Two Binoculars

From: Sam
Subject: Two binoculars

Hi, I'm looking for a compact pair of binoculars to leave in my office. I'm considering the following:

- Minox BD 8x24 BR Binocular
- Brunton Eterna 8x25 Roof Prism Binocular

Please recommend one based on your experience. I am interested in quality binoculars and quality build. I normally use Nikon binoculars, specifically the Nikon Premier 8x32.

If there are other compact binoculars you recommend, please let me know. My IPD is narrower, so some binoculars don't close enough for my eyes.

Thanks,
Sam

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Hello Mr. Cooper, thanks for the email. I would say that of the two binoculars you mention, the better value are the Brunton binoculars, as it is a bit less expensive than the Minox binoculars and the optical differences between the two are not great at all. Both of these binoculars will offer very good image quality in most lighting conditions and both binoculars are quite rugged as well.

The only other compacts to check out that are a bit different than what you're currently looking at would be the Vortex Fury 8x28. The Furys will be a bit brighter than the other two models when used in low-lighting conditions, plus they offer a more comprehensive warranty. The Furys will reach your 57mm Interpupillary Distance as well.

Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.

Jason, Eagle Optics

Binoculars Recommendation

From: David
Subject: Binoculars Recommendation

Hi, I am looking for a recommendation for binoculars for use while hiking, fly fishing, etc. We will be looking at birds, wildlife, mountains, etc. The binoculars should be affordable, under $500ish, and light and durable enough to carried around all day.

Thanks,
David

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Hello David, thanks for the email. I would look at the following models to satisfy your needs:

1. Vortex Viper 8x32
2. Burris Signature Select 8x42
3A. Nikon Monarch 8x42
3B. Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 8x42

My first pick for full-size binoculars under $500 would be something like the Burris Signature Select. The optics are very impressive for the money, the next optical upgrade is generally seen on binoculars that cost about twice as much as these. If the Burris seems too large and heavy to handle, the Vortex Viper 8x32 is a good bit smaller and lighter while still being very nice optically. The main difference between the two is that the smaller Vortex won't be as bright as the Burris when using in near-dark conditions...there is an 8x42 Vortex Viper as well, though it is slightly outside your $500 price point.

The third and fourth binoculars I've highlighted are a bit less expensive than the Burris and Vortex models but aren't too far back optically. The Monarchs are a bit less expensive than the Rangers but they are very similar optically.

Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.

Jason Sailing,
Eagle Optics

Zeiss Victory Binoculars

From: Keith
Subject: Zeiss Victory 10x42 Binoculars

I am interested in the above Zeiss binoculars. However, I’m a bit confused regarding the model numbers. I’ve noticed that some descriptions of the model number include the T* designation and some don’t. Your website's description also has the FL and LT in the model description. Are these all the same thing or is one a newer model than the others.

Thank you.

Keith


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Hello Keith, thanks for the email. We stock only the newest Victory FL models, the product SKU number for the 10x42 Victory FL is 524542 (524552 is the same model but in green rubber armoring). If the other descriptions you've noticed elsewhere incorporate this SKU number, then we're probably talking about the same model.

Any Zeiss Victory binoculars are going to be T* (whether it's mentioned in the website listing or not) - all the Victorys use that coating (T* is the proprietary name for Zeiss' optical multi-coating scheme).

The non-FL Victory binoculars are about 5 years old or older, they look significantly different from the current Victory FLs and are a bit of a step down optically. LT is the acronym for LotuTec, which is an exterior coating on the binoculars that repels water, making them easier to keep clean and smudge-free.

Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.

Jason, Eagle Optics

About this blog.

Hello there and thanks for checking out the Eagle Optics Birding Binoculars Q&A blog!

What I will post here are answers to questions that we've received about binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, digiscoping, and related stuff like that. We receive a lot of great questions from folks trying to choose the right optics for their hobby and it's our hope that in publishing these questions and answers they might help others in the same/similar situations.

If you have a question or questions you'd like answered, please email me!