From: David
Subject: Ultra Close Focusing binoculars
Hi, I'm interested in getting some high quality close focus binoculars. I have a pair of Pentax Papilio binoculars that I think focus as close as it gets (at about 18 inches) but I’m looking for better binoculars. I notice that Eagle Optics makes binoculars (Ranger SRT 8x32) that focus to 3 feet, and I’m considering those, but are there any Leica binoculars / Zeiss binoculars / Swarovski binoculars that have close focus approaching 3 feet? Any alternative, high quality, suggestions would also be much appreciated. Thanks!
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Hello David, thanks for the email. The Eagle Optics binoculars are an excellent choice for close focusing. Another pair of binoculars to look at would be the Brunton Epoch binoculars (also available in 8.5x and 10.5x versions). These will also focus to 3 feet and as they are full-size binoculars, they are a bit of an optical upgrade from the Pentax binocularsand Eagle Optics binoculars.
The other option is to wait and consider the new Swarovski ELs, they are going to focus to just under 5 feet, which is the closest in terms of true "Alpha" binoculars. Hope this helps!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pentax DCF ED for hunting?
From: Dave
Subject: Pentax 8 x43 DCF ED
I need a pair of binoculars for hunting deer in forest situations where the light is poor and the undergrowth makes it difficult to locate deer. The deer are generally dark, almost black and the bush is always green to black. I am considering buying the Pentax 8x43 DCF ED binoculars but I'm unsure how good they will be in early mornings and at dusk, can you comment on these? Are there other binoculars that compete with Pentax binoculars? I am also looking at the Minox HG 8x43 binoculars and I would be interested in your comments about those as well.
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Hello Mr. Saunders, thanks for the email. The Pentax DCF EDs are a spectacular choice for use in low light situations - in near dark you will still get very rich, contrast-y images with very good resolution thanks to the use of ED glass. To get binoculars that are better than the DCF EDs you have to spend twice as much (I'm thinking of Swarovski binoculars, Zeiss binoculars, and/or Leica binoculars)!
The Minox HGs are new and I have not yet seen them, but I suspect that they will be very similar optically to the Pentax DCF EDs. The current Minox HGs are slightly lighter weight than the Pentax, and the rubber armoring is, in my opinion, a bit of an upgrade but that is obviously more subjective.
Subject: Pentax 8 x43 DCF ED
I need a pair of binoculars for hunting deer in forest situations where the light is poor and the undergrowth makes it difficult to locate deer. The deer are generally dark, almost black and the bush is always green to black. I am considering buying the Pentax 8x43 DCF ED binoculars but I'm unsure how good they will be in early mornings and at dusk, can you comment on these? Are there other binoculars that compete with Pentax binoculars? I am also looking at the Minox HG 8x43 binoculars and I would be interested in your comments about those as well.
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Hello Mr. Saunders, thanks for the email. The Pentax DCF EDs are a spectacular choice for use in low light situations - in near dark you will still get very rich, contrast-y images with very good resolution thanks to the use of ED glass. To get binoculars that are better than the DCF EDs you have to spend twice as much (I'm thinking of Swarovski binoculars, Zeiss binoculars, and/or Leica binoculars)!
The Minox HGs are new and I have not yet seen them, but I suspect that they will be very similar optically to the Pentax DCF EDs. The current Minox HGs are slightly lighter weight than the Pentax, and the rubber armoring is, in my opinion, a bit of an upgrade but that is obviously more subjective.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Digiscoping with Swarovski or Zeiss?
From: Fred
Subject: digiscoping
Hey guys, I was reading a review over at Birdchick.com and she mentioned that you are the leading people in Digiscoping.
I have a Canon 40D and I want to get into Digiscoping real bad, I have been looking at the Swarovski Spotting Scopes and the Zeiss Spotting Scopes. I was hoping you can tell me which direction is the best way to go? I look forward to your advice.
