Hi,
After searching for months and giving up on 32mm models after looking at about 10 different brands and I now settle on 42mm. The only two I narrow down is the Meopta 7x42 and the Nikon Venturer 8x42.
The 7x42 is my favorit format, very easy to use, very solid.
The Nikon Venturer because is the older HEAVY model. I do have serious shaking issues with any 8x below 28 oz or less. I just cant keep it steady an
8x unless is heavy. That is why I want to go with the older heavier Venturer
34 oz as I am HOPING that heavier on 8x will cure the shaking.
The newer LX is 28oz but I am afraid is still too light for an 8x to be steady - at least for me.
If Venturer or LX was available in 7x I would buy it in a heartbeat.
With the Meopta I have bigger FOV and smaller size
With the Venturer 1x more but is larger size
They are both good optically about the same price range.
What you guys think ?
The Venturer LX (There was no 7 x 42) was heavy, as you note, and has since been replaced by the LX L and recently that one also has been designated with the new name "Premier."
I believe some people preferred the older Venturer LX because, if my memory is correct, it used Nikon's old glass which had lead in it. Nikon's new eco glass is lead free. (Not that it makes any difference in the binoculars weight.)
These new models also weigh 28 ounces so if you get one of them you won't be getting the weight you want. (There still was no 7 x 42 with these but Nikons current top of the line, the EDG, has one which is very expensive.)
If you actually can purchase a new in box Venturer you should be aware that it must be old stock.
Leupold's Gold Ring Series roof prism binoculars were heavy-around 32 ounces- and many people liked them for that reason but they appear to have been recently discontinued. You might be able to find a new 8 x 42 there if you look around.
Personally I like the 7 x 42 format. I have a Leica 7 x 42 Trinovid and am very pleased with it. There is a very recent thread here on the Meopta 7 x 42. You may have seen it. Overall it is favorable to them.
Bob
>> The 7x42 is my favorit format,
Swarovski SLCnew 7x42 ?
demo-unit - price is about 200-300$ more, than Meopta 7x42 (~900).