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Looking at upgrading binos this year.
Primarily NI hunting.
Currently using Nikon Monarch 10x42s that I've had for yonks.
Any comments on these 2 models appreciated, or if you think there is something else I should be looking at in this type of bracket.
I've just upgraded from some bushnells to the trinovids, very, very happy. Unfortunately we've been locked in since recieving so I dont get to put them to good use yet. The zeiss conquests have dropped down to same price bracket and have really nice glass also.
Just be careful buying 8x over 10x
Ok in the compact/pocket models but resale on 8x not good
8 out of 10 hunter's opt for 10x in 42+ aperture binos
I would think the Swaro would edge the Trinovids
But for the money the Trinivid are a great bino
Tx Sarvo, looking at 8's because as I said mainly NI, I am keen to maximize FOV
8 power with 42 gives greater exit pupil, so by my thinking that is a plus for low-light compared to 10x42
I did the same...Quote:
Originally Posted by ebf
Leicas would save a few bucks.
I prefer 8xQuote:
Originally Posted by ebf
Main reason do not exaggerate my shake
But I also sell them and sale stat's don't lie
But if you confident in long term get what best suits you and not think of next owner :-)
I reckon the Swaro EL 10 x 32 are the perfect New Zealand compact bino. I have EL 10 x 42’s which are very nice but size and weight wise the 32’s are the answer and you lose nothing in magnification. Just my opinion.Quote:
Originally Posted by ebf
I use Swarovski 8x25 CL Pockets and they're awesome. Personally I'd never end up taking 42mm sized binos anywhere, when you can save half a kg in weight and keep that off your neck. I use my binos everyday working and the 25mm are still excellent first light. Difference between 25mm and 42mm light gathering doesn't outweigh the practicality of pocket binos for me. How often are you glassing and trying to shoot something in that last couple of mins of light, not often I find. Might spot it but then you've still got to shoot it... My 2c.
Some hunters prefer 8x32 or 8x30 over the 10x because of the better low light ability. I have been using a pair of Swaro Companion CL 8x30's (new model) and they're excellent although not as good optically as the EL 8X32's.Quote:
Originally Posted by Southcity
I’m in the same boat was looking to upgrade before lock down keen to hear thoughts on the swaro slc and zeiss conquest and weather it’s worth pushing the boat right out on some swaro el is the difference really noticeable between these mid level and top alphas eg slc conquest Trinovid vs noctivid or el
Cheers
Interested where you go with this as I find 10x definitely not as steady as my old 7x.
Ok if you concentrate and use two hands,elbows on knees, lean on something etc.
I've had a pair of 8x30 WB SLCs for 20 years and been extremely happy with them.
I've owned compact binos (Swarovski 10x25 and Zeiss Victory FL 10x32). Weren't comfortable for very long glassing sessions, and the small exit pupils caused black-outs.
I'm now running 8.5x42 EL's and they're a perfect middle ground between performance and weight.
Bottom line: try before you buy, because what may work for one might not work for you. It's not like buying a sandwich maker where you can read a few reviews online and be confident that you'll get the exact same performance. Everything from your age, to your facial structure and the size of your hands can have an effect on the comfort of a pair of binos.
Try out whatever you decide to buy before purchasing. Binos and spotters all vary in how they 'feel' to look through, even within the same brand eg. Swaro SLC Vs EL the EL 'feel' they have a fish eye effect when panning with them compared to the SLC.
I've had the same model for nearly 25+ years and have passed them down to my son as I went 10 x 42 EL if you buy quality they do last.Quote:
Originally Posted by Moutere
Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk
Not sure if that is correct. The human pupil only dilates to 7mm, so if we divide the objective lens size by 7 we get the maximum magnification we should have to optimise the light from the objective. For example a 42 mm objective only matches with 6x mag. So most binos are a compromise and good poor light performance is more likely from better glass. The best binos I have used for poor light were 8 x 56 East German Zeiss. Pitch black could still see deer to 300 metresQuote:
Originally Posted by ebf
Yes, the human pupil only dilates to a maximum of 7mm with a few rare exceptions greater than that. However, I doubt whether there would be too many middle age people who's eyes still dilate to 7mm.
An 8x42 will give an 5.25 mm exit pupil which is better than a 10x42 which will only give an 4.2mm exit pupil. Added to that of course is the quality of the glass.
Glass quality and coatings are probably more important that just the raw calc's
if you just use the raw calcs, then by that token a 1950's Zeiss, Swaro, lecia, whatever bino would be the same as a 2020 version.
Also depending what the manufactures are targeting with particular models will affect the performance at some end of the scale too such as last light - there is a huge market in the bird watching and nature markets which may affect how something is setup in a particular brand or model from that brand - Those targeting dusk (hunting) could use a coating with more light transmission, those targeting bird watchers will use a coating that helps with colour fidelity
I'll let you know in a couple of days. Got some decent 8x42's inbound :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by 10-Ring
What did you end up getting?.Quote:
Originally Posted by ebf
Regarding exit pupil for a given objective lens, it is something to keep in mind with vari power scopes, because we can adjust them to the correct mag for the objective size. A lot of scopes have a bump on the adjuster ring that lines up with objective diameter divided by 7 for the maximum magnification with a seven mm exit pupil, for those that don't it is worth putting a dab of white on the ring so we know where to set the scope as it gets dark.
@cameronjackwhite, went with the Trinovids, 8x42
Had a play with them today - low light performance is A for awesome :thumbsup: