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Compact Binoculars for Work

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Acenturian View Drop Down
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    Posted: September/24/2005 at 05:38

I am looking for a decent pair of small compact binoculars for a duty bag at work.  I have a pair of Simmons junk and that isnt cutting it.  I'd love to throw in a nice pair of compact German nocs BUT I cant justify that kind of cash for a set that may end up lost or broken.

 

I have narrowed my choices down the following so if you have any experience with those or others any advise is much appreciated.

Sightron SII 10x25 compact

 

Swift 10x25 HCF Triylite

 

Pentax 10x25 UCF WP

 

Carson 8x25 YK maybe 8x25 XM

 

All are waterproof, all are BAK4 the Swifts and the Carson XM's are also phase coated and both are more money go figure.  I am leaning to Swifts or Carsons YK (the XM is a tad  too expensive) YK is not phase coated but its a good little bino.   Plus the roofs seem less bulky so they can be stored easier. I own both Swift and Carson brand Bino's and I've been VERY pleased.  I know I am asking a lot in a compact binocular but I need the clearest image possible, especially in twilight hours.  Any other suggestions would be great. Oh yeah, water proof is a must.

 

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/24/2005 at 14:00
How much money are you willing to spend? 

Why are you only looking at 10x models?  Compacts are really not at their best with 10x magnificatio due to their light weight and small objective lenses.

Ilya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/24/2005 at 17:35
I am trying to keep it under $150.00.   Actually, and 8x power would be fine so any of the above in 8x would work.  I could get away with even less maginfication but I have not seen any ultra compacts below 8x?????
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/25/2005 at 21:02

The Bushnell Legends are quite good. In compacts under $150 I would consider them among the best. What's better if you buy them by the end of the year, you not only get one of the best binocular options available, you also get a free wheeled gear bag purported to be worth $150. I have the 10X model and am pleased with it, but after looking through the 8X model, I am convinced I should have gone for it instead. 

 

Nikon has the Sportstar line, which gets pretty good reviews from birding websites for their performance to cost ratio (though I'm not sure if they are waterproof.) They also have their Prostaff ATB which definately are waterproof.

 

Leupold offers their Mesa line which, while not spectacular are also good binoculars. 

 

Steiner offers a number of different options in small, waterproof glasses (Predators, Safaris, Merlins, etc.)

 

If you go to Overstock.com they have a "National Geographic" 8X22 binocular that looks to be a rebranded Steiner (probably a Safari) for $50.

 

Cabelas has their Professional WP line. I've not seen them, but I've heard they are pretty decent.

 

If weather resistant would be good enough (as opposed to absolute waterproofness) Pentax has their DCF MC IIs which are quite good as well.  I have the 8X25 model and have been quite pleased.  

 

There really are a lot of options available and in this price range there aren't any that are going to be overwhelmingly better than the rest of the pack. You just need to handle as many as you can and see which fits your hands best, has controls placed in the most comfortable position for you, etc.



Edited by lucznik
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