January 14, 2012 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
After a Decade of Success Bushnell Reintroduces its Popular H20 Binocular
Overland Park, Kan. – Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry leader in high-performance sports optics for more than 60 years, has redesigned its popular H20 binocular line. After 10 successful years on the market, Bushnell has refreshed key features, making the H20 one of the best waterproof binoculars for the money.
The H20 series binoculars are O-ringed sealed and nitrogen purged, offering outdoor enthusiasts 100 percent waterproof and fog-proof performance. The durable, rubber-coated chassis has been enhanced with a new soft-texture grip that provides added reassurance in inclement weather.
In addition, BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics deliver maximum light transmission and bright, optimal clarity at any distance. Featuring a large center-focus knob for quick focus and twist-up eyecups that provide expanded eye relief, the Bushnell H20 is a well-rounded binocular.
Adventure tested, the H20 line will be available in January 2012 with 24 models in the product line. The H20 binocular is available in compact or full-size, and porro and roof prism models ranging from an MSRP of $69.95 to $173.95.
More Information
Categories: Bushnell Binoculars, Press Release | 
Tags: Bushnell Binoculars, Bushnell H20 Binoculars, Press release | 
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January 14, 2012 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
Carl Zeiss introduces the all new CONQUEST HD 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars. The advanced Carl Zeiss HD lens system provides exceptional value and performance. Colors are neutral and clear with extra-low chromatic dispersion while the ZEISS T* multi-coatings, dielectric mirror coatings, and LotuTec protective coating ensure a bright (90% transmission), vivid, sharp image any time of the day, in any weather. These premium binoculars are compact, lightweight and feature an ergonomic, modern design and traditional German quality.
The CONQUEST HD’s extra-wide field of view is impressive. The 10×42 features the widest field of view in its class (345 ft @ 1000 yds with the Conquest HD 10×42) and makes glassing for prolonged periods more pleasurable. The ergonomically designed grip area and large focus wheel ensure easy, precise handling in the field.** Featuring a rugged, lightweight aluminum body that is water and fog proof, close focus to 8 feet, precision mechanics and absolute reliability, the CONQUEST HD is an outstanding high-performance, multi-purpose binocular. Whether you are hunting in freezing conditions in Alaska, or birding in your backyard, the CONQUEST HD binoculars deliver top performance every time.
“The ZEISS CONQUEST HD binoculars represent a new level of quality in the premium market,” said Michael A. Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics.* “There is no finer European binocular on the market today for the money, and we are proud to add this sleek, rugged line for hunters, birders and outdoor enthusiasts who demand high performance and quality at an affordable price.”
The all new CONQUEST HD is part of the Carl Zeiss premium binocular line. All CONQUEST products are based on modern technology for exceptional value and performance. They are built with maximum durability for heavy life-long usage.
Each CONQUEST HD binocular comes with eyepiece and objective lens covers, a neoprene carrying strap, cordura case, and is protected by Carl Zeiss’ industry leading limited lifetime transferable warranty.
More Information
Categories: Press Release, ZEISS Binoculars | Tags: Press release, ZEISS Binoculars, Zeiss Conquest, Zeiss Conquest HD | No Comments »
November 22, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
The guys at Eagle Optics
have just informed me of a recent special purchase they made with Swarovski: They have bought out the entire inventory of another dealer which has provided them with a whole lot of brand new, recently discontinued models that they are selling at greatly reduced prices. On top of this they also have a bunch of good quantity ex demo models for sale at huge reductions off the normal recommended price. So if you have been considering to buy a top of the range Swarovski binocular, now is definitely the time to do it:
10×42 Swarovski SLC’s (new) for $1399
Built for a rough and tumble lifestyle, the SLC delivers a smooth performance in any situation. A patented focusing wheel for rapid adjustments, deep thumb grooves for comfort, and top-notch optical coatings for bright and sharp images all combine to offer you a superb experience.
Sale Price: $1,399
List Price: $1,887
You Save: $487.79 (25%)
Swarovski 10×32 EL 32 Traveler Binoculars
The Swarovski EL binocular sets the standard for excellence. In order to deliver 98 percent of the available light to your eyes, the EL is engineered with three-part objective lenses, phase corrected prisms, Swarobright prism coatings, and Swarotop multi-layer anti-reflection coatings. Such top-notch brightness even allows digiscoping through the binocular and is made easier with the included SnapShot Adapter.
