I have to admit that I'm full of opinions on optics that may not have relevance or validity to many of BF readers. As a long time user and collector, I'm driven by over all qualitiy and ergonomics. But I recognize that many variables make up what suits Joe as opposed to Jack. For example, the critics of the Nikon 8x32 SE, viz., blackouts, chintzy rubber eye cups, etc., have experience behind their conclusions. Far be it for me to question their discomfort with that model. Because I always use eye glasses, the ER is perfect for me. And because a 10 cent Zip Lock bag can provide protection when caught out in rain, I don't get too worked up about this or that model not being water proof.
Nor do I have real technical knowledge of optics like many of our contributors. I'm OK with that because I learning something from them, and that is part of the enjoyment of surfing through BF.
But I am also firmly convinced that with the given state of binocular optics the really important variable is our eyes themselves, not the latest coatings, brand model, etc. The variation in human eyes must be greater than generally understood. I know that the slow, subtle changes in vision due to aging is a constant.
So instead of seeking the holy Grail, find what works for you and stick with it.
This is a philosophy that I have now adopted. This quest for optical perfection has almost taken on hair splitting dimensions that an average bloke like me can't fathom anymore. There is such a thing as riding a hobby to death. Just some of my opinions. John
I agree, John.
But remember al those opinions originate from people's experience, and expressing such thoughts is always better than not.
If e.g. you like your SE, I would never buy them because they are not waterproof.
I was standing at the sea with strong winds and good migration earlier this week, and a sudden big wave caught all by surprise (we were looking through the scopes) and 1 second later I was dripping wet, the telescope soaked and the eyecups of my waterproof bins were full of salty water. So with an SE, it could have been game over.
But for a lot of other people, they never will have that situation and can safely assume they are the best for their purposes. Same goes with a lot of other makes/models.
[QUOTE=John Dracon;1917322]This quest for optical perfection has almost taken on hair splitting dimensions that an average bloke like me can't fathom anymore. There is such a thing as riding a hobby to death. Just some of my opinions. John[/QUOTE]
Excellent post, to make such as me pause and reflect. Problem is, there are many binos that "work" for me, all loveable, but all slightly different. The quest is for the one bino that will combine the best qualities of all. This obviously doesn´t exist (as many of the fave features are mutually exclusive), but that´s part of the fun, as long as one doesn´t take it too seriously. They´re only binoculars. And birds and stuff.
Edit: Actually the quest isn´t for the single binocular that will combine the best features of many, but the least number of binoculars in a usable collection that will do this. So - apart from top-class optics, one want a pair of excellent porros, excellent waterproof roofs, image-stabilisation, compacts, and maybe a range of magnifications from 7x to 18x. I reckon this could all be covered with a minimum of four pairs of binos, but which four is the problem.