Binocular advice sought

Posted by: Richard Dane on 06 May 2013

I've been looking for a decent set of binoculars for my teenage daughter to use on our holidays in the Scottish Isles. 

 

Main pre-requisite is that they are tough, small, light, fog-proof/water-proof and not so expensive that if she loses them then it'll be a major disaster.  Usually I'd go straight for a pair of 8x25 or 10x25 Opticrons.  I'm impressed with these in the field - perfect for hiking or stalking - and very close to Swarovski quality without the big price tag. 

 

I'm tempted to just get a pair for my daughter but the latest T3 seems to be a downgrade on the earlier T2 and it's quite a big step money-wise to the next level.  An alternative would be the Barr & Stroud Saharas, either 8x25 or 10x25.  These look impressive and have been given great reviews.  They also look superb value for money at around £50 online. 

 

So, to the binocular experts on the forum, are there any other alternatives I should consider, or indeed will BaK4 prisms and nitrogen filling be wasted on a teenager, in which case is there anything really cheap but still vaguely cheerful out there?

Posted on: 11 May 2013 by EJS

Binoculars are quite personal; even the best Leicas and Swaro's have their quirks. I use binoculars extensively for birding, and have gravitated to Leica and Swarovski both for quality and availability. I've found that once used to quality roof prism bins, going back in budget is very difficult.

 

My binoculars of choice since last year are a Swarovski 10x50 el, which were a clear winner when I compared them with the comparable Ultravid HDs and a couple of other brands brought just for comparison. They had the best resolution, but also won out on comfort although they suffer from focus creep (in the bag, lens down, focus falls to nearest point). Last week, I used them to observe a peregrine falcon nest at a distance of >200m, and could easily make out details on the nesting mother-to-be (this was in Teplice Skaly, in CZ).

 

My older (2005) Leica Ultravid 8x42 lack the biting sharpness of the Swaro and the eyecups are a step down, but otherwise they have proven to be very dependable. No focus creep. They are smaller and easier to bring when traveling. For bigger work, I've recently exchanged a leica televid for one of the last swarovski ATS models, purely for convenience; wanted a straight scope (easier to use from the car or in a hide) which Leica no longer offers. In terms of sharpness (at 30x) they are about equal, i.e. unbelievably so.

 

Cheers,

 

EJ

Posted on: 11 May 2013 by Mick P
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originally Posted by Mick Parry:

 and above all are weigh little, so they get carried everywhere and hence get used a lot..

 

It was extremely good advice and I bought a second pair for my place in Spain.

 

Regards

 

Mick

 

 

Yep Mick, the convenience of the small size shouldn't be under estimated. How many times have people asked me "can I have a look through your binos?" because they didn't bring theirs? Great little Leicas that last a lifetime.

 

Countd
 
Yes the 10 x 25s are brilliant. Because they are small and light, they are easy to carry in ones pocket and hence they get used. Therefore it makes sense to have them.
 
I once attended a 3 day photography course based at Leica's HQ in Milton Keynes. I was lucky because the course tutor allowed me a take home a pair of 10 x 50s and a 8 x 32s.  The 8 x 32s were better and more comfortable to hold but it did not detract from the fact that because the 10 x 25s are so light, you just keep using them.
 
Without doubt, 10 x 25s are the one to have.
 
Regards
 
Mick
Posted on: 12 May 2013 by tonym

The very pair I've ordered; thanks for the reassuring words Mick.

Posted on: 12 May 2013 by Mick P

Tony

 

I think the natural inclination is to buy big. It seems common sense to go for 10 x 50s because they are bigger and better etc. The problem with the biggies is that they are a pain in the arse to carry around, just like a heavy camera. Also you need a very steady hand, which gets more difficult, the longer you hold them.

 

Therefore Countd's advice that small is better because you actually use them more is patently true.

 

I am now retired and do a lot of travelling and the 10 x 25s are always with me

 

Regards

 

Mick

 

.

Posted on: 12 May 2013 by count.d

It's only money Tony haha.

 

Mick has summed it up nicely imo.

 

Just to add a little more, the quality of Leica doesn't necessarily need to hit you by the instant crisp edge to edge view it will give. The more you use them in a "session", you'll probably realise your eyes find it effortless to scan the view, unlike cheaper binos. No eye strain and because they're relatively in the low magnification range, no shaking view.

 

I'm sure you'll like them Tony.

Posted on: 13 May 2013 by Don Atkinson

Guys

 

There are several models of 10x25 Leicas available. Which model do you recommend and what are it's principal advantages ?

 

cheers

 

Don

Posted on: 14 May 2013 by tonym

Hi Don,

 

My pair arrived this morning so I've been out & about in the sunshine, staring at the local wildlife and objects distant.

 

They're a pair of Ultravid 10x25 BR Aquaduras. Reassuringly heavy but they fold down to pocket size and come supplied with a nice case. The optical quality is superb, and I can see no obvious lack of brightness in comparison to my Nikon 10x42s. The eyepieces work well for using spectacles (you pull the rear lens-pieces out for use without). They're waterproof to a few metres and have a durable rubbery coating.

 

I'm very pleased, thanks to the good folks who recommended them

Posted on: 15 May 2013 by Don Atkinson

Hi Tony,

 

I will try to find them in stock someplace so that I can try before I buy, but at least I know where I am starting from and why.

 

Many thanks

 

Don