Thread: Compact Binoculars

Hi all,
Has anyone had or currently using compact bino’s (8x20) or (10x20) ?
I’m wanting to reduce the weight/gear im carrying for quick hunts in the evenings . So wanting some real world experience using these pocket size bino’s.
Any advice,thoughts,experiences welcome.

I got a set of Vortex 8x28 for the same reason, and to compliment a thermal spotter. They are not top line. But they are good enough to i.d. any deer that you would with big binos but fall away at dusk so cant be used for trophy assessment.
My summary is that they are "good enough" and certainly a useful weight saving but you will notice the drop in clarity at dusk.

Depending where you are in Tararua, Im up there most weeks as far as Pahiatua/Pongaroa if you want to have a look through them. Happy to divert a bit.

If you are using a thermal they are a great compliment, but as Tahr said- they lose their legs as light starts to deteriorate- but can still make out an arse end to verify that it is a deer right up till last light in my experience.

I've had a pair of Leica Trinovid 10x25 for a few years. Bought them as a spare pair, and for something lighter, when I was fishing. Easily fit in a top shirt pocket, nice and light, and have seen a lot of animals....a lot! Yes, because of the smaller objective lense they do give a bit away at dusk, but perfectly adequate if youre filling the freezer.

Thanks for the input guys sounds positive.
I think for the type of hunts I’ll use them for the practicality will outweigh any loss of last light clarity.
Thanks for the offer Tahr, much appreciated . I think I’ll just get some and give them a go.

Swaro slc 10x30

Originally Posted by Tahr

I got a set of Vortex 8x28 for the same reason, and to compliment a thermal spotter. They are not top line. But they are good enough to i.d. any deer that you would with big binos but fall away at dusk so cant be used for trophy assessment.
My summary is that they are "good enough" and certainly a useful weight saving but you will notice the drop in clarity at dusk.

Depending where you are in Tararua, Im up there most weeks as far as Pahiatua/Pongaroa if you want to have a look through them. Happy to divert a bit.

Which model vortex @Tahr?

Kowa BD 10x25 close to half the cost of Leica and Swarovski but very close on clarity and image quality. Have been using for several years, eyes never get tired with them.

I have Swaro CL8 x 25 and before that i had some 10x42 Stiner 10x42 that Peter Milne was selling. The compacts are about half the weight
I ran both for a while And a friend Had BX-1 Leopold's. I still found even when weight wasnt an issue i was using the compacts more.

Only downside is the last 10mins of light they are not quite as good. But at that time im usually not going to shoot something and then recover it in the dark anyway. So sold the Stiners.

Some compact range finding binos would be the next thing for me to reduce weight and volume by removing my separate range finder.

during normal light and most the glassing. The Swaro were clearer and better image IMO

Originally Posted by Dama dama

Which model vortex @Tahr?

Diamondback

I've tried compacts and IMO not much chop in the evenings.

Bought a Vortex 8x36 I think, monocular. Very light and I'm very happy. Cheap too.

Nikon do a neat compact rubber coated shock proof and water proof 10 x bino - great optics - well worth a look

Originally Posted by Oldbloke

I've tried compacts and IMO not much chop in the evenings.

Bought a Vortex 8x36 I think, monocular. Very light and I'm very happy. Cheap too.

I wish more people made good monocular. My eyes so bloody close together I don't get much benifit from binos �� might aswell throw the other half in the bin.
Range finders don't compare in glass quality etc so don't bother there

Have done the same, 8 x 20 better than 10x20 as to hard to hold steady due to very light weight, quick to scan then use high powered scope to identify quality of animal. Also gone to small light range finder to use in one hand.
Make sure you buy high quality glass in binoculars.