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Hi Fred, thanks for the email. For using a DSLR camera, the Zeiss scope is not really adaptable, sorry. You'd be looking then at the Swarovski scopes, which is the better option optically in most people's opinions. The Swarovski set-up I would most recommend would include the following pieces:
- Swarovski ATS80HD scope body
- Swarovski Zoom eyepiece - either the 20-60x zoom, or the 25-50x zoom
- Swarovski DCA adapter
In addition to those pieces, you'll need a lens for the camera body, most folks are getting great results with Nikon's 50mm "pancake" lens (Nikon model no. 2137) which retails for about $100. The camera lens has a filter thread diameter of 52mm which will meet up with the 52mm adapter ring that is included with the Swarovski DCA.
Hope this helps get you started!
Subject: digiscoping
Hey guys, I was reading a review over at Birdchick.com and she mentioned that you are the leading people in Digiscoping.
I have a Canon 40D and I want to get into Digiscoping real bad, I have been looking at the Swarovski Spotting Scopes and the Zeiss Spotting Scopes. I was hoping you can tell me which direction is the best way to go? I look forward to your advice.
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Hi Fred, thanks for the email. For using a DSLR camera, the Zeiss scope is not really adaptable, sorry. You'd be looking then at the Swarovski scopes, which is the better option optically in most people's opinions. The Swarovski set-up I would most recommend would include the following pieces:
- Swarovski ATS80HD scope body
- Swarovski Zoom eyepiece - either the 20-60x zoom, or the 25-50x zoom
- Swarovski DCA adapter
In addition to those pieces, you'll need a lens for the camera body, most folks are getting great results with Nikon's 50mm "pancake" lens (Nikon model no. 2137) which retails for about $100. The camera lens has a filter thread diameter of 52mm which will meet up with the 52mm adapter ring that is included with the Swarovski DCA.
Hope this helps get you started!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Eagle Optics Binoculars?
From: Craig
Subject: Denali 8x42 vs Ranger SRT 8x42
What is the $200 difference between these two binoculars?
- 8x42 Denali
- 8x42 Ranger SRT
Which would you recommend for birding? I don't mind paying more if it is worth it. Thanks
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Hello Craig, thanks for the email. The Rangers offer a much better optical image than the Denalis, especially noticeable in low-lighting conditions (dawn, dusk, or when in forested areas). The Rangers are the better binoculars for birdwatching, though if you aren't going to be getting up at the crack of dawn or staying out till past dusk you might not as easily see the optical differences, and hence might not see why the benefit to spending more. The main difference is that the Rangers have a higher quality lens design, with better lens coatings that deliver finer resolution and better contrast, most notable in low lighting conditions. The Rangers also have finer image quality farther out towards the edges of the field of view.
Apart from that, the Rangers will also have much finer functioning (smoother focus, better functioning eyecups) and I think the Rangers have a better feel in the hand. Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.
Subject: Denali 8x42 vs Ranger SRT 8x42
What is the $200 difference between these two binoculars?
- 8x42 Denali
- 8x42 Ranger SRT
Which would you recommend for birding? I don't mind paying more if it is worth it. Thanks
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Hello Craig, thanks for the email. The Rangers offer a much better optical image than the Denalis, especially noticeable in low-lighting conditions (dawn, dusk, or when in forested areas). The Rangers are the better binoculars for birdwatching, though if you aren't going to be getting up at the crack of dawn or staying out till past dusk you might not as easily see the optical differences, and hence might not see why the benefit to spending more. The main difference is that the Rangers have a higher quality lens design, with better lens coatings that deliver finer resolution and better contrast, most notable in low lighting conditions. The Rangers also have finer image quality farther out towards the edges of the field of view.
Apart from that, the Rangers will also have much finer functioning (smoother focus, better functioning eyecups) and I think the Rangers have a better feel in the hand. Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Porro Prism Binoculars?
From: Maria
Subject: Open box Vixen Foresta CF 10x42 Porro
I am interested in Vixen binoculars, specifically the Foresta CF 10x42 "open box" Porro Prism binoculars. What exactly in this instance does "open box" mean?
