Leupolds. I don't think they make them anymore? They suit me fine.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by DAA (Member # 11) on June 16, 2003, 06:09 PM:
In the price range you're talking, be sure to look at the Wind River and Pentax offerings. Not terribly unusual to see used Swarovski or Leica for those dollars either, if used is acceptable.
- DAA
Posted by JLDakota (Member # 14) on June 16, 2003, 09:22 PM:
Over the years I have had opportunity to use most of the low, mid and high buck glass out there and several years ago settled on 10x42 Leica bino's for my personal use. The past several years my wife has claimed them for herself so I began looking for some new glass for me. Last fall on one of the forums someone brought up the 8x42 DCF WP Pentax bino's as being a steal and truly comparable to the Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss high end glass. Pentax was offering a $100 rebate making them $238 to my door after rebate. Figured if I didn' like them I would give them to one of the kids for Christmas. Long story short, I was blown away at the brightness and everything about them when they arrived. My wife, her birding friends and my buddies find them at least as good as the Leica 10x42's and in fact brighter. I would never have expected them to even be close. I purposly have all my wife's birding friends compare my Pentax to not only their glass (which is usually good glass) but our Leica's. They shake their head and write down the model number prior to leaving. After the rebate offer ended the cheapest I've seen them is $370 but I would suggest anyone looking for bino's include them in the mix. Jim
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