binoculars

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by DrNickBurton

I'm thinking Leica 8x20 Ultravids, which seem to sell 2nd hand roughly in the same price range mentioned by the OP (£300-ish). Does anyone have any experiance of these? I expect Leica's would be good quality, but I'm worried that 20's might just be too small and dark to be useful.

My missus has a pair of these - superb optics from such a small bino - BUT I can't stand them; too fiddly, too small, too light. She loves them

[Arek]

It might be useful:
AllBinos.com - binocular review, binoculars reviews, binoculars specification - allbinos.com

This is translation of Optyczne.pl which currently contains over 150 reviews of the binoculars.

[Veracocha]

Coming in late to this but I have had long experience with most of the manufacturers offerings mentioned above. Also at the Midland Bird Fair last summer I had the chance to the latest array of models on what can be described as a perfect summers day. I went with the intention of getting another pair of Svaro EL's for the wife (and yes she can afford them) but chose not to when I compared them against the Hawke Frontier Ed's that a fellow birder had with him. Same for the Vortex range, Opticron and the Leica's. To me, image is everything and the ED's offered clarity which I deemed better than anything else I'd used before or was on offer. If you look for fault you will find it in anything but if all you want is an incredibly bright crisp image then do not discount the Hawkes. I am looking for another pair of 10x43 so if anyone can help please PM me.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

I had the chance to the latest array of models on what can be described as a perfect summers day. I went with the intention of getting another pair of Svaro EL's for the wife (and yes she can afford them) but chose not to when I compared them against the Hawke Frontier Ed's that a fellow birder had with him. Same for the Vortex range, Opticron and the Leica's. To me, image is everything and the ED's offered clarity which I deemed better than anything else I'd used before or was on offer. If you look for fault you will find it in anything but if all you want is an incredibly bright crisp image then do not discount the Hawkes. I am looking for another pair of 10x43 so if anyone can help please PM me.

All reports seem to be good, but a bright summers day is not a good day on which to compare bins - the brightest may dim in poor light.

[Meta menardi]

Like, I suspect, many others, I have all sorts of compromise bins. The cheap, the very cheap, the not so cheap but not so good.

I was at home today, wanting to watch birds on a feeder I have moved to try and get a better result vis-a-vis the desired clientel (How do you spell that word, all alternatives look wrong) Customers then.

I pulled my Dad's pair of Zeiss 10x50 heavy duty glasses out from their case, held them to my eyes, the light got better, the image was crisper and more defined and the focussing was so much better.

I have been resisting the outlay for a good pair of bins for ages, I think I have to save up to get the right ones now. I have spent about half the price of a really good pair on not that good stuff, though I still like the 10x50 pair dated 1900 and recently re-adjusted (only £40) as they are light compact and take me back to my Grandfather in memory.

Don't buy a compromise and then buy another compromise... Save to get good.

[The Woodman]

That's good advice and an interesting tale, MM.

I bought a pair of Russian bins while I was at college in 1971 for £19. I still use the 7X50's daily and I've never looked through any bins that have better attributes, even the best names. Unfortunately some low life broke into my car a few years ago and stole the empty case with the two pairs of filters and my Schmidt and Bender scope while I was out on the marsh.

I bought a pair of Nikons to take on holiday as I would hate to be parted from my Russian pair and although I have been tempted many times to update, I'm going to stick with them.

[nigel_b]

I have to say these Hawke Frontier EDs really do review well.

If you're looking for a new pair, as opposed to secondhand, I'd second anyone who says, work out how much you can afford, double it and add £400, then buy what you like in that price bracket.

If you can, figure what you want and go secondhand.

[Veracocha]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

All reports seem to be good, but a bright summers day is not a good day on which to compare bins - the brightest may dim in poor light.

But what conditions are? how is one to test a selection of glasses at all times/conditions of the day. All things being equal the performance of each hopefully remains under different conditions. I managed to get another set from LCE today and once again I am stunned by the image quality and the price.