What do you recommend?
I have had the Bausch & Lomb Discoverers for about 10 years. Im happy with them. But, I am hoping that in 10 years even better technology has trickled down to my price range.
However, it seems 7x is rarely made anymore. I prefer them to 8x for the brightness, quick stabilization, quick focus, wider view, typicaly better eye relief, and sharper image, etc.
I would love to get Zeiss, Swarovskis or Leicas, whose 7x models I adore and fondle whenever I get a chance, but too much dough.
I am looking for bright sharp 7x42s that can be compared with the great models of the previous generation: the SLCs, the Trinovids, the Dialyts. Are they being made for less than $500? Maybe I have a cherry pair, but I always felt that my B&Ls came close when I had many occasions over the last 10 years to compare with the top bins in the field.
Thanks.
10 years ago Fujinon made a 7x42 that I thought was pretty good. But, I haven't seen it in a long time. I remember some mixed reviews. But I tested them myself in 1999 or so and found them quite good. Can anyone comment?
I asked a similar question in this thread...
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=62788
You might find something useful in there.
Cheers
John