I am also considering either the Nikon Action Extreme ATB 10x50 or the Bushnell Legend 10x50 Porro binoculars. How would you compare them optically, particularly with regards to long-range resolution and sharpness at the edges of the FOV?
Thanks.
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Hello Maria, thanks for the questions. The "open box" Vixen binoculars are binoculars where the box was opened and a manufacturer seal was broken (a sticker on the box was broken, and sometimes a bit of the box is ripped as well) so that it cannot be sold as new. Other than the box though, the binoculars are new.
Of the three binoculars you mention, I would say that if size and weight isn't an overriding factor the Nikon Action EX 10x50 is very near the optical quality of the Vixen Foresta binoculars. The Vixen feels nicer in the hand though, it's easier to hold and much lighter weight. I would put the Bushnell binoculars as a distant third, just as heavy as the Nikon but not nearly as sharp and bright optically.
Hope this helps, thanks again!
Subject: Open box Vixen Foresta CF 10x42 Porro
I am interested in Vixen binoculars, specifically the Foresta CF 10x42 "open box" Porro Prism binoculars. What exactly in this instance does "open box" mean?
I am also considering either the Nikon Action Extreme ATB 10x50 or the Bushnell Legend 10x50 Porro binoculars. How would you compare them optically, particularly with regards to long-range resolution and sharpness at the edges of the FOV?
Thanks.
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Hello Maria, thanks for the questions. The "open box" Vixen binoculars are binoculars where the box was opened and a manufacturer seal was broken (a sticker on the box was broken, and sometimes a bit of the box is ripped as well) so that it cannot be sold as new. Other than the box though, the binoculars are new.
Of the three binoculars you mention, I would say that if size and weight isn't an overriding factor the Nikon Action EX 10x50 is very near the optical quality of the Vixen Foresta binoculars. The Vixen feels nicer in the hand though, it's easier to hold and much lighter weight. I would put the Bushnell binoculars as a distant third, just as heavy as the Nikon but not nearly as sharp and bright optically.
Hope this helps, thanks again!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Vortex Equivalent to Stokes DLS?
From: Thekralikkid
Subject: Stokes 10 x 42 DLS Equivalent Vortex
I have learned that the Stokes Birding Series DLS 10 x 42 binoculars have been discontinued. Do you know why? What is the current Vortex binoculars model that takes their place? Are the technical features the same? Same great VIP warranty?
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Hello, thanks for the email. The license agreement with Don and Lillian Stokes expired is why those binoculars are no longer being produced. Vortex Optics does not have an exact replacement for those, the closest optical match would be the Vortex Razor 10x42. The Razor will be a bit bigger in the hand and it is a few ounces heavier than the DLS, but many folks have found that its "open-hinge" design make it easier to hold steady than the more traditional center hinge design such as the DLS. The warranty will be exactly the same as with the DLS - it is Vortex's VIP warranty.
An almost exact match to the DLS both optically and physically is the Minox HG 10x43, though the HG has a bit less eye relief than the DLS did, and it close focuses to only 8 feet, the DLS was under 5 feet.
Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.
Subject: Stokes 10 x 42 DLS Equivalent Vortex
I have learned that the Stokes Birding Series DLS 10 x 42 binoculars have been discontinued. Do you know why? What is the current Vortex binoculars model that takes their place? Are the technical features the same? Same great VIP warranty?
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Hello, thanks for the email. The license agreement with Don and Lillian Stokes expired is why those binoculars are no longer being produced. Vortex Optics does not have an exact replacement for those, the closest optical match would be the Vortex Razor 10x42. The Razor will be a bit bigger in the hand and it is a few ounces heavier than the DLS, but many folks have found that its "open-hinge" design make it easier to hold steady than the more traditional center hinge design such as the DLS. The warranty will be exactly the same as with the DLS - it is Vortex's VIP warranty.
An almost exact match to the DLS both optically and physically is the Minox HG 10x43, though the HG has a bit less eye relief than the DLS did, and it close focuses to only 8 feet, the DLS was under 5 feet.
Hope this helps, thanks for your consideration.
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