Good Morning,
This is my first post on Birdforum. I've been a somewhat active birder for a little while and I am looking to step it up to the next level. Currently, I own a pair of Swift Audubon 8.5x44 (1999 model year).
I'd love to get a pair of Swarovski 10x50s, as one view through those caused a sense of addiction. However, I can't afford those at the moment, so I'm comparing a few models by Orion.
I'd be very interested in hearing from people who have had a chance to own or use these binoculars:
10x50 Savannah (roof or porro -- so this is really two different ones!)
10x50 Ultraview
10x50 Vista
9x63 Mini Giant
I realize that there is no simple answer to "which is best," so I am more trying to hear experiences and opinions to sort through!
Here are my main questions:
1. What is the real advantage of porro prisms?
2. What is the practical difference between a 5.3- and a 6.5-degree field of view? The Ultraview and Scenix appear almost identical except for their field of view.
3. Is there something about the Mini Giants that causes them to be worse for birding?
Thanks everyone,
Matthew
Welcome first of all (yay, I get to be first!)
Cant really comment on the other bins, but whats wrong with the Swift ??
I always thought they were the dogs thingies !
The 9x binoculars out there all tend to be these big bulky things. 9x40 or 9x50 would be better for birding, but htey do not make such a thing, any brand.
I have not seen ANY Orions, but if I had to pick one, I would take the 8x42
http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?i...erID=584&KICKER
I prefer 10x, but there are fewer useable 10x porros out there. In porros the 8x and 8.5x seem to be the best for birding. I am still waiting for 9x40, though. 
The problem with 10x porros is the close focus, about 20 ft. If you can manage ato find a close focus of 15 ft, that is getting more like a birding binocular. The one model is close:
quote:
UltraView 10x50 WA Binocular
Much wider field of view (6.5°) than standard 10x binoculars. Excels for high-power astronomy, long-distance nature observation, and hunting. 5mm exit pupil, 16’ close focus, extra-long 22mm eye relief. Weighs 32 oz.