Binocular recommendations needed...

Beemerguy53

Beemerguy53

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In a couple of months, I'll be taking a much needed vacation to visit friends in Germany. A good bit of our time will be spent in the German and Austrian Alps, and we've booked an excursion to the Eagle's Nest outside Berchtesgaden.

I've been to and through Berchtesgaden many times, but this will be my first visit to the Eagle's Nest. I'm told the view from there is simply spectacular. I have a older pair of Pentax 7x20 compact binoculars that would probably be okay, but if I can get something that is clearly better for a reasonable price I'd like to.

I've looked on some of the popular buying websites, and it looks like there are some pretty good compact binoculars available under $200. Any suggestions? Thanks!
 
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I have a pair of Steiner 8x30mm binoculars that I have found to be extremely useful. Excellent quality, clarity, etc. I've had them for over 20 years. Never a complaint. Had to replace the eye cups about 4 years ago.
 
brucev said:
I have a pair of Steiner 8x30mm binoculars that I have found to be extremely useful. Excellent quality, clarity, etc. I've had them for over 20 years. Never a complaint. Had to replace the eye cups about 4 years ago.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Steiners seem to be terrific binoculars, but a little out of my price range. I'm looking at some Minox 8x25 compacts and 8x42 full-size, but there seem to be decent models available from Pentax, Leupold, etc.
 
I cannot in good conscience make any recommendations in your price range. But if you must have really compact items, I suggest limiting choices to Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski. The first two also have outstanding 8x20 monoculars.

I know that Nikon makes some good compacts, but have only looked though a few in stores, and some years ago. They were okay for the money, but certainly not on par with the best German brands.

If you want a good full-size binocular at a value price, I suggest the Swift Aududon 8.5X44, at about $500 the last I looked. I compared mine directly to an 8X32B/GA Leica in both daylight and dark, and the Swift held up pretty well, although the Leica had less problem with reflections. Keep in mind that the smaller Leica was very close to the larger Swift.

I expect that the superior German glass has better lenses, prisms, and coatings. My Leica is the 8X32B/GA, which I think has been replaced by a new super-priced item. I know the model, but can't think of it at the moment. Check all these companies' Online sites.

If you're tight on funds, consider the Zeiss 8X20B monocular, which also carries very conveniently. The Swarovski 8X20B binocular that I owned a few years ago was also exceptional, and performed much better in dim light than expected. Had I not had to sell it to pay some medical bills, I'd still treasure it. I think it compares better to Zeiss and Leica equivalents than Swarovski's full-size binoculars do. That is, of course, my opinion, based on having used a number of such models. However, all of those brands are excellent binoculars.

If B&L/Bushnell still makes their 7X26 compact, take a look. They used to be remarkable items for the money, although the hinges were sometimes looser than they should have been.

First, get copies of astronomy and birding magazines and request catalogs from the binocular ads therein. Be very careful with dealing with dealers in NYC. Many of them are reputed to offer "gray market" goods that may not have US warranties.

Learn what you can, then call several major dealers from those ads and see who treats you best. If you're treated badly on the phone, that's probably a clue to how they view you as a customer!

One other option: maybe you can buy a good used binocular in Germany? Check customs issues and maybe someone here can add to this idea. But be danged sure that you learn how to buy used optics. Most that I've examined have fogged lenses and prisms caused by leaving the instrument in a closed car in hot weather. Look around inside the glass with a strong flashlight! (Shine the flashlight into the objective lenses.)
 
I have had a set of 10x25 Nikon compacts for years. They were well-priced at $109 thirty years ago. I see similar ones today (Nikon Travelite) for not a lot more, sometimes less. For all I know, they have cheapened them up some, but mine have taken some bumps over the years.
 
The Steiners perform well and the rubber armor makes them very rugged, I have knocked them around on boats for years.
I've also had good luck with Pentax but am more careful with them.
Good luck with whatever you purchase.
Steve W.
 
You might want to hold off buying now and make your purchase in Germany. Same goes for rifle scopes, etc..

Have a great trip, take lots of pictures and be sure to post them when you return! :)
 
Read this: I have owned an 8X50 Docter Noblilem, and if the Fujinon tested as well here (it did) and is more rainproof and rugged, it must be a fine glass.

