Pocket Bins - Advice

PlaneMike

PlaneMike

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Mike
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Looking for some advice and wondering if anyone has experience with pocket-sized binoculars - I'm looking for a pair of roof prism. I reckon 8x or just possibly 10x with 25mm max objective and maybe some armouring.

As far as makes go, I like Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss; should I consider any other makes - what's the considered wisdom on these - who makes the "best" ones?

By "best" I just mean quality of optics and mechanics.

Just for general use when out walking (at this size, weight is not an issue).

Thanks, Mike
 
There is no doubt that the Leica Ultravid 8x20 and 10x25 BRs are the best on the market, with the Swarovskis coming only a little way behind. The only problem with such small bins is the very narrow field of view, but being able to carry them in a pocket makes them very attractive. For birding, I use my Swarovski 8x32 ELs, the best in the world, but when I'm out photographing, I carry my Leica 8x20s instead.
 
The only problem with such small bins is the very narrow field of view
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Yes, I have a few pairs of cheapie (Aldi etc.) 8/10x's @ 25mm and they are a bit limiting in FOW but for pocket use I'll put up with that.
Thanks for the input.
Mike
 
It's not just a narrow field of view, it's the tiny exit pupil that makes them so hard to use and irritating.

Please give them a good try before you buy, espeically in poor light when the pupil of your eye is large which makes things even worse.

Then compare them side by side with a decent pair of 8x32 or 8x42 - night and day difference.
 
Then compare them side by side with a decent pair of 8x32 or 8x42 - night and day difference.
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Absolutely, Hoppy, that's understood; yes, a 2.5mm light beam is small when a pupil can go to 7mm and more.
When I'm just birding I'm fine with 7x42 Swaro's and 8x42 Leica's but I'm looking for something that will slip into a pocket when I'm loaded up with togging gear or just wanting to travel light in the mountains.

Thanks for the input, guys. It gives me a place to start.
I wonder if I can see the difference between Ultra's and Trinovids - it will be interesting to compare.

Mike
 
PlaneMike said:
Absolutely, Hoppy, that's understood; yes, a 2.5mm light beam is small when a pupil can go to 7mm and more.
When I'm just birding I'm fine with 7x42 Swaro's and 8x42 Leica's but I'm looking for something that will slip into a pocket when I'm loaded up with togging gear or just wanting to travel light in the mountains.

Thanks for the input, guys. It gives me a place to start.
I wonder if I can see the difference between Ultra's and Trinovids - it will be interesting to compare.

Mike
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Ah right Mike. I see you're way ahead of me there :)

I've got a lttle pair of Olympus jobbies in the car (nothing special - 8x20 I think) just that every time I use them they drive me mad.
 
Yeah, I know what you mean - it goes with the 'compact' territory - it can be frustrating.

I keep a pair of Swaro 8x30 slc's in the car that I've had for a few years now; I love 'em and they probably get more use than all my other pairs put together but even with 30mm obj's, they can sometimes "black out" (if you know what I mean).
Mike
 
Believe me, the Leica Ultravids are not like any cheap 8x20s you may have used. I have the Leica 8x20 BCAs and I thought those couldn't be bettered, but the Ultravids are sharper and brighter. Of course they don't compare to Ultravid or Swarovski 8x32s or 8x42s, but then none of these will fit easily into a shirt pocket. You won't be disappointed with the Ultravids, I promise you. (I sell binoculars for a living!)
 
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