Hi guys. I posted this thread about 6 months ago but I never bought a pair of smallish bins. I need a pair that fits in my jacket and that works when i dont have my vipers with me. Last time my research led me to the nikon sportstar since they are cheap, small (very important) and acceptable image quality.
I haven't been able to check birdforum for many months so I just wonder if I have missed some new small bins on the market or if the Nikon still stands as best cheap, small, pocket choice?
I liked one of the previous incarnations of the Sportstar ( I believe it was the 4th) which they now turned into another model with the same exact specs.
As for other 20-25 mm compacts, I can only offer that there has been some discussion about one of the Vortex models as well as one of the Promasters. If I remember correctly at least one of them was offering phase coating which should, theoretically, offer a step up in terms of optical performance from the Sportstars.
I just ordered a pair of Pentax 8x25 DCF SW. $121. from Amazon and they look pretty good except the FOV isn't anything to brag about.
I have no great expectations so I'll probably like them well enough. I just wanted a (true) pocket bin for walking my dog. I'll give a report after I've had them a few days.