Hi, Please could anyone advise what are generally considered to be the best make, model and magnification of binoculars for dragonfly watching in the UK ?
I am considering buying a pair of Leica 10 x 32 BR Ultravid, but understand they may have problems with their (rough) focussing.
Many thanks.
Hi, Thanks for all the comments so far. I would prefer 10x rather than 8x for the increase in visible detail on what are pretty small subjects. Is there any real advantage (if I "go" for Leica), other than a reduction in weight, in paying extra for Ultravid over Trinovid BN , as their close focus is the same?
Thanks again
NOTHING (at any price) comes close to the performance of the Pentax Papilio models at close range--they allow true binocular views down to 18 inches, whereas other close-focusing binos cannot maintain left/right field overlap closer than about 5 feet. Really, the Pentax are a unique product, in a class of their own when it comes to butterfly/dragonfly/damselfly watching (do a search for past posts on Birdforum) so be sure to take a look through these. I prefer the 6.5x21 model for its larger exit pupil. You should get the Papilio ($130) even if you still get the Leicas or something like them for general use.
I MUCH prefer the Pentax when I'm looking at insects, but I also use the Zeiss 8x32 FL quite a bit (esp. when doing serious bird watching in conjunction with butterfly watching). They focus just under 5 feet comfortably, which is a bit closer than what the Leica Ultravid and Trinovid equivalents are capable of, and the focus is very smooth (I don't, however, find the stickier Leica focusing to be a problem, and I like their overall optical quality better--less astigmatism off-axis).
--AP
I would think the nikon 8x32 lxl would be good for dragonflies..
they have a lightning fast focus and have excellent close focusing,as do most quality 8x32 roofprisms.
the rough/twitchy focus of the leicas is a design feature,made to aid cold weather use hence no lubricant,the mechanism uses brass against aluminiun instead!
matt