Sale Price: $1,699
List Price: $2,187
You Save: $487.79 (22%)
Also for sale is a Swarovski STM80 HD scope (display models) with 20-60x eyepiece for $2699 (normally $3060)
Where to Buy
For these and other savings on Swarovski Binoculars check out:
Further Reading
Categories: Binocular Discounts, Swarovski Binoculars | Tags: 10x42, Binoculars Cheap Deals Sales, Eagle Optics, Save, Swarovski Binoculars, Swarovski EL, Swarovski SLC | No Comments »
October 24, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
I recently received the following question from a reader looking to choose between two reasonably priced ED glass binoculars:
Question
I want to buy a pair of full size binoculars for every day use. I want a pair with ED glass, at what I consider a reasonable price. I came down with these two: Vanguard Spirit 8X42 ED (maybe 10X42) and Barr & Stroud Series 4 ED 8X42.
To their advantage, the Barrs seems to be a little sturdier with their double bridge design, maybe better water sealed and maybe more comfortable to hold. Also, I can buy them at around 50 pounds less.
The Vanguards score a very high 85/87 points in your review, look more elegant and seem to have the edge in image quality.
Which would you recommend? As a last note, the image quality has the upper hand in the decision. Are the Vanguards visibly better in this regard? Thanks in advance for your answer!
Answer
Many thanks for the question – to answer this one is pretty difficult as they are both great binoculars, both of which I would describe as being really excellent value for money.
You are right in saying that the open bridge design of the Barr & Stroud 8×42 Series 4 ED makes it a little easier to hold onto, especially with one hand. Over difficult and hilly terrain it is also sometimes very annoying to have a binocular dangling from your neck where they can easily strike against a rock as you climb over it. Simply holding them in your hand instead of around your neck overcomes these problems and the open-hinge design means that you can hold onto the binocular much more firmly by wrapping your hand completely around one barrel.
But I would go on to say that the design of the Vanguard with it’s single, but fairly small bridge means that you can also quite easily hold these with one hand and I really had no problems with their sturdiness when I reviewed them.
To help with the comparison, I have included a table showing their main features and specifications below:
| |
Vanguard 8×42 Spirit ED |
Barr & Stroud 8×42 Series 4 ED |
| Price (approx): |
$250 (£250 – £300) |
£220 – £290 |
| Weight: |
22.6oz (640g) |
23.3ozs (661g) |
| Length: |
5.7in (14.5cm) |
6.06in (15.4cm) |
| Width: |
4.9in (12.5cm) |
4.96in (12.6cm) |
| Eye Relief: |
19mm |
18.8mm |
| Close Focusing Distance: |
8.2ft |
14.8ft |
| Field of View at 1000yds: |
330ft |
341ft |
| ED Glass |
Yes |
Yes |
| Phase Correction |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lens Coatings |
Fully Multi-Coated |
Fully Multi-Coated |
| Waterproof |
Yes |
Yes |
| Fogproof |
Yes |
Yes |
As you can see the Barr & Stroud’s having a slightly wider field of view and the Vanguard’s having a much better minimum focussing distance. But apart from that they are fairly evenly matched.
I would say that yes, the Vanguard’s probably have the edge when it comes to image quality, but without being able to compare the view through them at the same time I can’t be 100% sure. The amount of difference to my eyes between these two fairly evenly matched binos would also be very minimal anyway.
I would like to add that I personally own a pair of the 8×42 Vanguards Spirit ED’s myself, which I really love and have no hesitation in highly recommending them to you or anyone looking for a reasonably priced ED glass binocular (and no Vanguard don’t pay me to say that!).
Where the Vanguard’s are quite a bit better that the Barr & Stroud’s is in their attention to detail and the extras. The carry case and neck strap on the Vanguards are really good and I really like the build quality and the finishing details on the small things like the focussing wheel, which considering their price is impressive.
So if it were me you, know my choice, but to be honest I think it may just come down to which one you prefer the look of and just how important that 50 pounds is to you.
I hope this helps in some small way – and please let me know which one you eventually choose and just how well you get on with them.
More Information
Categories: Barr & Stroud, Vanguard | Tags: Barr & Stroud, Barr & Stroud Series 4 ED, ED Glass, Vanguard Binoculars, Vanguard Spirit 8x42, Vanguard Spirit ED, Vanguard Spirit ED Binoculars | No Comments »
October 3, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
It is not often that you read about binoculars in a newspaper, even if it is in the tech section. So that is why when I came across an article in the The Seattle Times written by gear reviewer Dan Nelson recommending affordable binoculars to bring wildlife up close, I was interested.
