Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Binocular Survey

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Miscellaneous Topics >> Sporting equipment
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)
kamilaroi
.400 member


Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...
Binocular Survey
      #144018 - 20/10/09 04:29 PM

What are the most reliable out there; including honoring warranty and long term service?

FWIW I have a pair of pre unification (mfg west germany 1988) REAL military Steiner Commander 7x 50s. Never found better optics, mind you I use them in both marine and land environments!

To date they have had 2 refurbs, the lastest this month being a full service incl lens cleaned, inter turret collimation, rearmour and a current compass (series III) with illumination installed. All for $180 AUD including freight and customs charges.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: kamilaroi]
      #144021 - 20/10/09 05:57 PM

I have the latest Steiner Nighthunter XP 8 x44 and the 10x42 Ranger pro models right here.

I have been evaluating the Bino`s for a review down the track and at this stage lets just say that my own personal Swarovski SLC 10 x 42 have NOTHING over the Steiner NH 8x44.

I have been comparing them all side by side for a month now by looking at real deer in real time..early am`s and late pm`s and I cannot for the life of me distinguish any advantages over my own personal bino`s and thats a big NO I am not gaining in any way shape or form for the review.

I do own 8x30 Predator Pro`s and until the Swarovski`s arrived they held me in good stead for a lot of years.

Oh yeah there is a 30 year warranty also on the NH`s

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Der_Jaeger
.375 member


Reged: 09/10/08
Posts: 607
Loc: SE Pennsylvania
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: gryphon]
      #144024 - 20/10/09 09:50 PM


I have a pair of Swarovski 8x56 binoculars that are no longer made and are as solid as a piece of iron. I'm sure they were made by some East German Swartzwald smock-laden alte Frau that would get no bread at the end of the day if they weren't absolutely perfect in every regard. They're a bit bulky, but so what. A harness strap makes them very portable.

--------------------

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Tatume
.400 member


Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Der_Jaeger]
      #144026 - 20/10/09 10:37 PM

I use a personally-owned Steiner 7x50 when patrolling for the Coast Guard. For hunting I use a Leupold Wind River 6x binocular. The Leupold is the best hunting field glass I've ever used, with great clarity and resolution.

--------------------
Take care, Tom
NRA Life Member

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Tatume]
      #144028 - 20/10/09 10:42 PM

I have used 2 different sets of Swarovski EL's--10x42's and 8x32's--really like each and feel they are the best glass I have ever owned personally.

Read recently the "new" hot bino is the HD Leica..have not had the opportunity yet to look through a pair, but the articles I have read suggest currently they have no equal..which will also mean they will have no equal in price as well..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Edited by Ripp (21/10/09 12:45 PM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
9.3x57
.450 member


Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5504
Loc: United States
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144034 - 20/10/09 11:47 PM

What's the best binoc is a little like whats the best scope; depends.

I carry as little as I can because around here the going is straight up both ways and frankly, for years didn't carry binocs at all except on the horse, ATV or when varmint hunting on the UTV.

Then for Christmas one year I got a pair of Hungarian-made Zeiss 8x20BT. This little thing has excellent optics and tho I have a bigger pair, rarely carry them because these do what I want. I carry them everywhere.

They are small, light, excellent clarity.

For all-day scanning, I have an old pair of Leupold 7x30's {near 30 years old}. They also have very clear lenses, are in the medium-size category and are comfortable for all-day use, as when varmint hunting.

Even if you have a bunch of binocs, I bet you would find a use for the little Zeiss 8x20's or 10x20's. They are just that useful.

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: 9.3x57]
      #144035 - 20/10/09 11:55 PM

Quote:

What's the best binoc is a little like whats the best scope; depends.

Even if you have a bunch of binocs, I bet you would find a use for the little Zeiss 8x20's or 10x20's. They are just that useful.



