My first adventure into chatworld. Got here by way of some research I was doing on new bins. Ran into a thread on Pentax DCF SP and noticed that a couple of overseas folks were talking about good prices on Amazon. I have found that the best prices on Pentax consistently show up at 17th Street Photo. I bought pairs of 10x50 and 8x42 WPs from them and was pleased with both price and service. I have been carrying the 10x50 and real birder has the 8x42, but I'm finding the 10x50 a bit of a load and want to downsize. Looking at the 8x32, 8x43 and 10x43 SPs and can't decide between them. Any input? In any case, nice to talk with you folks.
Hello, himzippy,
On behalf of all of us on staff at BirdForum, a warm welcome to you!
I'm afraid I can't help you with your bins questions, but I know there are lots of folks here who can. Personally, I love my 10 x 42 B&L Elites. :-)
[QUOTE=himzippy]My first adventure into chatworld. Got here by way of some research I was doing on new bins. Ran into a thread on Pentax DCF SP and noticed that a couple of overseas folks were talking about good prices on Amazon. I have found that the best prices on Pentax consistently show up at 17th Street Photo. I bought pairs of 10x50 and 8x42 WPs from them and was pleased with both price and service. I have been carrying the 10x50 and real birder has the 8x42, but I'm finding the 10x50 a bit of a load and want to downsize. Looking at the 8x32, 8x43 and 10x43 SPs and can't decide between them. Any input? In any case, nice to talk with you folks.[/QUOTE]
IMO you are taking a fair risk when buying from any non-local camera store other than B&H, Adorama or Hunt's. Do your bins have a USA warranty? You might want to check out store reviews at photo.net before dealing with 17th St. again.
Generally speaking, 8x32s are lighter, handle nice (except maybe if you have big hands), and have a wider FOV. On the downside the exit pupil is smaller and they will be dimmer at dawn and dusk, or in dark forests than the 8x43s.
I don't believe there is much difference between the 43-43mm WPs-SPs. And now Pentax has the XPs which are significantly lighter, possibly using a polycarbonate body in lieu of a metal body. I wouldn't think the optical formual would be much different although they make an 8x33, not 8x32.