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Minox 8x42 Question + $400 to spend issue

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8Runner View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/12/2006
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8Runner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Minox 8x42 Question + $400 to spend issue
    Posted: November/07/2006 at 00:23

I have been researching for a little over a month and I can't seem to find a 8x42 bin to purchase.  (Hopefully I'll find one before Axis Deer hunting opens next Spring here in Hawaii on the Island of Lanai).  I first decided on a Bushnell then I read something which made me jump to Pentax, then to Nikon, then Vortex now to Minox.  My budget also increased from $150 to $400.  So far, it's been a crazy ride on this research roller coaster, hopefully with your help I can come to a stop. 

 

All I'm looking for is a $400 bin w/ the best low light performance, edge to edge clarity, and minimal CA.

 

1) What is the difference between the Minox BL and Minox BR?  Besides the gas type and chassis material, are the optics compromised?

 

2) Am I looking at the right bin company (Minox) and model (BL) to fulfill my criteria with $400?

 

HELP!

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FrankD View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2006 at 06:59

There is a Minox rep that usually visits this forum so I hope he will correct me if I make any mistakes.

 

To my knowledge the other difference between the BL and BR is the use of aspheric lenses in the eyepiece to give you the flatest, most in focus field of view possible. I did own a pair of 7x42 BD BRs and was exceptionally pleased with their huge sweet spot, bright image and very crisp focus. Overall handling was very good as well. My only two issues with the bin were the apparent field and focusing knob tension.

 

Most 7x42 models on the market have an exceptionally wide field of view, both true and apparent. The BD BR is the exception. This design favors edge sharpness to apparent field. The field of view for this bin is 7 degrees which gives it a 49 degree apparent field. This should not bother most folks but I have recently been using many bins with apparent field of at least 56 degrees if not better than 60 degrees and so I immediately noticed it.

 

Two, I was using the bin while out bowhunting this past Saturday and found the focus knob tightened up considerably in the 26 degree weather. It was still usable but not what I would call ideal.

 

I do think you are on the right track in terms of getting the most for your dollar. I was extremely impressed with the optical quality of these bins. Their brightness and sharpness were very close to being on par with my Leica Trinovids...much more so than any other bin in this price range. The only other that came close was the Pentax DCF-SP series.

 

Considering your criteria:

 

Quote All I'm looking for is a $400 bin w/ the best low light performance, edge to edge clarity, and minimal CA.

 

..I would think that the 7x42 BD BR would be perfect for you.

Frank
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