QUICKTEST, Fujinon compared with Zeiss Jenoptem

Keep in mind the weight. However, this speaks well of Fujinon products in general. I have had trouble finding reviews of the brand, so was delighted to see this UK review.
 
digi-shots said:
You might want to hold off buying now and make your purchase in Germany. Same goes for rifle scopes, etc..

Have a great trip, take lots of pictures and be sure to post them when you return! :)
Click to expand...

I agree with D-S's post, you might want to check with your friends in Germany and see what prices are for specific optics your interested in.

Might be cheaper to by good German glass in Germany.:)

GF
 
Thanks all for your posts thus far. It did occur to me that I might be able to get a good deal on binoculars when I get there. I'll be flying into Frankfurt, then staying in the Rhineland for five days, then driving south to the Alps.

I think I'll check with my friends there and see what the going rate is in Frankfurt. That's a very big city with lots of different stores, so I'm sure I can find something there.

The suggestion to buy over there reminded me of something I noticed years ago: One country's cheap local goods is another country's expensive imports. I remember seeing a Winchester 1300 in a German gunshop priced at about 600 Euros. Maglite flashlights and Leatherman tools were also very expensive. Swiss Army Knives, of course, were dirt cheap there compared to their prices here.
 
I'd check those prices in Germany before going over there, if possible. with the US dollar on the slides and the already unfavorable exchange rate maybe getting worse you might get a better deal here espscially if you are not buying a German made product.
Steve W.
 
Review: Zeiss Dienstglas 8x30 vs. Hensoldt DF 8x30 vs. Steiner Fero-D 12

I really think that anyone who admires Steiner binoculars should read this. Their present commercial binoculars may be better than the German service model tested.

I tried a Steiner 7X50 maybe 20 years ago against two B&L 7X35's,and was underwhelmed. The smaller Bausch & Lomb Porro and roof prism models performed significantly better, even in dim light and in astronomy. This is the opposite of what should have happened! The B&L's were not only brighter; they were sharper. However, those models are no longer made. I have not tried recent Bushnell's products, or seen any. Opinions expressed are my own, and are subjective, but I am an experienced binocular user, with wide experience of various brands and models.

I have not tried (even seen) Steiner's recent models, which may be better.

If one is going to Germany, one of these ex-military glasses might be a really good buy, if in great shape. I'd probably choose the Hensoldt or the Zeiss. I had a Zeiss 8X30B monocular that amounted to half of the binocular tested here. It was pretty good for its day. In the 1960's and '70's, these were among the best binoculars made.

You may even find the brilliant 8X50B Zeiss, something for which I lusted, but couldn't afford. I saw a pair at Abercrombie & Fitch in Chicago, and was impressed. Jack O'Connor wrote that using one was like looking out of a picture window. Nice, wide, very sharp view for the times. Still impressive, if found at the right price.

The East German 7X40 is also sometimes seen at good prices, but I've never used one.
 
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I dont see how a german made binnocular could cost less here than in germany!
 
one of the best values in optics today is the Nikon ATB Monarch series of binoculars. I have owned a number of them and they are fabulous. Also take a look at Leupold's line up as well. I recently purchased a set on Minox 10X42 binoculars that are quite the equal to the Nikon ATB.
My serious binoculars are Leica's 8x42 BA or Swarovski 8X32 EL's.
You need not spend mega dollars to get some great performance..
I buy, sell and trade optics all of the time.
Randy
 
growr said:
one of the best values in optics today is the Nikon ATB Monarch series of binoculars. I have owned a number of them and they are fabulous. Also take a look at Leupold's line up as well. I recently purchased a set on Minox 10X42 binoculars that are quite the equal to the Nikon ATB.
My serious binoculars are Leica's 8x42 BA or Swarovski 8X32 EL's.
You need not spend mega dollars to get some great performance..
I buy, sell and trade optics all of the time.
Randy
Click to expand...


