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Minox BP 8X44 Porro's

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ebow86 View Drop Down
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    Posted: September/19/2011 at 01:22
I bought a pair of these years back and they have been my primary glass everday since then. They are excellent binoculars on many different levels, however, it seems as though these binos never made a very big impact on the forums and community, I wonder why? Does anyone else have a set of these Minox Porro's? If so what are your thoughts on them? Thanks
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Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2011 at 08:14
I always heard positive things about them.  If I could find a pair at the right price, I would add them to the quiver.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2011 at 13:41
They are very good binoculars. This design actually presented itself from three different companies. The previously mentioned Minox BD BP 8x44 porro, the Leupold Cascade 8x42 Porro and the Opticron HR WP 8x42 porro. They are all unique in that they are the only internal focus porro prism models introduced to the public market. I did own several units of the Leupold version and one of the Minox models. Coincidentally I just had the chance to pick up the Opticron version at a local trade show where Minox was represented. I hope to do a review of it some time in the next week.
 
All three models offer some exceptional features. The images are surprisingly bright and sharp with excellent contrast and color representation. They do have a little more CA than properly executed ED glass objective roof prism models but notably less than non-ED glass roof prism models in the same price range.
 
Their selling points were their wonderful ergonomics overall for a full-sized porro prism binocular plus their outstanding 3D-effect. These porros actually offer more of the 3D effect than many of the other porro prism models currently on the market. Of course, their internal focus design (similar to a roof) was what really set them apart and which allowed for a higher level of waterproofing than the the O-ring sealed models also advertised as such.
 
Their drawback? Well, their field of view (around 335 feet for the 8x) was narrower than their other porro prism competitors but comparable to roof prism models in the same price bracket (until recent years that is).
 
The Minox was probably the least ergonomic of the group as its rubber armor was thicker and less streamlined but it did have an advertised larger objective diameter. It was also the most expensive (around $600 new if memory serves me). The Leupold sold for around $300 and the Opticron went for just under $400. The Leupold and Minox are discontinued (know for sure on the former but not entirely sure on the latter). The Opticron model is the only one in current production from what little information I could gather.
 
All in all an excellent binocular design that never caught on because of the marketing focus of almost all companies on the roof prism design.
 
 
Frank
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2011 at 16:48
The narrow FOV has been the biggest drawback to all Minox binoculars except for the expensive APO version.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2011 at 17:43
Originally posted by ebow86 ebow86 wrote:

They are excellent binoculars on many different levels, however, it seems as though these binos never made a very big impact on the forums and community, I wonder why?
 
1. The retail price was close to $600.00 before they were discontinued.
 
Does anyone else have a set of these Minox Porro's?
 
2. I have the Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro; I purchased mine on the internet for $199.95. (open box)
 
I tested the 8x44 Porro several years ago & at that time I was displeased with the combination of focus wheel plus diopter adjustment.
However, the optics made such an impression with me that I later purchased the 10x44 and I am much more pleased with the higher magnification version.
As Frank D stated, the 3D on this Porro prism binocular is one of the very best for daytime viewing.
Incredibally sharp as well.  I use mine for chasing airplanes and bird watching and for stargazing.
The narrow FOV has never been an issue for me.
Today, my wife is 72 yrs. young and wears eyeglasses, several years ago I purchased the Leupold Katmai 6x32 for her and she really enjoyed using it.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of loaning her the Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro bino and now that is all she wants to use. Sad
 
If so what are your thoughts on them?
 
3. Ever since they were discontinued I've looked for the Minox 8x44 Porro but have never found one in the $200 price range. 
I'm glad that I decided to purchase the 10x44, it is one of the very best Porro binoculars that I own.
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ebow86 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ebow86 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/19/2011 at 22:11
Originally posted by Bird Watcher Bird Watcher wrote:

Originally posted by ebow86 ebow86 wrote:

They are excellent binoculars on many different levels, however, it seems as though these binos never made a very big impact on the forums and community, I wonder why?
 
1. The retail price was close to $600.00 before they were discontinued.
 
Does anyone else have a set of these Minox Porro's?
 
2. I have the Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro; I purchased mine on the internet for $199.95. (open box)
 
I tested the 8x44 Porro several years ago & at that time I was displeased with the combination of focus wheel plus diopter adjustment.
However, the optics made such an impression with me that I later purchased the 10x44 and I am much more pleased with the higher magnification version.
As Frank D stated, the 3D on this Porro prism binocular is one of the very best for daytime viewing.
Incredibally sharp as well.  I use mine for chasing airplanes and bird watching and for stargazing.
The narrow FOV has never been an issue for me.
Today, my wife is 72 yrs. young and wears eyeglasses, several years ago I purchased the Leupold Katmai 6x32 for her and she really enjoyed using it.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of loaning her the Minox BD 10x44 BP Porro bino and now that is all she wants to use. Sad
 
If so what are your thoughts on them?
 
3. Ever since they were discontinued I've looked for the Minox 8x44 Porro but have never found one in the $200 price range. 
I'm glad that I decided to purchase the 10x44, it is one of the very best Porro binoculars that I own.
 
I bought mine from B&H when they very first came out, I paid around $369 US Dollars, that was the going price when they were introduced, I don't know why the price was raised so high. I find the ergonimics to be superb, they are the closest a porro has come to the design and feel of a good roof if you know what I mean. Plus, the interal focusing and excellent optics don't hurt either. A superb optics on so many levels.
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