Hello, everyone! This is my first post here outside of my Hello Forum post...
I've always wanted a really nice binocular, but I never really gave it much thought until I decided to get involved in sailing. After a lot of research, I had settled on two different models, the Nikon Sports & Marine 7x50 and the Fujinon FTMR-SX 7x50. The Fujinon seems a bit better optically than the Nikon, but the Nikon is by no means a slouch and costs quite a bit less than the Fujinon. Unfortunately, other interests intervened, and I never bothered to save up the money.
About two months ago, I came across a Pentax 7x50 PIF at a local West Marine store on clearance sale for $150. I liked them, but I didn't know anything about them, so I did a little research on them online. There is very little precise information about the PIF series online, other then the fact that they were orignally introduced by Pentax in 1993, but they seem to be very highly regarded, and quite pricey. I decided to buy them, and I've been very happy with them. The salesperson also told me they had another pair in the back.
The only real downside I've discovered about the 7x50 PIF is their high weight (58 oz, according to Pentax). I also discovered that the unit I bought was apparently the store demo unit, and while the optics are in perfect condition, the objective caps are a bit worn, and the eyepiece cap is missing. I've used them on a vacation to Acadia National Park and down at the New Jersey shore on the beach. I've been so happy with them that I returned to the store to buy the other set, which fortunately had never been out of the box, as far as I can tell, and all the parts are included. So now I have two Pentax 7x50 PIF's for the low, low price of only $300.
Other than boating, my primary interest in binoculars is for backpacking. Although the PIF's seem of excellent optical and construction quality to me, the weight is a big issue when carrying them long distances. On a boat, the weight is not so much of an issue, of course. So, now I'm looking for a smaller binocular that provides a similar experience. I think what I want is something in the 6x30 range, but with similar quality and construction to the top-grade 7x50 marine binoculars I've tested. I'm also considering some other 7x50's as well. I very much like the individual focus idea as it seems to me to be much easier to use than the center-focus types.
So, I have questions in two categories:
1. I've seen that Fujinon once offered a 6x30 FMTR-SX (now discontinued), and that Steiner offers their 6x30 Military R, but are there any other similar models out there? Does Steiner offer a non-reticle 6x30? How does the Minox BD IF 6.5x32 compare to these models?
2. In the 7x50 class, I'm currently considering the Fujinon FMTR-SX and the Steiner Commander XP. Are there any other models of similar quality that I might consider (other than the Nikon S&M)? Should I even bother, considering I have the two Pentax units? I don't have any shops nearby that carry a wide range of binoculars, so I'd have to make a trip to New York to compare all of these.
I would go with the Pentaxes other than backpacking. There the choices are 8x32 and 6x30 if you want a light roof prism. Bushnell, Eagle Optics and Leupold make the 8x32, Leupold and Eagle Optics make a 6x32. I have not seen a 7x32. I think one was coming from...Leupold?
The high end is not going to be much more durable than the mid price. Unless you plan to drive a truck over them, nearly all barrel materials, including composite, a pretty rugged.
[QUOTE=amper;987306]
1. I've seen that Fujinon once offered a 6x30 FMTR-SX (now discontinued), and that Steiner offers their 6x30 Military R, but are there any other similar models out there? Does Steiner offer a non-reticle 6x30? How does the Minox BD IF 6.5x32 compare to these models?
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I own the Minox 6.5x32IF and like them very much. But they are taller and heavier than the Pentax 8x32 DCF among others which eliminated them for backpacking consideration in my view. Since I enjoy hiking as well I wanted rugged lightweight bins with decent optical qualities for my pack. I settled on the Leupold Yosemite 8x30 porross which weigh only 18.5 ounces, are waterproof, and have performance that many have compared with Pentax Roofs. If you prefer lesser power go for the 6x30 version. Both have great expansive FOVs which is a big plus on the trail. They're also rather inexpensive at ~ $100 each so if severely damaged or lost you won't feel all that much pain.
--Bob