You lucky rascal! :)
 
My advice, whatever you choose, is to by small binoculars. You won't have the wonderful field of view that larger optics offer but you also won't have to lug around several pounds of optics for the entire trip. I have a pair of Leitz binoculars, 10x25 I think (that I don't think are made any more) but the size is VERY portable and, when I'm not using them, I'm hardly aware that I have them with me.
I'd look at reviews and buy the best your budget allows whether in this country or over there. Good luck.
 
bobelk99 said:
Used 8x40 or 10x40 with a commercial harness.
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A larger pair of binoculars would almost demand a good harness if what you want to do is mostly look at stuff on the trip but I suspect you're gonna want to have a decent camera too - should also be a compact, decent quality - and maybe some info, maps, water, who knows what? I'm just thinking about the fact that you're traveling and will probably want your "day pack" to be lighter rather than heavier. ;)
 
I had two pair of the upper end Bushnell 10x42 binos, both lasted @ 2 years and were damaged in falls. Switched to Nikon 10x42 Monarchs and haven't looked back. I hunt and bird. Most times they ride on the dash of the truck, or in the bikes tour pack.
 
jblackfish said:
My advice, whatever you choose, is to by small binoculars. You won't have the wonderful field of view that larger optics offer but you also won't have to lug around several pounds of optics for the entire trip. I have a pair of Leitz binoculars, 10x25 I think (that I don't think are made any more) but the size is VERY portable and, when I'm not using them, I'm hardly aware that I have them with me.
I'd look at reviews and buy the best your budget allows whether in this country or over there. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I will definitely not be buying a fullsize pair of binoculars, for exactly the reasons you mention.

I've been reading tests and reviews and buyer comments the last several hours, and the Minox 8x42 BR looks pretty good. It's available from several sources for just under $300. I'm going to check and see what it costs in Frankfurt.

Thanks everyone for your advice...you've all been very helpful! :-)
 
You can't beat TASCO, without the outrageous prices. I used 7X50's on my cabin cruiser for years.
 
Keep an eye on (he-he) samplelist.com, which often has great prices on used optics, sales and show samples, etc.

Pricey, but my Swarovski 8x20 compacts are high performance glass in a package that folds up to about the size of a cigarette pack, fit into shirt pocket. Not best for long sessions or birding, etc., but great for viewing static distant objects.
 
I bought my son a new pair of Redfield 8x32 glasses for Christmas. As I recall, they were just over $100, and in my humble opinion, comparable to some that cost several hundred. You might want to check them out.
Google
 
I have had a pair of Leupold Yosemite 8x30's for several years. They have given perfect service and run around $100; also backed by Leupold's lifetime warranty.
 
Update...

Hi, folks! I want to thank all of you for your thoughtful and very helpful suggestions on what binoculars I should consider.

After doing a lot of reading and researching, I decided on a pair of Minox BV II 8X42 (MINOX Germany: Description MINOX Binoculars BV ll 10x42) and over the weeks since I started this thread, the Amazon price on them dropped from just under $300 to $240, which is only $10 more than the best price I could have gotten had I waited to buy them in Germany.

They arrived the other day, and I'm really impressed. They seem very well-made, and have a nice, solid feel to them. They have enough eye relief to allow for the fact that I wear glasses, and the image quality is excellent. They're a little on the heavy side, but small enough that they'll fit easily into the messenger bag (AKA "manpurse" LOL) I'll be carrying on some of the day trips we'll be taking in Germany.

Thanks again for your responses and help! :-)
 
Sounds like you got something very close to what I have had good use of. I have used a pair of Nikon Monarch ATB's in 8X40 for many years now. They are light to carry, have good eye relief for eyeglass wearers, and the 8 power magnification is simply a great compromise for field use.
 
Beemerguy53 said:
Hi, folks! I want to thank all of you for your thoughtful and very helpful suggestions on what binoculars I should consider.

After doing a lot of reading and researching, I decided on a pair of Minox BV II 8X42 (MINOX Germany: Description MINOX Binoculars BV ll 10x42) and over the weeks since I started this thread, the Amazon price on them dropped from just under $300 to $240, which is only $10 more than the best price I could have gotten had I waited to buy them in Germany.

They arrived the other day, and I'm really impressed. They seem very well-made, and have a nice, solid feel to them. They have enough eye relief to allow for the fact that I wear glasses, and the image quality is excellent. They're a little on the heavy side, but small enough that they'll fit easily into the messenger bag (AKA "manpurse" LOL) I'll be carrying on some of the day trips we'll be taking in Germany.

Thanks again for your responses and help! :-)
Click to expand...

Looks like a good choice. I have a couple of similar 8X42's.

Where are Minox binoculars actually made?
 
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