Dear all,
I am looking for a good 8-8.5 x 36-44 binocular. I use them not only for bird-watching (I'm quite new at this) but also for very all-round use, including boating, hiking, etc.
Important criteria for me: roof prism, price $175-$300, weight < 750g (the lighter the better), waterproof, eye-relief acceptable for eyeglass wearer, a reasonably wide field of view, decent close focus ability, good optical performance, and well-constructed.
I currently have a Nikon Monarch 8x42 ATBs (pre-dielectric coating). I have been very happy with the Monarch (previous experience was with absolute garbage...typical <$50 porro prisms your average joe buys on a whim), but when I started to investigate buying a binocular for my uncle, I read some comments that lead me to believe that I might appreciate a larger field of view than the Monarch offers (which is apparently relatively limited). This opened up a can of worms, so to speak, and now I am considering whether I should buy two binoculars of a different make/model!
Here are some models that seem to be potentially interesting. I'd really love to hear any observations, ideally from people with relevant experience:
- Nikon Monarch 8x42 ATB, with dielectric coating: I'll keep this on the list as the benchmark. The real question is: Given my criteria above, is there anything better.
- Pentax DCF CS 8x42: On paper, it looks like the front-runner. Not much in the way of on-line reviews and comparisons though.
- Vortex Diamondback 8x42: Seems equal to or better than the Pentax.
- Bushnell Excursion EX 8x42: Close to the Pentax - but some concern over the eye relief.
- Bushnell 8x42 Legend Ultra HD: Same comments as the Excursion apply.
- Nikon Monarch 8x36 ATB: This one is a wild-card. It seems somewhat appealing to me due to the slightly wider FOV and the size and weight.
- Carson 8x42 XM-HD: Don't know much at all about this binocular or manufacturer. Field of view does not seem to be superior to the Monarch.
- Olympus Magellan EXWP I 8x42? Don't know anything about it, but it also seems to have potential.
- Anything else?!?
I'm open-minded. I don't care what the brand is, particularly...just the best binocular for the application.within the price range.
Kind regards,
JoeBobb
Joebobb,
Check out these:
http://www.knivesandtools.com/en/ct...errekijkers.htm
I've had a pair of 8x42 ED's which were very nice optically, but the diopter broke after one week's use. Now, surprisingly, Knivesandtools sent me a PM to test their new range XP's, with diopter placed on the right ocular, and I've agreed to test the XP's.
Also, the cheaper HD-range gets a good review in the Equipment section:
http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/sh...39/limit/recent
I'm looking forward to test the XP's, and if all goes well, will share my experience on this forum.
Best regards,
Ronald
Thanks for your comment, Ronald, but although I may be living in Berlin, I will buy the binoculars in the US...so my interest is in brands that are commercially available in the US.
Kind regards,
JoeBobb