From a customer in Arizona:
I was looking for a pair of compact binoculars for several reasons. I wanted something light but high quality for backpacking and kayaking, I wanted a small pair of binos for when my main focus is photography, and I wanted a pair that I could use to introduce non-birder friends to birding without giving them an embarrassingly poor pair of optics. These little Pentax binos fit the bill in all respects. I'm a huge fan of Pentax (my full-size binos are Pentax WP 10X42s), but I was definitely open to all brands when looking for compacts. I compared over a dozen pairs of compacts on price, size, weight, close focus, eye relief and quality, and the Pentax 9X28s came out on top.
I bought a pair and I couldn't be happier. My old compacts were so poor that when I took them on trips, I never used them because the optical quality was so bad. I find myself finding reasons to pull these little Pentax's out to use them! Obviously they aren't as bright as my full-size, and as the light fades the difference is more pronounced, but you can't compare full-size optics with compacts. In good light, other than the extra magnification of my full-size binos (which I'm surprised was actually noticeable), there isn't much difference between the two. They're actually good enough that when I take newbies birding, I have no qualms about using the 9X28s so I can let my friends use the 10X42s.
I've compared these to a few other compacts of similar cost and the Pentax win, hands down. I would absolutely buy these again, and I've been recommending them to others without a hint of hesitation.
My only complaint, and it is a minor one, is that while my Pentax 10X42s are made in Japan, the 9X28s are made in China. But I suspect that nearly everything in this price range is made in China. That said, I haven't noticed any reduction in quality from my Japanese made 10X42s, I'd just rather not support China for various reasons.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Leica Monovid monocular
From Chris in California:
Absolutely the most useful, highest quality, compact observing tool I have every had the joy of looking through. Top notch Leica quality. Crystal clear. Beautifully and ruggedly crafted. Includes an incredibly functional carrying case. I find close focus attachment to be an unexpected joy. Now on my hikes all of the insect world is also available for observation. I have found that it is even possible to digiscope through this with an ultra compact camera. Originally I got this item because I was tired of lugging binos around. This is so small that I even occasionally include it in my computer case when on business travel. only down side is cost but it would seem in this case you really do get what you pay for.
Absolutely the most useful, highest quality, compact observing tool I have every had the joy of looking through. Top notch Leica quality. Crystal clear. Beautifully and ruggedly crafted. Includes an incredibly functional carrying case. I find close focus attachment to be an unexpected joy. Now on my hikes all of the insect world is also available for observation. I have found that it is even possible to digiscope through this with an ultra compact camera. Originally I got this item because I was tired of lugging binos around. This is so small that I even occasionally include it in my computer case when on business travel. only down side is cost but it would seem in this case you really do get what you pay for.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Bushnell Elite 20-60x80 ED angled scope
From Eva in Florida:
I use this scope on monthly bird walks with the public. My favorite detail is the swivel adjustment on the eyepiece. Once I have a great bird in the scope I can swivel the eyepiece around for people of all heights. It's perfect for multi-age groups. The glass on this scope is great. I love how crisp and clean the image is portrayed.
I use this scope on monthly bird walks with the public. My favorite detail is the swivel adjustment on the eyepiece. Once I have a great bird in the scope I can swivel the eyepiece around for people of all heights. It's perfect for multi-age groups. The glass on this scope is great. I love how crisp and clean the image is portrayed.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Swarovski SLC binocular
From: Scott from California
Rating: 5 of 5
The Swarovski 8x30 SLC is pure Austrian simplicity. Its lines are clean and simple and as far away from its cousin, the fancy EL, as possible. I've tested the original EL's, and I also own the Zeiss 8x32 Victory FL's. Both are twice the price of the SLC. Yet, optically the SLC is very, very close to these two.
