Best full sized binoculars?

[Hoodoo]

The higher-end Nikons have always been highly rated for their optics but other things have to be considered. Warranty for one. Are they guaranteed waterproof for another? A friend of mine is an ornithologist who has worked all over the world chasing one bird or another. I remember him telling me how he pretty much goes through cheaper binoculars like water. He had a sweet pair of Swift Audubons that the colors of birds would leap right out at ya. He went through 3 pair of those. Now he lugs Leicas. And that's what he buys for his research projects. They are tough and will stand up the the harshest abuse in the world--students.

BTW, the older style Zeiss are not guaranteed waterproof. I believe the newer models are.

Another friend of mine was flying into a lake by float plane and while they were flying, the pilot asked to see his Leicas. When the pilot handed them back, he forgot to put the strap around his neck and just layed them on his lap. As he was getting out of the float plane, the binos slipped from his lap and went into the drink. I forget what they used, some king of grappling hook or something but they cast about for 15 mins or so and came up with them. Still worked like a charm!

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 10-03-2000).]

 

[johno]

As good as the optics are on the Nikon Superior E models I still tend to prefer the 7x50 ProStar in the Nikon line. They are classic 7x50 marine models with one piece bodies, are waterproof and have individual focus. The Fujinon FMT-SX models, in 8x30, 7x50, 10x70 and 16x70, are also built in a similar manner, and are advertised as meeting mil spec. The Fujinons seem to be popular models for boating and they're evidently used by a number of government agencies. Both have lifetime warranties.

 

[Will Fennell]

I have long term experience in some VERY harsh conditions with Swarovski, and they are fantastic. Rugged, clear, bright...and did I mention RUGGED. THey stand up to anything. Mine are 7x42SLC's.

I have also have had good experience with STIENER military/marine 8x30's. They are a good buy.

Good Bino's are a long term 'enjoyment multiplier' for folks outdoors.

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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com

 

[jchubb]

Hello All, Well in knives I am maybe not an expert, but in this arena I am for sure!!The three brands of binoculars that have the best veiwing, clarity and construction are Lieca , Swarovski and Zeizz. Swarovski has been around the least 30-40yrs while the other two have been in business since before WWII. Swarovski has made some recent improvements and has come up with a new EL line. Their SLC and ELs are both roof prism. They make traditionals which have the porro prism design. All of their products are high quality. I've owned a older pair (10 yrs now)
of 8X56s in their black armour design. They are also real famous for their Spotting Scopes which are perhaps the best on the market. I own a CT-85 which is a colapsable telescoping one witha 85m/m objective. I have another one which is perhaps their best model...the AT80HD. This is a flourite lens model with a angled eyepiece. It has the best clarity and sharpness with little loss of clor definition.
Swarovski is also in the crystal business, which I believe makes them the most revenue. They are an Austrian company and crystal was one of their first products.
Zeizz makes excellent binoculars also! They have many models to choose from and they are all high quality. Their two most famous models are the 8X30 BGlyt and the 10X40 BA. These are both roof prism design and have excellent lenses. The loss of light is minimal looking thru these lenses. They have great sharpness and definition too. They recently introduced tow new lines to their inventory and they promise to be great also. I prefer the two models above though.
Leica.......mmmmmhhh their fantastic!!!

They have their New Generation Trinovids and they have been redesigned from the old roof prism design. They are a bit heavier, but the construction and new technology are worth the added weight. I own four pair of these. My 10X25s are the sharpest compacts I have ever seen. I use them for hiking, or when I am looking for Goshawk or other raptor nests in the spring time. The small size and weight is a Godsend on long treks.

I also have a pairs in the new generation design in 8X32, 10X42 and 12X50. They are all fantastic!!!! Some models come in the Green Armouring which I prefer. From what I have just told you, you can't go wrong with any of the three brands I have mentioned. For the record though I prefer Lieca as the one that has the best quality, design and function with the highest quality lenses. Thanks for listening, Cya

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Jonathan Chubb

 

[Bronco]

Will brings up a good point about durability. I too have found Swarovski binos to be nearly indestructible. What is even more remarkable is that the one time I did manage to severely damage a pair while overseas (my fault, not theirs), the customer service that I received was absolutely incredible (I mean way,way beyond just great

).

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Semper Fi

-Bill

 

[jchubb]

Hello, Bronco is right.... Swarovski does have excellent service and product backing. I had to return my 8X56s for servicing because they were fogging. They basically returned a brand new pair. I have not had to get any major work done on my Liecas. So I don't know how they are on service. I have heard they are great too though. I hope I don't have to find out the hard way. High end optics usually back their respective products very strongly. They have to , unless they want alot of unhappy owners.

