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Most focus past infinity - Swaro/Zeiss?

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Optics GrassHopper
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    Posted: January/01/2008 at 19:54

Question, which of the Big 3 (Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss) offers most focus past infinity?

That  is, if you got severe myopia, you can still adjust them enough to use without eyeglasses.  This assumes that astigmatism is not an issue.

I know that none of the Leica binoculars can focus past -4D, not the old Trinovid and not even the new Ultravid.  I suspect it has something to do with them being able to focus at near distance, because Trinovid BN is worse than the older Trinovid BA with regard to focus past infinity.  Otherwise, Trinovid is about as good as they get  IMO.

That leaves Swaro and Zeiss.  Supposedly Swaro EL 8.5x42 and also Zeiss FL 8x42 can both focus at least to -6D, but I couldn't confirm it. If so, that's great news.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote windstrings Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/02/2008 at 15:53
I have the Swarovski 8.5 X 42 and I can see crystal clear without any contacts in and I also have Astigmatism which seems to be corrected when using the binos.
I had RK back in 1982 but since I've gotten older, I need a little correction with contacts... about 1.75 in the L eye and 1.25 in the right and I can see perfect when looking "uncorrected" through my binos.

I know this may not be enough correction to answer your question, but I'm amazed that the astigmatism is also corrected.... and it doesn't take much of a turn of the diopter at all to do the trick. The SLC 10 X 40 worked just as good.

I don't know whether you wear glasses or contacts, but I would recommend going to the story and trying them all out with your correction removed.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote etc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/02/2008 at 22:11
If Swaro 8.5x42 EL can accomodate -5.5 diopters (same in both lenses) that's great.  I prefer 8x but I think I can live with 8.5x. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote windstrings Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/02/2008 at 22:30
After much study.... I chose the EL 8.5X42 as the best all around bino... at least for me.
It has a nice 5.0 exit pupil... anything more really kills you on weight...if not for that problem, you could go with the 8 X 50..... but you will lose allot of other benifits.... close range focus, weight, depth of field etc.

I enjoy the 8.5 power and am still able to keep it still to process information...... I tried the 10X and I really have to find something to lean against with that one in order to really see clearly.

I'm not sure what it means as far as eyeglass correction, but according to the specs, they have a + - 3 Diopter compensation.
http://www.competitor.net/swarovski-85x42-el.html
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote etc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2008 at 07:11
Diopter compensation is the difference between eyes. (lenses)

Focus past infinity presumes both your eyes are myopic but equally so, so you  don't need diopter adjustment, just big overdrive with enough limit.

Leica Trinovid/Ultravid for example can only focus to -4D past  infinity, so it's not enough if your eyeglasses prescription is -5D. Therefore, you must use  some  form of  vision correction while using the  binoculars.   This is a pity, as Leica has really nice eyecups.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote windstrings Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2008 at 07:18
Ah... quite interesting.... I've never noticed those specs posted anywhere....

All the more what makes this discussion interesting!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote etc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2008 at 17:47

It's surprising the subject is not explored more as so many wear glasses. I think it's much harder to use binos with glasses, as you have to align the binos with pupils.  With extended eyecups, not only is it easier to align these, but also you get more stability.

Binos you can use without glasses are a joy.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2008 at 20:09
Originally posted by etc etc wrote:


It's surprising the subject is not explored more as so many wear glasses. I think it's much harder to use binos with glasses, as you have to align the binos with pupils. 

 
This is one reason why some prefer 7x50mm......
with an exit pupil of 7mm+, it is "more forgiving" when it comes to aligning the exit pupils of the binocular with the eye pupils of any number of individuals.Shocked 


Edited by Bird Watcher - January/03/2008 at 20:26
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote etc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2008 at 20:57

Good point, isn't that the standard marine binocular of WWII?

These days, 7x42 has a niche of its own, with a 6mm exit pupil.

I think 5mm exit pupil is the smallest  acceptable size, as in classic WWII binocular -  6x30, or these days 8x42 is most popular I think.

Anyway, back to the subject, it's good to have ample overdrive past infinity to acomodate I would think as much as -7D.




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