The Zeiss and the original EL's focusing knobs are much smoother than the SLC. And the EL's handling is second to none - the best of any binocular from any maker. The SLC's focusing knob, in contrast, is not very smooth and is too small for use with gloves, especially if you have thick or big hands. What the SLC lacks in mechanical finesse, however, it more than makes up for in sheer optical brilliance. Frankly, I think this is one of the most underrated pieces of glass on the market. Why? My guess is that the whole SLC line has been totally upstaged by the ELs (understandably so); and the SLC's looks may make them seem homely compared to the EL's. But I call the look spartan - and beautiful, and actually,I prefer it. They are relatively compact and small - 30mm as opposed to 32mm - not heavy but very, very solid and beautifully built. The Austrians clearly decided to pour all the cost into the optics, rather than fancy design appointments. Simply put, these are serious hunting and birding glasses. They are razor sharp. Have some CA, but minimal. Eye relief is decent, making them fine with glasses. FOV is excellent at over 400. And though its close focus is listed at 13ft (not very good these days) I gauge mine at 11, which is adequate. If your dollar ceiling is around a Grand and you are considering glasses under 42mm, you should give these a try. I love them. They actually lose a half-star only for the stiff focusing knob (placed near the objective lens) and for lack of better close focus (which they really should have). But they don't have half-star ratings at EO, so I'll give it five because I grab these glasses again and again. And I think very few binoculars at this price even come close to their solid build. They are really little optical gems.
Rating: 5 of 5
The Swarovski 8x30 SLC is pure Austrian simplicity. Its lines are clean and simple and as far away from its cousin, the fancy EL, as possible. I've tested the original EL's, and I also own the Zeiss 8x32 Victory FL's. Both are twice the price of the SLC. Yet, optically the SLC is very, very close to these two.
The Zeiss and the original EL's focusing knobs are much smoother than the SLC. And the EL's handling is second to none - the best of any binocular from any maker. The SLC's focusing knob, in contrast, is not very smooth and is too small for use with gloves, especially if you have thick or big hands. What the SLC lacks in mechanical finesse, however, it more than makes up for in sheer optical brilliance. Frankly, I think this is one of the most underrated pieces of glass on the market. Why? My guess is that the whole SLC line has been totally upstaged by the ELs (understandably so); and the SLC's looks may make them seem homely compared to the EL's. But I call the look spartan - and beautiful, and actually,I prefer it. They are relatively compact and small - 30mm as opposed to 32mm - not heavy but very, very solid and beautifully built. The Austrians clearly decided to pour all the cost into the optics, rather than fancy design appointments. Simply put, these are serious hunting and birding glasses. They are razor sharp. Have some CA, but minimal. Eye relief is decent, making them fine with glasses. FOV is excellent at over 400. And though its close focus is listed at 13ft (not very good these days) I gauge mine at 11, which is adequate. If your dollar ceiling is around a Grand and you are considering glasses under 42mm, you should give these a try. I love them. They actually lose a half-star only for the stiff focusing knob (placed near the objective lens) and for lack of better close focus (which they really should have). But they don't have half-star ratings at EO, so I'll give it five because I grab these glasses again and again. And I think very few binoculars at this price even come close to their solid build. They are really little optical gems.
Swarovski Balance Rail
From: Ben from Ohio
Rating: 5 of 5
This thing is awesome. It does add some weight to the overall set up, but it is a HUGE improvement over the old swarovski balance plate. The best thing about it is how easy it is to switch to a different balance point without having to take off the plate and re-screw anything. You just flip the lever on the side, slide it smoothly into place and then flick it back into locked position. Also an improvement is the added space on the underside to fit your thumb under onto the bottom of the scope focus wheel, the old plate got in the way a little. Also cool that you can slide it off the bottom rail/plate (by first depressing the green safety button catch) and use it on your table, car roof, etc, as a stable base. Very handy, and definitely provides a more balanced and less shaky image when digiscoping. Its not as expensive as I would expect from Swarovski, but still arguably overpriced, worth it though, as there is nothing as well designed on the market.