That pretty much wraps up how I feel about the 8x32's I have--they are light-something like 19oz..and do most everything I need--about the only time I don't use them is if I am scouting in an area where the view is very very long distances..but for general hunting, hiking, etc..take the smaller pair everytime..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
JabaliHunter
.400 member


Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144051 - 21/10/09 03:51 AM

I also use the Swarovski EL 10x42 and can't imagine going hunting without them. Apparently a new upgraded version (I believe with new glass, mirrors etc) will be available from January 2010 in the UK. They have been getting some good early reviews in terms of improved clarity (hard to believe!)

My other binoculars are Minolta 10x25 which have stood up well to years of use and neglect.

I have never had need to call on the warranty for either pair.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
VonGruff
.400 member


Reged: 08/02/09
Posts: 1119
Loc: South Otago, New Zealand.
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: JabaliHunter]
      #144056 - 21/10/09 05:56 AM

+1 on the Leuopold Wind Rivers although mine are the 8x42.I was able to check them against Swaro and Zeiss (mountains less than mile from shop) and there was nothing (deer farm on lower slopes, sheep higher up) that the Leuopold couldn't define as clearly as the others. Very pleased with them.

Von Gruff.

--------------------
Von Gruff.

Exodus 20:1-17

Acts 4:10-12

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
bwananelson
.400 member


Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: VonGruff]
      #144063 - 21/10/09 12:49 PM

zeiss compact 8 power

--------------------
THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: VonGruff]
      #144064 - 21/10/09 12:50 PM

The one thing I have noticed about optics..to look through most during normal daylight hours, there really isn't that much difference..noticable I feel, but not that much..

Where I have noticed it however is the last few minutes of light at the end of the day or the first few minutes in the morning..IMHO...

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
bwananelson
.400 member


Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144078 - 21/10/09 05:09 PM

and how long you use them in a day

--------------------
THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kamilaroi
.400 member


Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: bwananelson]
      #144080 - 21/10/09 06:15 PM

^^ FWIW the lesser the quality of lens grinding/ glass and COLLIMATION the more your eyes feel it.

Most Euro optics use Schott glass, good for a google.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ozhunter
.400 member


Reged: 18/08/04
Posts: 1692
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: kamilaroi]
      #144082 - 21/10/09 06:48 PM

I have had the best results from Leica Bino's.
Have owned a few of them, plus some Zeiss, Swarovski's and one Karls .
I've seen quite a few problems with Swarovski's from the late 90's, not sure if they still have these problems though.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kamilaroi
.400 member


Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: ozhunter]
      #144088 - 21/10/09 10:15 PM

Steiners went through a rough patch when post unification they went for the middle end of the market as they (apparently) had a contract to produce 72K units for the US, eliminated the gas charging nipples and installed a cheaper brand compass. Thankfully this has been rectified and the service is (as usual) to standard.

Mine were commented on by the importer as; "they are among the worst treated we have seen": including specialist defence units and Federal Customs.

BTW earlier rubber armour and carry strap was adversely affected by sun lotion and DEET based insect repellants, since rectified.

No advertorial, just fact.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Der_Jaeger
.375 member


Reged: 09/10/08
Posts: 607
Loc: SE Pennsylvania
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144089 - 21/10/09 10:16 PM

Quote:

The one thing I have noticed about optics..to look through most during normal daylight hours, there really isn't that much difference..noticable I feel, but not that much..

Where I have noticed it however is the last few minutes of light at the end of the day or the first few minutes in the morning..IMHO...

Ripp



That indeed is the true test. I know my Swaro 8x56s are a bit bulky, but man, they REALLY, REALLY, come through during these times.

--------------------

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: ozhunter]
      #144096 - 22/10/09 01:19 AM

Quote:

I've seen quite a few problems with Swarovski's from the late 90's, not sure if they still have these problems though.




I have had one style or another of Swarovski's for over 15 years..have a pair in the car I use daily on my travels..never have had one problem with any...my experience..

Now that I said that I am sure I just jinxed myself and something will go wrong the next time I am out..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mickey
.416 member


Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144097 - 22/10/09 01:46 AM

I have a 20 year old pair of Zeiss compact 8x30 Rubber armoured and a 10 year old pair of Leica 8x42 BAs. I use the much lighter Zeiss for hunting but the Leicas are very nice when you don't have to carry them yourself.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
JabaliHunter
.400 member


Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144131 - 22/10/09 11:46 PM

Quote:

The one thing I have noticed about optics..to look through most during normal daylight hours, there really isn't that much difference..noticable I feel, but not that much..

