Hi,
Now that I have just had to send my 2 year old Zeiss Victory ll binos back for repair for the 2nd time, I have thought about all those binocular comparisons threads that are on this Forum and elsewhere, and thought about a slightly different way of lookg at this. An important question is - how overall enjoyable are a pair of binocs. to use, and do they keep that sense of enjoyment over a prolonged period? Few of the published reviews address that, although they often address the finer points of the optics in great detail, and generally on new models. Over a number of years I have owned numerous binoculars, many of which I have sold, donated to Binocular Exchange, etc., but these are my views on the high end ones I still have --
1). My most recent purchase (2years ago) was Zeiss Victory ll 10 X 40s. They remain optically superb, i.e. bright and sharp, and give great views of birds. But - the focus wheel is sloppy and has too much give, and twice the cover that protects it from the elements has fallen off . In addition, after a few months of use, the more comfortable carrying strap that I used worked its way through the metal(?) lugs on the side, and now one of them has fallen apart, so I have had to send them in for repairs again. Overall, this does not make for an enjoyable binoc. at 2 years.
2). I have an old pair of Zeiss 10 X 40 BGA, bought 30 years ago! I stopped using them when I bought the Victories, but twice I have had to revert back to them when the Victories have been sent off. In comparison,they are not as bright or sharp, not waterproof, but are ergonomically great and appear to be more reliable. But, for the price, not really enjoyable by modern standards.
3). I also have a pair of Pentax 8 X 42 DCF-SP. They are optically superb as well, and ergonomically pretty good, but there is a pronounced "barrel" effect, poor f.o.v., and the focus wheel has become rough over the 4-5 years I have had them. They're overall not bad.
4). Finally (!), I thought I had retired my old B & L. Elite 8 X 42, that were also the top of the line when I got them in 1983 or 4. But over the years, the view had also deteriorated and the eye relief was also not as good as any of the others. But they just feel good in the hands, and the focus wheel is smooth and just right. Right now, with the Victories being non-functional and the issues as mentioned with the others, they are currently the ones I take off the shelf first, to go birding.
Perhaps I'm too much of a perfectionist, but for the price of high end binocs., I feel I shoul be!
I would be interested in other peoples' opinions on overall enjoyment (and value for money) of binocs after a a few years of active birding, as against just the optics of new pairs.
Richard
Ah yes, we all seek the zone of satisfaction !
Before I start I must state clearly that these are just my own views and you may have a completely different experience. Any similarity to the views of other persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
I've bought and sold more binoculars than I usually care to admit (not to my wife anyway !). Funnily enough the ones I ended up being the most dissatified with were usually the most expensive. When you spend so much money you expect a perfect experience but this is often not the case as follows....
Zeiss 7x45 Night Owl
Stupendous optical performance. Massive 'picture window' view.
Eyecups can be folded down by Super Man.
Horrendous weight and poor balance.
Sold.
Leica 8x50 BA
Again, optically beautiful.
Heavy and slippery as an eel when wet.
Very uncomfortable to hold for people with larger hands (no place to put your thumbs !). I like the 8x50 format and I really tried to love these.
Sold.
Zeiss 10x40 BGAT T*P*
Attractive. Light weight. Good armouring. Classic status.
Others look on with envy....BUT....
Optically unexciting (sorry, I know this is heresy). For the money, merely 'good'. Assembly error - 'Wow !' factor not installed at the factory.
Sold.
Nikon 8x32 SE
Fantastic optics. Very annoying image black-outs for me (I know this doesn't effect other people). Eye positioning just too fussy for use with glasses on.
Sold.
On the other hand, sometimes you spend a very modest sum and the satisfaction rating is disproportionately large e.g.
Opticron 8x42 High Resolution (similar to old Swift Ultra Lite)
Light. Easy to hold. Very sharp and bright.
Field of view rather narrow by modern standards.
Unfailingly produces a comfortable and vivid image. Owned and used for 17 years. Top marks.
Swift 10x50 Kestel
Very well balanced. Comfortable to hold for those with large hands. Large field of view for a 10x (122m at 1000m). Multi-coating not as good as modern coatings. Not even drizzle-proof. Very 'easy' view. Owned and used for 9 years. Very satisfied.
There are others, but this post could be very long so I'll stop now. On reflection, I tend to be a perfectionist when I buy at the top of the market and then I get disappointed. When I buy in the mid-range I can forgive the odd drawback much more easily and end up being more satisfied per unit of cash dispensed.
I hope I have not offended anyone. I really did try hard to like all those expensive bins !