Rating: 5 of 5
This thing is awesome. It does add some weight to the overall set up, but it is a HUGE improvement over the old swarovski balance plate. The best thing about it is how easy it is to switch to a different balance point without having to take off the plate and re-screw anything. You just flip the lever on the side, slide it smoothly into place and then flick it back into locked position. Also an improvement is the added space on the underside to fit your thumb under onto the bottom of the scope focus wheel, the old plate got in the way a little. Also cool that you can slide it off the bottom rail/plate (by first depressing the green safety button catch) and use it on your table, car roof, etc, as a stable base. Very handy, and definitely provides a more balanced and less shaky image when digiscoping. Its not as expensive as I would expect from Swarovski, but still arguably overpriced, worth it though, as there is nothing as well designed on the market.
Zeiss camera adapter
From Paul in Ohio:
Rating: 2 of 5
Love the design of this adapter but was very disappointed to discover that the unadjustable swivel joint has enough tolerance in the connection to cause vibration problems while snapping the photo. Many point-and-shoot digital cameras do not have mechanical or electronic shutter release capabilities which forces manual shutter release. This camera contact may cause this adapter to move while shutter is released. For the cost of this accessory I would have expected more form Zeiss.
I can get better results from a $65 adapter!!
Rating: 2 of 5
Love the design of this adapter but was very disappointed to discover that the unadjustable swivel joint has enough tolerance in the connection to cause vibration problems while snapping the photo. Many point-and-shoot digital cameras do not have mechanical or electronic shutter release capabilities which forces manual shutter release. This camera contact may cause this adapter to move while shutter is released. For the cost of this accessory I would have expected more form Zeiss.
I can get better results from a $65 adapter!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Swift Eaglet 7x36
From Randy in Iowa:
Subject: Great for birding and butterflies
Rating: 5 of 5
I originally purchased this binocular for my late wife because of its close focusing capability; the close focus is actually closer to four feet than the 5.9 feet given in the specifications. She would often use it for viewing dragonflies and butterflies while she patiently sat on shore while I was wading and fishing; of course, she also used it for birding. I have often used it while kayaking because of its waterproofing. I often mentor people who are only modestly competent at birding, and this is the optic of choice when I loan them a binocular. It is small enough to be comfortable in smaller hands, but still large and weighty enough to not get lost in larger hands like mine. The view is bright and sharp, especially for an instrument in this price range. The large and easy to locate center focus is silky smooth to operate. The twist-up eyecups are a huge improvement over the previous version of this model; that was the only criticism I had of the former version. I wear glasses, and so do many of my older companions, so high eye relief is an important feature in a binocular. Even though I own a Leica 7x42, I often choose to carry the Swift Eaglet 7x36 because of its lighter weight, and near perfect combination of features. Friends have purchased this model on my recommendation, and all the people I have loaned it to have enjoyed using it.
Subject: Great for birding and butterflies
Rating: 5 of 5
I originally purchased this binocular for my late wife because of its close focusing capability; the close focus is actually closer to four feet than the 5.9 feet given in the specifications. She would often use it for viewing dragonflies and butterflies while she patiently sat on shore while I was wading and fishing; of course, she also used it for birding. I have often used it while kayaking because of its waterproofing. I often mentor people who are only modestly competent at birding, and this is the optic of choice when I loan them a binocular. It is small enough to be comfortable in smaller hands, but still large and weighty enough to not get lost in larger hands like mine. The view is bright and sharp, especially for an instrument in this price range. The large and easy to locate center focus is silky smooth to operate. The twist-up eyecups are a huge improvement over the previous version of this model; that was the only criticism I had of the former version. I wear glasses, and so do many of my older companions, so high eye relief is an important feature in a binocular. Even though I own a Leica 7x42, I often choose to carry the Swift Eaglet 7x36 because of its lighter weight, and near perfect combination of features. Friends have purchased this model on my recommendation, and all the people I have loaned it to have enjoyed using it.
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