i thought it might be interesting for everyone on the forum to put there 5 favorite bins that they've used or tried out. please- no one should post the ones that they would like to own but have not tried out yet. and these should be your favorite bins to watch birds or whatever with; obviously optical quality is a must but also feel and just a pair you really like to have with you. any maginfication or size is fine. 1- being the best and 5 being your least favorite. please just list bins and comments based on your list that way we have a condensed list so everyone's favorites bin choices are all on one thread. thanks, i hope you enjoy it.
1. swaroski el 8.5 X 42 (a good all around bird glass. so far the only company that really has fit almost all needs a birder could have.)
2. nikon venturer lx 8 x 32 (a bit small and heavy. but xcellent optics)
3. swaroski slc 8 x 50 (heavy and close focus is not good, otherwise #2)
4. pentax dcf sp 8 x 43 (perfect feel, balanced, light weight, optics are great, fov is not good.)
5. Bushnell Legend 8 x 42 ( heavy but i like the feel. colors don't match the DCF SP)
Greetings!
I would choose these. I own all of them except for #2 (Leica Duovid) which I have evaluated extensively but have not yet purchased. In order:
#1 - Nikon HG 8x32 (Still the best all-around compromise binocular, in my opinion)
#2 - Leica Duovid 8-12x42 (Most flexible, but heavy and with restricted FOV)
#3 - Pentax DCF SP 10x50 (Best low-light binoculars I have ever found)
#4 - Nikon HG 10x25 Compact (Pocket sized miracles)
#5 - B&L Discoverer Roof Prism 7x42 or 10x42 (Best value, superb optics for low $$$)
I could easily do a top-10 list, there are so many great binoculars out there. Honorable mentions would go to Zeiss FL 7x42, Swarovski SLC 10x42, and the new Nikon HGL Premier LX models.
Best wishes,
Bawko
1. Swarovski 8.5 x 42 ELs. Perfect all-around.
2. Zeiss 15 x 60 BGAT. Outstanding, but requires a mount.
3. Leica 12 x 50 Ultravid. Great high power/hand hold-able.
4. Swarovski 8 x 32 ELs. Most comfortable to hold hand hold-able I've ever
used. However, not quite as bright as the 8.5 x
42s and I also prefer the slightly higher power of
the latter.
5. Nikon 7 x 50 Prostars. Superb Optics but heavy and somewhat bulky.