Hi to all
I am currently looking into (pardon the pun) purchasing a pair of compact zoom binoculars. I am aware of the optical compromises of zoom optics, but as these are a multipurpose binocular, I will find the zoom range very useful.
Current shortlist is: Pentax 8-20x24UCF, Nikon 8-24x25 Eagleview II and Bausch & Lomb Legacy 8-20x25. Does anybody have any experience of these binoculars? How do the B&L compare to the Pentax or Nikon? Also, does anyone know where I might view a pair of the B&Ls in South East England? I have seen the Pentax and Nikon, currently the Pentax just gets ahead.
Many thanks for any help / advice.
Chris
Hi again
No replies so went for the Pentax UCF 8-20x24 bins. In daylight, images are bright and sharp to the edges across the zoom range. Good crisp images at x20 give plenty of detail on distant birds. As the light has dropped off this evening, the upper end of the zoom range has become less useable (as would be expected), but still good enought to view the fuselage of the police helicopter that was hovering around our area about 10:45pm tonight. The x20 end makes a good job of moon observation also. Have no planets in view from here at the moment, but expect useful results if the moon is anything to go by. I would guess that the image brightness will make the Orion nebula viewable as well, though not as well as with a 10" mirror scope.
Ergonomics and operation are excellent with centre spindle zoom, focus and pop out dioptre correction. Slide out eye cups with 15mm eye relief will allow spectacle wearers to use them with ease also.
Generally very good performance and functionality for the money.
Chris
Sorry, but I must have missed this thread somehow, but now you have got them how do you feel about the field of view, I ask because I have a pair of Bushnel 7-15X25 and I love them to bits except for the FOV, I also have a pair of Nikon Sporter 10X36 which people rave about, they are nice and I carry them with me now, but only because of the FOV the Bushnels are much better ergonomically and I miss the twiddle factor of not having the zoom capability even if it is only now and again.
Good luck with your Pentax.
Mick