What is the optimum field of view for 7/8/8.5x binoculars? I have a pair of Swift Audubon 8.5x44 804 porro prism binoculars that have a generous 445 ft field of view at 1000yds. Although the Swift is quite sharp and has served me well, I would like something lighter and less cumbersome to use in a roof prism binocular. The two I have found that come closest to matching my Swift is the Zeiss FL 7x42 @ 450 ft. and the Swarovski 8x32 @ 420 feet. I know these are great binoculars but the prices are at the top end. For about half the price (with special offers and rebates) the following excellent binoculars are available but at significantly less FOV:
Stokes Vortex DLS 8x42 @ 383 ft
Zeiss Conquest 8x40 @ 360 ft
Bushnell Elite 8x43 @ 372 ft
Is there a generally agreed upon standard that places a binocular at the low, average, or excellent ends of the FOV continuum? If so, what are the numbers in each category? Which category would you place the DLS, Conquest, and Elites? Is it possible for a binocular that has the advantage of a relatively wide FOV to be canceled out with poor edge sharpness and distortion? Are there any other roof prism binoculars that have a 400+ FOV that I haven't listed? If I decided to go with one of the three less expensive binoculars listed above, which would you recommend if FOV is not a consideration? Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
Dennis
[QUOTE=dbuss;1016538] What is the optimum field of view for 7/8/8.5x binoculars? ... prism binocular. The two I have found that come closest to matching my Swift is the Zeiss FL 7x42 @ 450 ft. and the Swarovski 8x32 @ 420 feet. I know these are great binoculars but the prices are at the top end. For about half the price (with special offers and rebates) the following excellent binoculars are available but at significantly less FOV:
Stokes Vortex DLS 8x42 @ 383 ft
Zeiss Conquest 8x40 @ 360 ft
Bushnell Elite 8x43 @ 372 ft ...
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
Dennis[/QUOTE]
Cheers,
Robert