Where I have noticed it however is the last few minutes of light at the end of the day or the first few minutes in the morning..IMHO...

Ripp


In the woods on a cloudy day at very last light in January... you will swear by Swarovskis (and I imagine Leicas - a friend swears by Leica bins).
As an anecdote (not about binoculars but bear with me) I put my Leuopold VXIII 3.5-10x50 on 6 power against a very old Swarovski PF8x56 (steel tube) and promptly sold my VXIII and bought a Z6! the fact that I could still make out the crosshairs and markings on the roe doe under these conditions through the Swaro and not through the Leupold convinced me! At the same time I could make out everything perfectly through the 10x42 ELs.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: JabaliHunter]
      #144138 - 23/10/09 12:53 AM

Quote:

Quote:


As an anecdote (not about binoculars but bear with me) I put my Leuopold VXIII 3.5-10x50 on 6 power against a very old Swarovski PF8x56 (steel tube) and promptly sold my VXIII and bought a Z6! the fact that I could still make out the crosshairs and markings on the roe doe under these conditions through the Swaro and not through the Leupold convinced me! At the same time I could make out everything perfectly through the 10x42 ELs.



Ironic you said this--one morning hiking in very early on a mule deer hunt, I pulled up with my rifle that was wearing a 3-10 Swarovski--told my friend to check out the buck behind that tree..he pulled up his 4.5 to 14 VXIII..and said "what buck"...at that point I truly realized it is NOT all hype...

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Edited by Ripp (23/10/09 01:11 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
bwananelson
.400 member


Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: Ripp]
      #144224 - 23/10/09 03:36 PM

i sot a bull elk in wyoming and had to wait to take pictures all or the majority wear the swaovski

--------------------
THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gatsby
.375 member


Reged: 05/09/05
Posts: 862
Loc: inland valley CA USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: kamilaroi]
      #144235 - 23/10/09 05:46 PM

I also have two pair I use depending on where and what I am hunting. I use Pentax 8x42 for most situations and I have a pair of Zeiss 10x56 night owls that I tripod mount. Using the Zeiss 10x all day without the tripod gives me quite a headache. I have had both for more than 10 years and never had a problem with either pair.

--------------------
"Recoil is insignificant when there is a tiger on the head of your elephant" The Maharaja of Cooch Behar



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: gatsby]
      #144238 - 23/10/09 06:27 PM

Quote:

Using the Zeiss 10x all day without the tripod gives me quite a headache. I have had both for more than 10 years and never had a problem with either pair.



Never had a problem? What about the headache?

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
gatsby
.375 member


Reged: 05/09/05
Posts: 862
Loc: inland valley CA USA
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: gryphon]
      #144349 - 24/10/09 07:30 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Using the Zeiss 10x all day without the tripod gives me quite a headache. I have had both for more than 10 years and never had a problem with either pair.



Never had a problem? What about the headache?



Touche'. But 10x, and the overall weight of the binocular, with hours of glassing, focusing thru brush and trees, you begin to notice every heartbeat, shimmer and shake and that produces the headache. No problem when they are mounted on a small Slik brushed aluminum tripod with plastic clip adjustments. I have put the 10x's right on top of 15x Swarovski's at low light to compare the two. The 10x's win hands down no doubt due to the larger exit pupil of the 10's.

--------------------
"Recoil is insignificant when there is a tiger on the head of your elephant" The Maharaja of Cooch Behar



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
André
.333 member


Reged: 28/06/04
Posts: 254
Loc: Brussels (Belgium)
Re: Binocular Survey [Re: gatsby]
      #144414 - 26/10/09 01:46 AM

Another vote for the Swaro EL 10x42


--------------------
André
---------------------------------
3 shots do not make a group, they show a point of aim or impact.
5 shots are a group.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 2 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  NitroX 

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 10726

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved