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FOV Question

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Brokenear View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brokenear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: FOV Question
    Posted: August/09/2010 at 20:41
I am sure that this has been covered before, but I'm too lazy to scroll through all the posts.

I have owned various 8x30 to 8x33 binoculars over the years. I currently own a Minox BD8x33BR and a new Swift Eaglet 7x36. Here's my question...In reading reviews of the Swift Eaglet I see comments like "it has a very narrow FOV" or "it is like tunnel vision". The swift's FOV is 374' @ 1000 yards. In looking at the specs of other similar binoculars is see FOVs ranging from 361' (Zeiss 8x30) to 477' Zen Ray 7x36. The average seem to be around 400'

My question is what's the big deal? 100 feet at 1000 yards may be quite a difference, but I can't see much practical difference is 25 feet. Am I missing something?
Experience is what you get when you were expecting something else.
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Hitthespot View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hitthespot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2010 at 10:56

Sometimes when your reading reviews, opinions, or specifications, it's easy to get caught up in miniscule changes in specifications.    Not to make light of differences, but a change in FOV from 408 to say 390 at 1000 yards probably isn't going to make a heck of a lot of difference in the real world.  While I believe that reviews and opinions are important, and I love to read them, they are not a replacement for hands on experience.  I remember comparing three sets of binoculars many years ago.  Two were higher end binoculars by differnent camera manufacturers and one was a Swarovski.  My friend thought one pair of the mid priced binoculars was very nice and commented he liked them the best.   When I looked through them I thought I was in a tunnel, bad light and all, and I would have never even considered them for purchase.   General opinions and comparisons bwtween models are a good start when looking to purchase a product, but they are no substitute for hands on.  IMO.

 
Bill
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2010 at 12:28
Excellent
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NDhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2010 at 17:39
Originally posted by Hitthespot Hitthespot wrote:

Sometimes when your reading reviews, opinions, or specifications, it's easy to get caught up in miniscule changes in specifications.    Not to make light of differences, but a change in FOV from 408 to say 390 at 1000 yards probably isn't going to make a heck of a lot of difference in the real world.  While I believe that reviews and opinions are important, and I love to read them, they are not a replacement for hands on experience.  I remember comparing three sets of binoculars many years ago.  Two were higher end binoculars by differnent camera manufacturers and one was a Swarovski.  My friend thought one pair of the mid priced binoculars was very nice and commented he liked them the best.   When I looked through them I thought I was in a tunnel, bad light and all, and I would have never even considered them for purchase.   General opinions and comparisons bwtween models are a good start when looking to purchase a product, but they are no substitute for hands on.  IMO.

 
Bill
Bill:
Good post and hits on many good points.  One thing is that a mfr. stated FOV really may have
not a lot to do with the actual FOV, as some may stretch the number to make it seem wide, etc.
Only experience like you have stated really does decide. 
Another thing is some may have a wide FOV but if only the center is good but the edges are
much worse, so what have you gained there.  Wink  You mention the camera companies, and IMO, Nikon offers very great edges in their premium optics, and I like that, great view all the way.  And you recognize Swarovski was your pick, quality does show.
 
Jerry
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Hitthespot View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hitthespot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2010 at 21:36

Thanks everyone.  AND while I'm at it let me say I've really enjoyed this site since I found it.  I love optics and I am looking at buying some compact binoculars and hopefully a spotting scope by years end.  I will buy from SWFA just because of the enjoyment I've had reading all your guys posts on this site.  I plan on starting a post about compacts in the next couple of days and i'm looking forward to some good discussions.

Jerry,
 
No they were not Nikons.  Oh what the heck it was many years ago.  They were Pentax binoculars.   I truly felt like I was looking through a gun barrel.  I'm sure their much better now.   I ended up buying the Swarovski a little bit later all based on that one experience mentioned above.  I have had them since 1994 and have not looked through anything I would replace them with yet.  Everytime I bring them to my eyes I'm simply amazed.
 
Thanks Again
 
Bill
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2010 at 23:08
Originally posted by Hitthespot Hitthespot wrote:

Sometimes when your reading reviews, opinions, or specifications, it's easy to get caught up in miniscule changes in specifications.    Not to make light of differences, but a change in FOV from 408 to say 390 at 1000 yards probably isn't going to make a heck of a lot of difference in the real world.  While I believe that reviews and opinions are important, and I love to read them, they are not a replacement for hands on experience.  I remember comparing three sets of binoculars many years ago.  Two were higher end binoculars by differnent camera manufacturers and one was a Swarovski.  My friend thought one pair of the mid priced binoculars was very nice and commented he liked them the best.   When I looked through them I thought I was in a tunnel, bad light and all, and I would have never even considered them for purchase.   General opinions and comparisons bwtween models are a good start when looking to purchase a product, but they are no substitute for hands on.  IMO.

 
Bill


Amen, brother!!!
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
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