Want us to review a specific binocular? Have a question?
Tue, Mar 10, 2009
If you have any specific questions about binoculars or would like to see a review of a binocular please post your questions here. Having a hard time deciding between a couple binoculars - feel free to send in your questions.
Tags: Questions?
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:14 am
I own a Swift 8X42 Ultra Lite Porro binocular. Although well satisfied by its optical quality (for the price), I find it a little heavy at 28 oz. and bulky.
Lately I have been tempted by deep discounts plus rebates offered on Nikon Monarchs, but wondering if the savings in weight would make a significant difference. Also, I have concerns about optics. Some reviewers claim that within their price range, porros outperform roof prism designs. In my locale there is no access to a retailer where I can compare my Swift v. Nikon, so I have to rely on informed opinion where it can be found.
Thanx in advance for yours.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
Good question. I know the Swift well, those are very good binoculars for the price. I dont think moving to the Nikon Monarch will give you a significant “wow” factor in optical quality difference.
I would also like to comment about roof vs porro. Yes, there are some advantages to porro - some say a flatter flield, some say better image quality. I can believe that was the case some time ago, however better glass technology and better coatings have taken roof prism to much higher levels. Personally, I would only consider a roof prism binocular because of the lighter weight, and less bulky size. I have yet to see a porro binocular wow me enough to choose it over a roof.
I’m not sure moving to the Monarch, even with the recent price break is going to be the next move for you. I would suggest waiting until your ready for the “next step” in optics - and with that will come a higher price range.
Some models to consider….
Leupold 8×42 Mojave Binoculars
Alpen 8×42 Wings ED Binoculars (I got to personally test these and was blown away with the quality vs price)
Nikon 8.5×45 Monarch X Binoculars (although these may be larger in size than you want, but only slightly)
September 4th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for your swift
reply. What influenced me to that particular model was reviews in BVD and the Cornell Ornithology Department binofest, both published in 2005. At that time, the general consensus regarding porro v roof prism designs was that for roofies to match porro performance would cost more than three times the price. Put another way, $300 could purchase $1000 worth of roof prism quality. Looking around the net, I find this perception still seems to be the majority opinion. Have things changed so dramatically in the last 4 years to close the gap?
Meanwhile, I think your “next step” advice is probably the sensible approach. In the meanwhile I will soldier on with my Swift, which is after all in its own way a pretty good binocular.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I have tremendous respect for Better Views Desired and Cornell Ornithology - both have experts in optics. Who am I to disagree with these opinions? I have been in the binocular business for 10 years and have had the fortunate ability to try just about every binocular produced in that time frame. I am trying really hard to think of a porro-prism binocular that really would be three times the value in comparison to a high end roof. Even the Swift Instruments Audubon 8.5×44 HP Porro binoculars with a street-price of about 450$-500$, while these are great binoculars, I would have a tough time calculating its value in comparison to much more expensive roof prism binocular.
I have to admit, there are some purely factual advantages to porro prism binoculars, I must yield to that fact. However, I sure think that even in the last 5-6 years, roof prism binoculars have come a very long way.
It sounds like at the very least I bet the “next step” approach is solid. I know you will be much happier. A dear friend of mine back in Minnesota was fortunate enough to jump up to the Zeiss 8×42 FL binoculars, and now they couldnt be taken away from her for anything. A hobby that is loved as much as nature viewers love birding or any type of close-up viewing - good optics make it so much more enjoyable.
There are so many great binoculars available, from brands you would not likely think of. In that price point of 400-700 dollars, highly consider some of the Alpen and Vortex binoculars. Some of their high-end models are easily comparible side-by-side with binoculars twice their price. I know some people will say I am crazy for saying that, but I think the influence of Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski is too strong. They are the best-of-the best, but for less money you can get really-close-to-best-of-the-best. Thanks for the dialog, and I would love to hear your story of your next binocular purchase.