Anyone using the current recent crop of 8x28s?
I had a look at a number of small 'back-up' bins this weekend and concluded that a) I found 20/25mm roofs too small & fiddly to use and b) wedge shaped porro mini-bins - despite a generally superior image - were just a bit too bulky to slip comfortably into your pocket. A pair of Viking roof 8x32s - one of the smallest of their type - were simply too big. The nicest image was from a Swarovski 8x20, but in addition to their very small size I disliked the double hinge arrangement.
What I really want is a single hinge binocular that feels like the 'real thing' but is dinky enough to be ultra portable. I came away wondering if a 28mm roof instrument would fit the bill.
John
John have you tried the Opticron Travelers? although they may be too big.
[quote=John Cantelo;1157489]Anyone using the current recent crop of 8x28s?
I had a look at a number of small 'back-up' bins this weekend and concluded that a) I found 20/25mm roofs too small & fiddly to use and b) wedge shaped porro mini-bins - despite a generally superior image - were just a bit too bulky to slip comfortably into your pocket. A pair of Viking roof 8x32s - one of the smallest of their type - were simply too big. The nicest image was from a Swarovski 8x20, but in addition to their very small size I disliked the double hinge arrangement.
What I really want is a single hinge binocular that feels like the 'real thing' but is dinky enough to be ultra portable. I came away wondering if a 28mm roof instrument would fit the bill.
John[/quote]
John
On Ebay there are some 10x25 Smith & Wesson Bins, Some in the UK for a fixed price of 49.99 + post or the USA at whatever you want to bid. I have just got a pair from the USA and they are good bins. They are Phase Coated and close focus on mine is less than two metres. Have a look at the pictures & Specs on Ebay ( try and look at the USA ones first ) and then look at the RSPB BG.PC 10x25 Binocular and specs. I don't think you'd be disappointed!.
Alternatively:
Summit 8x26 MR, admittedly its champagne coloured, close focus is spec'ed as 5 metres and its a double hinge and fold down eyecups, but its bright 8 degree field of view and cheap enough at £22.99 + post of £3.00 from:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Summit-Co...7QQcmdZViewItem
or give them a call on 07733 230594.