Minox porros are amazing for 370 dollars. I compared them to 500 to 700 (Minox, Pentax, Vortex, Bushnell) dollars roof bins and have found nothing that comes close. The new Minox roof 8.5 x43 HG is nothing wonderful, trust me. I have heard of the Nikon SE 8x32 REPUTATION, has anyone compared them optically to the MINOX. I know the SE has an amazing reputation but not waterproof and rubber eyecups. The minox focus knob is slow but very smooth and wonderful. Minox close focus is 13 feet, eye relief and field of view are limited, but I wear glasses and have no trouble. I have not had a chance to compare the two but may be tempted to save buy an SE and compare. The view of a porro prism is austounding in comparison to roof prisms. I can't believe bins can look this good for such a price has any one had a chance to look at the SWift porro ED? The field of view and eye relief sound great!
Any one have info on more porro wonders?
[QUOTE=FIELDBIRD]
Any one have info on more porro wonders?[/QUOTE]
Dear Fieldbird,
Indeed, try to find the now discontinued Nikon 8x30 EII. 8.8º field of view, altough not sharp to the edges. Myself and a few others prefer it to the SE. You may not like its rubber surface, which sometimes peels, its rubber eyecups, its less than generous eye relief or its small size. All standard design Porro binoculars are harder to focus than binoculars with internal focussing.
Of the SE, I have been very critical. Now that I sold mine, I will simply write that not everyone finds it suitable. However, most users do not suffer from blackouts or they accomodate themselves to the Se, which is why it has such a reputation.
The Swift 8.5x44 is optically superb but it has bridge which can flex, making it difficult for both tubes to stay in focus without frequent adjustments of the dioptre setting.
You simply have to try them yourself. What works for you may not work for me.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur