OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - cheap binoculars???
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

cheap binoculars???

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
zeissoem2 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: March/18/2007
Location: Norway
Status: Offline
Points: 119
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote zeissoem2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: cheap binoculars???
    Posted: August/02/2010 at 13:46
Just wondering.
Some people think that a binocular shouldnt cost more than 150$
 
The same people did buy eyeglasses for 1500$ and what did they got  ???      2 lenses and some steel
 
 
Big Smile
Back to Top
NDhunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 601
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2010 at 20:06
Zeiss:
 
Are you wondering about recommendations on the low priced end?  Or something else.
 
For most here, quality can be had at all price levels.  For me I can be content with some
that cost under $100, and I do find enjoyment on some that cost much more.
 
Jerry
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2010 at 21:45
Originally posted by zeissoem2 zeissoem2 wrote:

Just wondering.
Some people think that a binocular shouldnt cost more than 150$
 
The same people did buy eyeglasses for 1500$ and what did they got  ???      2 lenses and some steel
 
 
Big Smile
Here in the USA most people have Health Insurance which pays for the bulk of the cost of their eyeglasses.
Now if we only could get the Insurance Companies to pay for the bulk of the cost of our binoculars we would have something to smile about.  Big Grin
Back to Top
zeissoem2 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: March/18/2007
Location: Norway
Status: Offline
Points: 119
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote zeissoem2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/02/2010 at 23:37
 Recommendation on cheap binoculars???  No -it wasnt that I mean.
 
 
Here in Norway we have to pay for the eyeglasses - no Health insurance for eyeglasses.
 
 
My wondering is why some people means it is cheap to use 1500$ on eyeglasses. but 1500$ is crazy to use on binoculars .
They think 150$ is higher limit.
 
Big Smile


Edited by zeissoem2 - August/02/2010 at 23:41
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2010 at 00:41
Originally posted by zeissoem2 zeissoem2 wrote:

 My wondering is why some people means it is cheap to use 1500$ on eyeglasses. but 1500$ is crazy to use on binoculars .
 
Big Smile
Eyeglasses are a necessity, binoculars are not, for many people.
Back to Top
tahqua View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Have You Driven A Ford Lately?

Joined: March/27/2006
Location: Michigan, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 9042
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 11:18
Here in Michigan I pay around $300 for my eye glasses. I always get anti-glare coatings and progressive magnification. They have been Zeiss. This is through my insurance provider and the frames are standard and covered 100%. The added cost is strictly for the glass. I have to wear them since my arms became too short several years back.Wink
I like good glass in binoculars. I have Zeiss going on down to some $100 Bushnell's. For constant glassing I can justify the cost for the Zeiss. Though, some of the Vortex and Zen-Ray offerings I have used are very good. They are almost half the cost of the alpha binoculars.
I also have good reason to keep the lower cost binoculars around. I leave moderate priced Swift's in my home away from home. I also keep a pair of Bushnell's handy on my dining room table. I don't constantly glass with them so they are okay. They won't cost me a lot to replace if they take a spill or get stolen, too.
If I understand you correctly; I like good glass on my nose and certain binoculars because I use them a lot. The higher cost is justified.




Doug
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 16:45
Originally posted by tahqua tahqua wrote:

 Though, some of the Vortex and Zen-Ray offerings I have used are very good. They are almost half the cost of the alpha binoculars.
 
My Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro is very, very good and I picked it up at 1/3 the cost, because they are no longer being manufactured.  Big Grin  
Back to Top
NDhunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: September/15/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 601
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 18:18
Originally posted by Bird Watcher Bird Watcher wrote:

Originally posted by tahqua tahqua wrote:

 Though, some of the Vortex and Zen-Ray offerings I have used are very good. They are almost half the cost of the alpha binoculars.
 
My Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro is very, very good and I picked it up at 1/3 the cost, because they are no longer being manufactured.  Big Grin  
 
Bird Watcher:
 
That is a porro that I would like to try, I agree with you that it would be a great pick.
I would prefer one like that over some of these lesser offerings, as a good porro will
usually be better than a lesser roof. Smile
 
Jerry
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 19:49
Jerry,
 
I recommend the Minox Porro without hesitation.  Thunbs Up
 
I tested the Minox 8x44 Porro first, but, because I prefer higher magnifications, I decided to try the 10x44 and have not been disappointed.
 
I recommended the Minox Porro to one of the guys over on CN and he is very favorably impressed with the 8x44 version.
 
