Binoculars - Advice please

[Spear Chucker]

Buy the Big Three (Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss, in alphabetical order…)

A study by Zeiss a few years ago found that viewers got most information from binoculars of 8-power. I wouldn’t buy 10X, especially if most of your stalking is in woodland; light gathering will be poorer, wobble worse, and you’ll spend too much time fiddling with focus due to lower depth of field.

If you’re not bothered about including a laser rangefinder, I’d consider taking a look at the websites of suppliers of birdwatching equipment as well. They usually have a good range of top-quality used optics. I have bought from In Focus in the past; in my area Cley Spy are also recommended.

My stalking bins are Swarovski EL Range 8 x 42, and l don’t see myself changing them.

maximus otter

Agreed on all points. This having become a topic of deep consideration in my pea sized brain for the last couple of days, I was out again last night with my 10x42 redfields. I had read up on field of depth etc. and suddenly I realised I was piddling about with the manual focus the whole time to clarify objects deeper in the wood. I think I will run with Murphy's offer of the 8x42 Swarovskis. at £900 that is an unbeatable deal for the quality.

 

[maximus otter]

I was asked to stay with some friends. They have cartloads of money. She earns it, he spends it. Couldn't get away quick enough, but while we were there I noticed on the garden table, sitting in the rain unloved and as if they were just a cheap pair of children's toy binoculars, a pair of Swarovski rangefinder binos. Needless to say I couldn't resist a little peek. I looked out over the water at ships, yachts and houses opposite. I think at the time they were all of £3000 new.
They ruined me. I have remembered my amazement at their quality. I have never looked through anything like them before or since. I took them inside and put them on a safe surface. a couple of hours later, the 12 yr old was spinning around in circles with them just holding the strap. Had to have a drink after that.

Yep. Rule 1 of owning good binoculars is:

Never Lend Them to Anyone.

Rule 2? See Rule 1…

maximus otter

 

[John.270]

I nice pair of 8x32s would be ideal especially when your carrying a thermal as well.

I’m selling a pair of Swaro EL 8x32. Not long serviced. Taken as a trade in and they are in lovely order with original box. Looking for £895 if anyone is after for a pair.

 

[Dunwaters]

Very grateful to you. Clearly -in this scenario- like so many others in life, bigger tools are not necessarily the best tools. Rather a relief to be able to get better results with lighter kit for once!

Try the 8 or 10x 32 EL’s .
For me they hit the sweet spot, smaller and lighter than the 42’s but not giving anything away optically.

 

[south-nofolk-stalker]

Yep. Rule 1 of owning good binoculars is:

Never Lend Them to Anyone.

Rule 2? See Rule 1…

maximus otter

Amen

 

[south-nofolk-stalker]

Wow!! Really Hammered! If they can survive that, they must be bomb proof! They look worse than I do!

Their going to Portugal this summer for new rubber armouring and new lenses and a service as a treat, then they’ll be fit for another 14 years of thrashing!

 

[Roebuck9]

I have a pair of Khales Helia 10x42 RF had them years now, they are good for the distances I use them on, not woodland. You do have to support them by tucking in your elbows on your chest when using them to avoid shake as others have said but horses for courses.

 

[Spear Chucker]

Is it this one, I have no connection to the seller I'm just trying to help out

Sold: - Swarovski binoculars

For sale are my Swarovski binoculars 8x42 EL in very good condition, recently been serviced by Swarovski with no major issues. Glass is 100% with no marks or scratches they come with a Swarovski harness and the original strap and a lens cover. Price £1000

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

many thanks for this Daz, I wouldn't have found this ad unless you had sent it in. much appreciated. They are on their way to me now.

 

[Spear Chucker]

Yep. Rule 1 of owning good binoculars is:

Never Lend Them to Anyone.

Rule 2? See Rule 1…

maximus otter

Luckily not my binos, not my 12 yr old! Never seen such extravagance, or lack of care for such things. I was very glad to get home, but the sheer quality of the binoculars just blew me away.

 

[Spear Chucker]

Dear All, a quick note to thank you for your advice, tips, pointers etc. I am really grateful. I concluded a deal with "Murphy" on the Swarovski 8.5x42 binoculars yesterday. Chuffed to bits with the deal and looking foward to their arrival.