Hello,
I'm new to the forum, and am looking for some advice on suitable Binoculars to take on Safari. Using the criteria given below, that I wear glasses and the fact weight is at a premium, I am considering the Swift Reliant 8x42 Roof Binoculars. Does anyone have any experience of these? i.e are they robust enough to handle the heat and dust of Africa, easy to keep clean, focus quickly, etc.
Magnification: 8 x 42
Field of View: At least 330 ft at 1000 yards.
Exit pupil size: 5.25 mm or more
Eye relief: 18 or more
Prism and Coating: BAK-4 prism and Fully Multi-Coated surfaces
(Criteria from http://www.african-safari-journals....binoculars.html)
I see they recently came top in a magazine review for budget Binoculars, but also that the quality of that magazine's reviews have been questioned in the past.
Secondly, does anyone know who stocks these in the South West of England? My local stores only seem to handle Nikon, Zeiss, and Leica. I see Sherwood's have the best price online, but after trying and dismissing the Nikon Monarchs after testing them, I would like to try the reliant before I buy.
Ambrosian
I do not know anything about the Reliant binoculars. Looks as though they only cost $100 (unless I am reading something wrong), which suggests to me they cannot be that good.
If you did not like the monarchs, I would urge you to consider Vortex Vipers--more expensive but also optically superior according to all the reviews I have read. they are good in low light, rugged, and have excellent eye relief. They would meet all your other criteria also, though you will probably have difficulty finding a place that you can try them out. Perhaps an online store will let you order them and then have the possibility of returning them if you do not like them.
My two cents,
Jim
If you can afford to go on a safari, my guess is you can affortd a decent pair of binoculars. That will not be the case for the optics stated. Also, if you're traveling, I believe you don't need to be hauling around 42mm bins. For starters, I'd suggest this:
The best bins in the 32mm size you can afford (8x or 10x is another question and your choice). This will give you both brightness performance and portability. I'm a fan of Leicas, in this category, but you may also consider Zeiss, Swarovski, Nikon and Leuopold. There are doubtless others, but these 5 or so brands in the 32mm size should get you started on your research.
If it's a lifetime trip, and a lifetime investment, you should do it right.
Cheers,
Robert / Seattle
PS - I just gave this advice to a friend who had similar parameters and she chose the Leupold Katmai 8x32s. And she couldn't be more thrilled! (Not all that pricey, either).