Thread: Pocket Binos

Hey team,

I’m looking at upgrading my binos as the majority of hunting I do now is open tops. I currently have vortex diamondback 10x42 and am always keen on lightening my pack for the bigger trips. Has anyone had experience using pocket binos, specifically the Zeiss Victory 8x25 and Swarovski CL Mountain 8x25 for extended periods of time? Or would an 8x32 be a better option, although they almost weigh twice as much.

The Zeiss Victory 8x25 interests me because they are light weight and have a wide FOV, wider than a lot of 8x32 binos. I understand that they will lose a little bit of daylight at dawn and dusk due to the smaller objective lens, but will it really be much?

Cheers

Originally Posted by Liam258

Hey team,

I’m looking at upgrading my binos as the majority of hunting I do now is open tops. I currently have vortex diamondback 10x42 and am always keen on lightening my pack for the bigger trips. Has anyone had experience using pocket binos, specifically the Zeiss Victory 8x25 and Swarovski CL Mountain 8x25 for extended periods of time? Or would an 8x32 be a better option, although they almost weigh twice as much.

The Zeiss Victory 8x25 interests me because they are light weight and have a wide FOV, wider than a lot of 8x32 binos. I understand that they will lose a little bit of daylight at dawn and dusk due to the smaller objective lens, but will it really be much?

Cheers

No luck with Zeiss either - had Terra but would not go there :-(
Will have prices on Steiner soon - something I know little about and willing to give a try

Originally Posted by Liam258

Hey team,

I’m looking at upgrading my binos as the majority of hunting I do now is open tops. I currently have vortex diamondback 10x42 and am always keen on lightening my pack for the bigger trips. Has anyone had experience using pocket binos, specifically the Zeiss Victory 8x25 and Swarovski CL Mountain 8x25 for extended periods of time? Or would an 8x32 be a better option, although they almost weigh twice as much.

The Zeiss Victory 8x25 interests me because they are light weight and have a wide FOV, wider than a lot of 8x32 binos. I understand that they will lose a little bit of daylight at dawn and dusk due to the smaller objective lens, but will it really be much?

Cheers

Yeah mate I've used the Swarovski mountains got them through Sarvo on here at a great price
The are fantastic binoculars and punch well above there weight.

Originally Posted by BRADS

Yeah mate I've used the Swarovski mountains got them through Sarvo on here at a great price
The are fantastic binoculars and punch well above there weight.

They are my pick too
Price wise - get in quick while current shelf stock is still there and at pre NZ$ fall prices as Jacobs fro example are pretty well same as my "today" price at moment

Originally Posted by BRADS

Yeah mate I've used the Swarovski mountains got them through Sarvo on here at a great price
The are fantastic binoculars and punch well above there weight.

Thanks BRADS I think I will give the Swaros ago.

Originally Posted by Sarvo

They are my pick too
Price wise - get in quick while current shelf stock is still there and at pre NZ$ fall prices as Jacobs fro example are pretty well same as my "today" price at moment

Thanks Sarvo, is there much difference between the standard CL vs CL mountains?

Originally Posted by Sarvo

They are my pick too
Price wise - get in quick while current shelf stock is still there and at pre NZ$ fall prices as Jacobs fro example are pretty well same as my "today" price at moment

Hi mate any others in stock?


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@Liam258 You may be right about going for lighter weight, the best binos are the ones you have on you. For tops will a little loss of light gathering matter so much? Once available light is that marginal you'd have to ask if you can safely take a longer distance shot.

Only difference between the Swarovski CL and the Mountains is the colour of the protective case (also includes rain cover) and the colour / texture of the binos coating. Glass should be identical. I use the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pockets and I seriously rate them. Haven't looked through a pair of Zeiss Victory pockets, I'm sure they're excellent too. Wouldn't touch the Leica pockets though.

@Sarvo, what's the name of your site, mate?

Originally Posted by Cordite

@Liam258 You may be right about going for lighter weight, the best binos are the ones you have on you. For tops will a little loss of light gathering matter so much? Once available light is that marginal you'd have to ask if you can safely take a longer distance shot.

Thanks @Cordite they will definitely be a step up from by vortex diamondbacks. Good point as well about taking a long distance shot safely.

Originally Posted by joelhenton

Only difference between the Swarovski CL and the Mountains is the colour of the protective case (also includes rain cover) and the texture of the binos coating. Glass should be identical. I use the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pockets are I seriously rate them. Haven't looked through a pair of Zeiss Victory pockets, I'm sure they're excellent too. Wouldn't touch the Leica pockets.

Thanks @joelhenton, for the extra $100 I think I’ll go with the mountains. Yes everyone raves about the Swarovski but haven’t found to much online comparing them to the Zeiss. And yes heard the Leicas can be a bit flimsy. Cheers

That's what I wonder, taking binos that are much heavier might give you a bit more light gathering, but they don't help you unless you've got as good, or better light gathering glass on your rifle, and can take that last minute light shot safely.

Originally Posted by joelhenton

That's what I wonder, taking binos that are much heavier might give you a bit more light gathering but they don't help you unless you've got as good or better glass on your rifle to take that last minute light shot safely.

Yep, mine will be paired with a vx5hd so should match the CL mountains well. My main concern is most reviews I’ve read has been people buying them as a pair for the bush using them to glass the odd slip faces, not using them for hours on end. They say they are a little harder to hold steady due to the lighter weight. People have said they have found the Leica’s aren’t to comfortable to use. I do have a spotter to use once animals have been located.

Originally Posted by Max Headroom

@Sarvo, what's the name of your site, mate?

I don't have a site as such
Facebook is my main avenue for sales

Re Bino/Optic Stock on hand
I only bring in Bino to order now - maybe add a HD-B 3000 Geovid to someone elses order as they always sell eventually

I do carry the Leica (2400-R) Rangemaster often as its a good seller and not a lot of high cost risk
But its a fine line between selling at attractive price and selling above cost landed.
The NZ$ fluctuation is the caution

But Swaro - better now to buy local retail
Since NZ Ammo was cut out - prices apparently for Swaro optics are cheaper in NZ than any other country now
I am looking seriously at Steiner - if it looks competitive I will come back on here as a Commercial seller - if accepted by Admin