Hi!
This is my first thread here, hope you can clear some things out for me, and give me some helpful information about binoculars.
Today I use an old Bundeswehr Hensoldt 8x30, which is just about the most price valuable one can buy, regarding size and sharpness. It's an excellent binocular, but I've realized that I need one for evening, early mornings, basically - I need a bright bino.
From what I understand, the main priority is large exit pupil, as close to 7mm as possible. A good 7x50 would be great, or 8x56. I wouldn't mind stepping down from 8x which I use now, to a 7x50 (with a large field of view would be even better), to easily scan off large areas fast.
Now, exit pupil isn't everthing right? Coating, number of glasses is also of great importance from what I understand. Of course a Zeiss 7x42 FL (exit pupil 6mm) is even brighter than a low standard 8x56 (exit pupil 7mm).
Weight and ergonomics is of less importance.
I've looked at Swarovski 7x50 that would make an excellent bino for less brighter evening, however some people think it's an old construction and has a narrow field of view. Although very good price.
Can you give me some good alternatives on good binoculars, within the price range of £550 to maximum of £1000. Brands would be Zeiss, Swarovski and Leica I guess.
Comparing with your 8X30 and your budget, there might be easy to find some brighter. In the present situation, why to limitate to three brands? 7x50 is among the most relaxing view. Narrow field? Compared with a 30mm objetive, of course no. Yesterday evening, I was comparing a pair of Nikon 8X32SE versus an old Docter 7X50 Binoctem, both mine. The width of field is in the same range and the smaller SE is exceptional in this point, as in others. When the light goes down, brightness isn't the only parameter. Sharpness, contrast and even power can decide the level of detail. For years I did a profesional use from a Zeiss Classic 10x40. Although less sharp, with takes toll after hours, the Docter's were able to give me ten to five useful minutes more every sunrise or sundown. Now, neither my 8X32SE nor even less my 8.5X42EL can be superpased by the Docter.
Last piece of advice. What looks brighter is usual light level isn't necessary wich had the highest performance in low light.
I wouldn't (necessarily) put too much emphasis on that 7mm exit pupil figure.
Here's a quick primer on that topic:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howt...cs/3304201.html
Twilight Factor is another important consideration:
http://www.zeiss.com/us/co/sports/h...c8?OpenDocument
Different people will put a different value on Twilight Factor. I think it has merit.
Using the formula from the Zeiss link above, here's a few interesting specs:
8x50= 20, 7x50= 18.7, 10x42= 20.5, 8x56= 21.1
If you can hold them, a 10x42 will perform pretty well in low light. Of course, the younger you are the more you can take advantage of a larger exit pupil.
At 52, my eyes don't dilate to 7mm. I've measured them. I also don't hold 10x binos very well. So, for me 8x50s would be a good choice for a low light bino.