10x42 Binoculars, but which ones???

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

The old addage that you get what you pay for is not truly applicable here. I figured I can get 5 pairs of these for the Swaro's I viewed. Warranty is not yet proven granted but no reason to suggest anything will not be honoured. Their e-mail contact thus far has been superb. Just attempting to buy the 8X43 at this moment.

I can only echo Veracocha's comments concerning the Hawke ED's. Stunning binocs for the price. Optically, to all practical intents and purposes, there's no difference between them and the 'alpha' bins.

Cheers
Jonathan

[Cellarman]

Have a look here: Hawke Binoculars at Birdnet Optics

and here: Opticron binoculars at Birdnet Optics

[wellies101]

OK, went for a pair of Opticron 10x42's, Imagic BGA SE WP. Very pleased with them. Very clear image, good light coming in, not too weighty but feel like a good weight. All in all pleased with my first pair of bins. And they got me my first pair of Gargany and my first Lesser Redpoll today too down at London WWT in Barnes!

[watsthat]

I`ve had 10x42 Opticron Imagic for years and they have served well, but my next pair will be 8x42. The field of view with 10x, esp when looking up into a big tree, is too small and it can be tricky locating your bird. My brother has recently bought a pair of 8x42 Vikings and they seem good value.

Pete

[wellies101]

watsthat, I agree, the field of view is reduced with the 10x. However, I am still learning my bird ID's and decided in the trade off between close focusing (therefore better detail) and speed of being able to view the bird, detail won.

[Cellarman]

I prefer 8x32 for just that reason. The field of view with my 8x32 ELs is superb and the light loss compared to 8x42s is not noticeable, in fact they outperform most 8x42s on the market, including Leica!

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by Cellarman

I prefer 8x32 for just that reason. The field of view with my 8x32 ELs is superb and the light loss compared to 8x42s is not noticeable, in fact they outperform most 8x42s on the market, including Leica!

I have always preferred 8x32s, mainly because I don't like bulky and heavy gear. I too have the ELs and although I feel all faint whenever I think of how much I paid for them they still astound me each time I look through them.

Regards, Chris

[DavyG]

Originally Posted by Wings

Hi,
I am selling:Zeiss 8x20 Victory Compacts. Brand new boxed.
£250
Let me know if you are interested.
Thanks.

Reported.

[RobinP]

I bought a pair of 8x42 Leica BA's off Ebay, second-hand for £400 and they are brilliant, great in bright light and even better in low light. The depth of field is amazing, I hardly have to move the focusing wheel at all between 30m and 200m. They are a little on the heavy side but so well balanced I can carry them around all day without any problem, best purchase I've made for a long time.