Hi to all
First off a huge vote of thanks to forum members for all the really "top" info and opinions on numerous binoculars that can be seen here ok people differ and debate (sometimes robustly) but this is a really good place to pick up valid info
Read many threads over my time here (sometimes obsessively it seems) but finally felt i would like to post one of my own as i am somewhat baffled over a viewing quandry recently discovered its not a super techy thing more an interesting end view query
Here we go then i recently purchased a cracking pair of nearly new 10 x 42 Nikon Se porros from forum member (Hi andrew) which are in non expert analysis terms really razor sharp across the circle, bright ,light and "lifelike" to my eyes (OK not perfect as eye positioning is a quirk not fully water proofed and fov is only average)
Then looking for low cost second pair for wife who is taking interest now (in birds and nature not me !! after all i have been wed 11 yrs !! ) just kidding chanced across old used 98% condition Zeiss 10 x 50 wide multi coat Jena pair in local Photo shop looked thru these and was frankly astonished as they seemed really "easy and pleasing view" swiftly purchased for the princely sum of £39 with original leather case and 6 mth guarantee the shop even dug out 2 odd objective covers from other pairs pair that practically fitted (thanks Hilton Photographic)
Now these binoculars i realise are heavy,unfashionable and definitely not waterproof in any sense
but....my question is this having used both pairs quite a bit recently in varying conditions even though my brain and eyes (which are doubtless probably a little worn to be fair at age 43 ) tell me my Nikon SE's are definitely sharper,lighter in weight and contrast also more precise etc than these "ageing Zeiss's) for some inexplicable logic defying reason in certain general viewing situations i really enjoy picking the Zeiss "heavies" up and massively enjoy these "golden oldies" ease of view its almost as if the Nikon's expect more from me when i'm just generally viewing (if that makes any kind of sense at all ?)
Obviously when fine detail viewing and for "pin sharp clarity" the Nikon's rise immediately to the fore but i cannot "shake off" the viewing comfort these "now wife owned" Zeiss's give even the weight to hold them seems to be ok presumably due to decent balance
I had feared that my wife when offered these would say "old and heavy not me the bins!!) but she actually likes them and said simply after using them a while "these are really clear and easy to look thru )
I dont for one minute want to suggest that ultimate "pin sharpness" and "ultra brightness" are not hugely desirable in all binoculars as these very factors were amongst my reasons for buying the Nikon's in the first place and i really enjoy them when viewing but its almost as if certain binoculars (old or new) can simply seduce the eyes in a quite undefinable manner
Answers/views on a postcard please ?
this is intended as a "light hearted" thread (seen some intense one's on forum lately) and i'm not a fully paid up member of either Nikon or Zeiss appreciation societies
only the other day when glancing thru a pair of Swift Audubon's 8.5 x 44 porro's i thought that they were "right up there" with anything i have looked thru to date so am very neutral and appreciate there are "loads" of fabulous bins out there
Rich (slightly baffled)
AS everyone here knows I am a huge fan of the old east german zeiss bins. My first proper pair of bins were a new pair of 8x30 jenoptems purchased for £26... eons ago....that took some saving up. Yes they leak.... yes they are subject to a little rocking of the eyepieces (simply remedied by winding them up and down) They are and were so cheap you could have afford to have a few pairs... one to use and one drying out....one in the car etc and they always feel so pleasing in the hand...
They are not as good as a top of the range pair... but they out perform many of newer mid-range bins...
[QUOTE=richt]Hi to all
First off a huge vote of thanks to forum members for all the really "top" info and opinions on numerous binoculars that can be seen here ok people differ and debate (sometimes robustly) but this is a really good place to pick up valid info
Read many threads over my time here (sometimes obsessively it seems) but finally felt i would like to post one of my own as i am somewhat baffled over a viewing quandry recently discovered its not a super techy thing more an interesting end view query
Here we go then i recently purchased a cracking pair of nearly new 10 x 42 Nikon Se porros from forum member (Hi andrew) which are in non expert analysis terms really razor sharp across the circle, bright ,light and "lifelike" to my eyes (OK not perfect as eye positioning is a quirk not fully water proofed and fov is only average)
Then looking for low cost second pair for wife who is taking interest now (in birds and nature not me !! after all i have been wed 11 yrs !! ) just kidding chanced across old used 98% condition Zeiss 10 x 50 wide multi coat Jena pair in local Photo shop looked thru these and was frankly astonished as they seemed really "easy and pleasing view" swiftly purchased for the princely sum of £39 with original leather case and 6 mth guarantee the shop even dug out 2 odd objective covers from other pairs pair that practically fitted (thanks Hilton Photographic)
Now these binoculars i realise are heavy,unfashionable and definitely not waterproof in any sense
but....my question is this having used both pairs quite a bit recently in varying conditions even though my brain and eyes (which are doubtless probably a little worn to be fair at age 43 ) tell me my Nikon SE's are definitely sharper,lighter in weight and contrast also more precise etc than these "ageing Zeiss's) for some inexplicable logic defying reason in certain general viewing situations i really enjoy picking the Zeiss "heavies" up and massively enjoy these "golden oldies" ease of view its almost as if the Nikon's expect more from me when i'm just generally viewing (if that makes any kind of sense at all ?)
Obviously when fine detail viewing and for "pin sharp clarity" the Nikon's rise immediately to the fore but i cannot "shake off" the viewing comfort these "now wife owned" Zeiss's give even the weight to hold them seems to be ok presumably due to decent balance
I had feared that my wife when offered these would say "old and heavy not me the bins!!) but she actually likes them and said simply after using them a while "these are really clear and easy to look thru )
I dont for one minute want to suggest that ultimate "pin sharpness" and "ultra brightness" are not hugely desirable in all binoculars as these very factors were amongst my reasons for buying the Nikon's in the first place and i really enjoy them when viewing but its almost as if certain binoculars (old or new) can simply seduce the eyes in a quite undefinable manner
Answers/views on a postcard please ?
this is intended as a "light hearted" thread (seen some intense one's on forum lately) and i'm not a fully paid up member of either Nikon or Zeiss appreciation societies
only the other day when glancing thru a pair of Swift Audubon's 8.5 x 44 porro's i thought that they were "right up there" with anything i have looked thru to date so am very neutral and appreciate there are "loads" of fabulous bins out there
Rich (slightly baffled)[/QUOTE]
When comparing binoculars, especially used ones, you must be sure they are both in good nick (clean and in collimation etc). You probably found the Zeiss 10X50 (Jenoptem?) easier to use than the Nikon 10X42 SE because the Zeiss will give a brighter image due to its larger object lenses. Also its weight helps to keep them steady. The Zeiss (Jena) optics are excellent, usually, but the binoculars are not very robust and quite 'leaky'. Also, they weigh a lot (not so good for travelling) and their eye relief is poor so they are not too good for spectacle wearers..
When looking through binoculars, colour temperature can often play a part. Some people's eyes are more sensitive than others to this and you are trying to get the best match of one optical system (the binos) to another (your eyes). Examples of colour temperature in top-notch binoculars are: Zeiss Dialyt (warm), Leica Trinovid (cold), Swarovski (in between the two).
Hopes this helps.
Tony