The article aims to give the reader advice on choosing an affordable pair of binoculars ideal for viewing wildlife with.
Which Binoculars they Recommend?
They say that “After checking out several binoculars, we found a couple that have crystal-clear optics at a reasonable price.” and below are their two recommendations:
Brunton Echo 8×25 Binoculars and these are their reasons why:
At the top of the list stands Brunton’s Echo Compact series. The Seattle times writer says that they recommend the 8-power version (8×25) since 10-power compacts can be difficult to hold steady (the extra magnification also magnifies any vibration/hand shake, creating an unstable image). – Which is true, but unless you really have unsteady hands you should easily be able to hold a 10x compact steady enough to be able to look through them and get a good stable view. For me the main reason for choosing an 8x binocular over one that has a more powerful magnification would be their wider field of view. That is not to say that 10x and even more powerful optics don’y have their uses.
They also say that the “Echo 8×25 glasses proved remarkably comfortable in the hand, and the lenses were sharp through the field of vision — we noticed just a hint of fuzziness at the extreme edge of the field of view. The light transmission was very good, presenting a bright view, even at dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active. We used these while watching young bighorns scamper in the twilight above Umtanum Canyon in Central Washington, and to spy on ospreys hunting trout in the Yakima River Canyon.” This is great, I am really glad to see that they took into account a binoculars light transmission, especially for wildlife when as they say a lot of your observation will take place late afternoon or early morning when a lot of wildlife is most active. So some great advice here – I then just wonder why they did not also consider larger mid-sized or even full sized binoculars? There are plenty of these that are affordable on the market and their larger objective lenses have the potential to let in more light and therefore, have the potential to produce brighter images than a compact.
The article then goes on to say that “The Echos even earned praise from our hardest-to-please binocular tester: Donna has a small face, and frequently finds she can’t bring binocular barrels close together enough to allow easy viewing. The Echos, though, fit her well, while also working wonderfully for our bigheaded, wide-eyed lead tester (yours truly).”
The Brunton Echo 8x25s weigh 38 ounces and sell for $120. Click here to Buy & Compare Prices for Brunton Echo Binoculars
Pentax Papilio 8.5X21 binoculars
Their second recommendation are the Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 binoculars:
“For a smaller, lighter pair, we recommend the Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 binoculars. These compact optics fit comfortably in the hand, adjust to fit a wide variety of faces (including Donna’s) and weigh a mere 10 ounces. The optics are sharp and clear — not as bright as the Bruntons, but nearly as sharp. What’s most remarkable about the new Papilios, though, is the focusing range. These binoculars have a close-focus distance of just 19.5 inches, meaning you can zoom in on that bee sitting on the flower right in front of you. You can examine the patterns of pollen on its legs, and count the hairs on its back as it flies over to sting you! No other binoculars we’ve found — or even heard of — offer this ability to act almost as a microscope on your wilderness adventures.”
This is very true and that is why I highly recommend these, if you plan on spending a lot of your time viewing the smaller wildlife out there like butterflies. View my article on Butterfly Binoculars, where I also take a look at these Pentax Papilio Binoculars.
The Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 binoculars sell for $149 Click here to Buy & Compare Prices for Pentax Papilio Binoculars
Best Binocular Reviews Recommendations
With so many binoculars out there, I am always interested in how they get to such a small short list of choices. Sure, if you are looking for cheap compact binoculars, the Brunton Echo Compacts and the Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 binoculars are not bad choices, but there are so many others out there, that in my opinion are as good or even better.
So which affordable binoculars, ideal for wildlife observation would I recommend?
Well If you are specifically looking for compact binoculars, that cost under $130/£130 take a look at this list of binoculars that I have reviewed: Low Cost Compact Binoculars.
For a larger selection and a better pair of optics, take a look at these Mid Priced (still under $300/£300) Compact Binoculars.
But what I would really recommend is getting a pair of mid-sized binoculars – these are still compact enought to easily carry about with you, yet offer far better light gathering potential:
Mid Priced, Mid-Sized Binoculars
More Information
About The author: Dan Nelson is a Freelance writer and a regular contributor to Backpacker magazine, and an author of outdoor guides with The Mountaineers Books.
Click here to view the original article on the Seattle Times.
