Hi everybody:
A friend of mine recently showed up with a new pair of Minox 10x42 aspheric binoculars. Unfortunately, I had only a brief chance to look through them. But the brightness and clarity of that first impression still "haunts" me! Are these really that good? If so, they should be a pretty good bargain. The only negative point I noted was some glare or reflection under critical light conditions. But not as strong as in the Zeiss Victory (I).
Has anyone been able to give them a thorough test, comparing them with the top line as well? I notice, they do not show up in the Alula tests.
By the way, Minox is independent from Leica again; for a while they looked like the mid-range Leica line. But they have become independent again, according to their website.
Greetings!
I personally think that Minox binoculars are just fine... maybe not quite as bright and sharp as Leica or Zeiss, but VERY serviceable and well built. I have come close on several occasions to buying the 8x32 model, it is lightweight (21oz) and has a wide field of view (400ft@1000yd) as compared to many other configurations in the Minox line - some of which have restricted fields of view when compared to competitors equivalent models. There's a pair of 8x32 Minox on closeout locally for 1/2 price, I'm seriously considering picking them up next week if they haven't been sold.
Overall, in the same price range I think that Kahles is a slightly better binocular for the money, but you really can't go wrong buying Minox.
Best wishes,
Bawko
I own both the Minox and previously mentioned Kahles binos in 10X42. They are the two best deals available for the money. As I always say you get 95% of what the top of the line gives you at about half the price. I agree that the Kahles is ever so slightly better, but it also cost a little more than the Minox. Incidetally, I got my Minox NIB on Ebay for $400.00 and my Kahles on closeout for $450.00 NIB. They both typically go in the $700-$800 range. Even at list price, I would not hesitate to buy either of these binos.
ranburr