Stan  
Back to Top
FrankD View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: November/11/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 686
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 20:54
If you like the Minox porro then also consider the Leupold Cascade porro. Same optical performance as the Minox but in a lighter and more ergonomic package....the latter at least for my hands. I had both for a time and preferred the Cascade porro for that reason. I would love to get my hands on another. They are my favorite porro.
Frank
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 21:15
FrankD,
 
Minox Porro 24.3 ozs. vs. 24.9 ozs. for the Leupold Cascades Porro in 8x.
Minox Porro 24.3 ozs. vs. 25.4 ozs. for the Leupold Cascades Porro in 10x.
 
Minox Porro 4.96" vs. 5.0" long for the Leupold Cascades Porro in 8x.
Minox Porro 4.96" vs. 5.0" long for the Leupold Cascades Porro in 10x.
 
Minox Porro 44mm vs. Cascades Porro 42mm in 8x.
Minox Porro 44mm vs. Cascades Porro 42mm in 10x.
 
Minox Porro FOV 6.4* vs. 6.4* for Cascades Porro in 8x.
Minox Porro FOV 5.1* vs. 5.2* for Cascades Porro in 10x.
 
Minox Porro E.R. 18.5mm vs. 18mm for Cascades Porro in 8x.
Minox Porro E.R. 16mm vs. 16mm for Cascades Porro in 10x.
 
Minox Porro Light Transmission 94.5% to the eye in both 8x & 10x.
Cascades Porro Light Transmission to the eye in 8x & 10x, No info provided by Leupold.
 
 

Technical data

  • Magnification:
    8x
  • Front lens diameter:
    44 mm / 1.73 in
  • Exit pupil:
    5,5 mm / 0.22 in
  • Field of view:
    111.7 m / 1000 m, 6.4°
    336.74 ft / 1000 yds, 6.4°
  • Eye relief:
    18.5 mm / 0.72 in
  • Close distance:
    4 m / 13.12 ft
  • Over run:
    ±4 dpt
  • Diopter adjustment:
    ± 2 dpt
  • Twilight number:
    18.8
  • Geom. twilight number:
    30.3
  • Operating temperature:
    -10° to +50° C
    14° to 122° F
  • Waterproof:
    down to 5m
  • Height x Width x Depth:
    126 x 183 x 52 mm
    4.96 x 7.20 x 2.04 in
  • Weight:
    approx. 690 g
  • Order Number:
    62150
 
The Cascades still seem to be availble on the internet.
 
Stan Wink
 
 
 


Edited by Bird Watcher - August/15/2010 at 00:50
Back to Top
FrankD View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: November/11/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 686
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2010 at 07:47
Interesting on the weight issue. I did not think I was mistaken so I went to two SWFA competitors' sites and pulled up this weight for the 8x44...
 
28.75 oz / 815g
28.4 ounces
 
...as well as noticing the same weights listed that you posted. I wonder which is true? I did find that the Minox felt heavier but that could have been because of the thicker rubber/slightly bulkier design.
 
Everything else is practically identical with the Cascade porro which is actually why I recommended them.
 
...and, yes, I did see them on the net a few places but the prices are higher than what I know they have sold for and, actually, for what I can spend right now.
 
Thanks though.
Frank
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2010 at 10:09
FrankD,
 
The specs I gave came from the Minox Catalog.
 
Stan
Back to Top
FrankD View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: November/11/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 686
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2010 at 11:27
I noticed. Don't know why the disparity in numbers though.
Frank
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2010 at 15:35
Originally posted by FrankD FrankD wrote:

I noticed. Don't know why the disparity in numbers though.
 
FrankD,
 
My experience, going from one internet website to another, has been that typos and advertising discrepancies are somewhat common. 
 
That's why I try and stick with the manufacturers specifications, rather than dealers or discount store ads.
 
Some of the worst advertising errors, regarding binoculars descriptions and specifications,
have been read on the #1 Discount Chain in America. Clown


Edited by Bird Watcher - August/15/2010 at 17:36
Back to Top
FrankD View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: November/11/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 686
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2010 at 18:56
True. It leaves me wondering why they felt heavier in my hands then. I can only chalk it up to the difference in handling.
Frank
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2010 at 23:50
Originally posted by FrankD FrankD wrote:

It leaves me wondering why they felt heavier in my hands then.
Probably because the Minox is built like a TANK. Wink  Tank
Back to Top
FrankD View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: November/11/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 686
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/16/2010 at 06:21
True. I would certainly feel safe if I was being mugged.
 
;-)
Frank
Back to Top
Bird Watcher View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: August/30/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1523
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/16/2010 at 10:33
Frank,
 
Thunbs Up 
 
It's nice to have you back on the forum.
 
Stan


Edited by Bird Watcher - August/16/2010 at 12:50
Back to Top
FrankD View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: November/11/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 686
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/16/2010 at 11:37
Thank you. It is good to be back around you guys. Finally am able to get back into my hobbies again. Won't be able to buy optics like I once did but I still can contribute from time to time.
 
Big Smile
Frank
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 3.746 seconds.