I'm thinking of getting a better pair of bins sometime in the future. Currently I've got a choice between an old and heavy pair of Mirador 10x40 porro's , a pair of Opticron compacts (8x21) or an old pair of Russian 8x30 Porro's.
Whilst the compacts are fine as a carry everywhere pair I like the extra magnification of the 10x40's, but with a dodgy arm and shoulder find them too heavy for prolonged use. I was thinking a pair of around 9x36 roofs would probably be a good compromise between weight and magnification but 9x bins seem almost non existent apart from the Nikon travelight 9x25's.
Why don't manufacturer's produce 9x, and are 8.5's noticeably different from 8's?
Thanks Richard
Hello Richard. I think the lack of choice in the 9x size is a marketing decision. We are all switched on to 8x or 10x. Swift have made their 8.5 models for years which have an enviable reputation but otherwise I guess the makers just want volume sales not niche markets but there may be an answer for the weight of your Miradors. I know from experience that they are very good quality and it is possible to fit a tripod adapter and a pistol grip so you don't have to take the weight on your shoulders. I fitted an ex-mother-in-law's bino with an adapter and pistol-grip when her arthritus became to bad to hold a bino in the normal way. She can now tuck her elbows into her waist and have her hands at just-below-throat level with the bino at the right height to use. I could point you in the direction of an ex-demo B&L Custom 9x26 but it is one that I have for sale so I'll keep quiet. Richard[QUOTE=Richard D]I'm thinking of getting a better pair of bins sometime in the future. Currently I've got a choice between an old and heavy pair of Mirador 10x40 porro's , a pair of Opticron compacts (8x21) or an old pair of Russian 8x30 Porro's.
Whilst the compacts are fine as a carry everywhere pair I like the extra magnification of the 10x40's, but with a dodgy arm and shoulder find them too heavy for prolonged use. I was thinking a pair of around 9x36 roofs would probably be a good compromise between weight and magnification but 9x bins seem almost non existent apart from the Nikon travelight 9x25's.
Why don't manufacturer's produce 9x, and are 8.5's noticeably different from 8's?
Thanks Richard[/QUOTE]
Don't forget the Swaro 8.5x--not just Swift. Pretty close to 9x and a superb instrument.
Bill