Cya, JC

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Jonathan Chubb

 

[Hoodoo]

During the first three years, if your Leicas get run over by a truck or smashed by an elephant or whatever, they will replace them. If you lose them, you're out of luck unless you have insurance.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

 

[jchubb]

Thanks Hoodoo for the Info... but I think I have had all but one of my Liecas for more than three years. When they need servicing.. if ever.. I intend to send them back to Lieca. They seem like a first rate company to do business with. What type of field biology are you involved with?? I band raptors in the fall and spring times. Most years. Cya, JC

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Jonathan Chubb

 

[AR15fan]

I consider the Kowa 8X45 DCF a best buy at $247.00 delivered from Eagle Optics.

Its what i bought after two of my shooting buddies bought them and were impressed.

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-Marine, Peace Officer, Gunsite EW1 Graduate.

 

[johno]

Although originally designed as marine binoculars the Fujinons, as mentioned previously, have enjoyed an excellent reputation for image quality and durability in astronomy circles, which was the primary use intended for my 7x50 FMT-SX Polaris models. Digging around for reviews from boaters I found the following:

The only two binoculars rated as SUPERIOR by Practical Sailor magazine, were the Fujinon Polaris and the Zeiss 7x50s (which cost about $500 more). In fact Fujinon was rated best in dim light conditions.

For the second time in a row, Practicle Sailor magazine, the add-free marine publication, rated Fujinon's Polaris 7x50 marine binocular 1st among every other brand they tested. The line up included marine binoculars from Steiner, Nikon, Minolta, Swift, Bushnell, Swarovski, and Zeiss. First in 1990, and again in 1997, Fujinon was chosen as the top-rated entry.

In Yachting Magazine's marine binocular round up, the author chose the Fujinon Polaris as the one binocular he would buy!

 

[Hoodoo]

Originally posted by jchubb:
What type of field biology are you involved with?? I band raptors in the fall and spring times. Most years. Cya, JC

I've done a little bit of everthing. Worked with birds, mammals, and now mostly insect nutritional ecology and physiology.


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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

 

[jchubb]

Hello Again, I just had some dealings recently and in the past few years with the people at Eagle Optics. They are great!! I would suggest anybody on Blade Forums to do business with them. They have great customer satisfaction and represent each product very professionally.They have the full line of almost every major brand.
They recently told me that Leica is coming out with a new series. It will be denoted as BN instead of the current BA. This new series with be physically the same as all of the current models, the only difference being is that they will have a closer focus ability. Eagle Optics also has very competitive prices.
They have some of the newer Leica's in already. But not every model in the line yet. Cya, JC

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Jonathan Chubb

 

[Hoodoo]

I bought my Leicas and a Fujinon spotting scope from Eagle Optics. Great place and I highly recommend them.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

 

[jchubb]

Hello, Has anybody got a chance to look at the new Swarovski EL's?? I hear they are the ones that are at the cutting edge now. They definetly have a cutting edge price ie. $1300 to $1450. They must be in high demand though because some of the major retailers are having a hard time keeeping them in stock. If you've
tried them let me know. Thanks, JC

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Jonathan Chubb

 

[jchubb]

Hello, Well I tried them and they are nice, but still think that the $1300.00 to $1400.00 price tag is a bit steep. Since for about two hundred less you can get a pair of Leica's. They are nice but the Swarovski EL's are not the be all- end all of binoculars. They are however lighter in weight than most others of the same size.

Cya,

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Jonathan Chubb

 

[feverdoc]

i have a pair of steiner 7X50's military/marine without compass that i bought in college for something like 138 dollars delivered about 20 years ago...i dont know if they are still made to the same quality specs that mine are but the pair i have are bar none the best binocs i have ever used even when compared side by side to more pricey german/austrian/asian products....i have no idea what a new pair would cost today...my father has a pair of fujinon 7X50's with the lighted compass and some other bels and whistles and they are really excellent also...just my .02 worth....feverdoc

 

[rdnzl]

I have a pair of Celestron 11x80's..
I bought them for comet watching, but I've found that they are great for glassing the hills for elk and deer from the truck. I can see in VERY low light and after I spot some game, I leave 'em and go for my B & L 7x35's.

I have a tripod adapter and a car window adapter for the 11x80's and they will even double as a spotting scope while sighting in.

I think I paid $325 for them a few years back.

When everyone else is waiting for light, I can already "see" with these big suckers.

 

[Codeman]

If I used them enough, I'd definitely fork it over for Leica or Swarovski. But, I don't use them enough to warrant that kind of money. I spotted some Steiner's at Sear's Wishbook sight a few months back. They had a limited quantity of the Predator II's for $120. Since they retail for $249, I snatched up some. So far, they've done great, including surviving a wet football game that went below freezing in the second half. No fogging, no leaks. That's tough enough for me.

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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988

AKTI Member #A000831

 

[Win Heger]

I've used Steiner 7x50 Military/Marine on my
boat for over 12 years. I bought them so long ago they only cost $189.00. I fish from
April to December, they have never fogged. They're in a marine enviroment 12 months. Great service!!

My friend and I all buy our marine electronics from "Consumer Marine". I was looking at their site and found these. Might be worth a look. A very reliable company to do business with.
http://www.consumersmarine.com/products2/singleproduct.cfm?lookup=fjad

Win Heger