Hi,
I am a newbie in birding, and I am going to buy binoculars for it, as well as for reptiles and amphibian observations.
I will probably choose the Kite Forster model, only available in Europe I think.
I am pretty sure that I will take a 8x factor, but I still hesitate between 8x32 and 8x42.
My main concerns is the weight, that is greater with the 8x42.
(8x32: 22.4oz, 8x42: 25oz)
Here is my question:
- Which one will you take for general purpose?
- Does it really make a difference at day-time when watching birds (or mammals) in forest?
- Do you think this is a big weight difference? (unfortunately, I cannot try them before buying).
hi Thomas and welcome to BirdForum.
Personally I use 8x32s (though not the ones you're looking at) - I like the smaller, lighter package - they deliver a wide field of view than the 8x42 equivilent and a better close focus (great for insects). I have no problems with the light gathering even when birding at dawn or dusk.
Hi Thomas,
I agree completely with Postcardcv. I have both sizes in my "tool kit", but find that the only advantage in using the 42s is a short window of opportunity prior to dusk; even at that, it isn't a very great difference and the weight and, more noticeably, the bulk do not justify the slight advantage in light gathering (for me). The optics and brightness is so good in today's 32s that given your criteria I would not hesitate to recommend the 8x32 size. Furthermore, for forest ramblings such as you indicated, a more tailored package with great fov will have decisive advantages. They truly are a "compact, full size binocular".
Cheers,
Robert / Seattle