Categories: Brunton Binoculars, Buyers Guides, Cheap Binoculars, Compact Binoculars, Pentax Binoculars, Wildlife Observation | Tags: Affordable, Brunton Binoculars, Cheap Binoculars, Compact Binoculars, Dan Nelson, Low Cost, Pentax, Pentax Binoculars, Pentax Papilio, Seattle Times, Wildlife Binoculars | No Comments »
August 22, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
SWAROVSKI OPTIK announces the new CL Companion 30mm binoculars. The new CL binoculars are an exceptional value for anyone, from novice to expert and if you have never owned a pair of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars, now is the perfect time to join our family.
The high quality and proven precision that SWAROVSKI OPTIK is known for is very evident in the new CL Companion. At 4.7 inches in length and weighing around 18 oz., the CL Companion is among the smallest 30mm binoculars available on the market, and the compact design allows you to keep them close at hand, to grab whenever opportunity knocks, as they will fit in most outdoor jacket pockets. The unique ergonomics and compact construction of the CL binoculars helps to ensure excellent manageability and simple handling. The CL binoculars offer fast focusing with just one turn, straightforward dioptric adjustment, as well as twist in eyecups that offer a full field of view for eyeglass wearers.
“The new CL Companion binoculars are ideal for those looking for a lightweight, compact binocular”, said SWAROVSKI OPTIK North America CEO, Albert Wannenmacher. “Their compact size combined with ease of use is matched with the high quality you have come to expect from SWAROVSKI OPTIK.”.
The full rubber coating on the CL Companion binoculars protects against damage and provides an excellent grip, even in the most adverse weather conditions. Available in black, green or tan, the CL Companion binoculars come complete with a water repellent field bag, carrying strap, wrist strap, and objective lens covers and eyepiece cover.
CL Companion Highlights
- SWAROBRIGHT, SWARODUR and SWAROTOP coatings
- 3 m (9.8 ft) close focusing distance
- High-precision roof prism system with phase-corrected coating (P-coating)
- Fully water, dust and fog proof.
Sizes Available:
- Swarovski 8×30 CL Companion Binoculars
- Swarovski 10×30 CL Companion Binoculars
Price Range
Depending on the model and where you buy them, Swarovski CL Companion binoculars about $950 (£730)
August 19, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
Sony aims to bring binoculars into digital age with their digital binoculars with HD video recording in both 2D and 3D
Digital camera binoculars have been around for a long time and many of you will know from my past posts that whilst they sound like a really good idea, they just don’t work, are a bit of a gimmick and you are far better off getting yourself a separate pair of binoculars and a digital camera.
Actually the biggest improvements to the standard binocular over recent times has been the quality of the optics and their coatings that produce images far superior than what our grand parents would have seen. Electronically-controlled image stabilization is also available on a few binoculars like the range of Canon IS Binoculars, but for the most part, binoculars remain the same basic product they were decades ago.
Sony hopes to change this and have launched the ‘world’s first’ digital video binoculars that records video in Full HD at 1080p.
Aimed at the sports, nature and bird enthusiasts, there will be two models, the DEV-3 and the DEV-5. Both of which use the AVCHD 2.0 format to record footage in both 2D and 3D and unlike traditional binoculars, they will have an electronic autofocus to keep moving objects in focus at all times.
0.5x – 10x Optical Zoom
The Sony Digital Video Binocular/camera capture separate images for left and right eyes using a pair of precision G Lens optics (dual f/1.8-3.4, 0.5-10x optical zoom) and which capture images using a pair of Exmor R CMOS sensors and Sony’s BIONZ processors.
You can select the variable zoom to scan a wide area at low magnification and then zoom in on a subject, such as birds in a field. This maximum 10x optical zoom is about the same as most conventional binoculars, but you have the advantage of being able to reduce the magnification, which you can’t do on standard binos. In 3D mode, the binoculars’ maximum magnification is 5.4x optical. The DEV-5 also has a digital zoom of up to 20x digital, but remember image quality will be reduced when digital zoom is on.
Unlike traditional binoculars where you look through the lenses, on these Sony’s you will be viewing the images on a pair of 1,227 dot resolution viewfinders. Which has to be one of their main keys to success as in the world of cameras, there are many people who loathe them, so I just hope that they work well.
Their minimum close-focus distance of less than a half inch when recording 2D imagery and 32 inches when recording 3D looks to be impressive.
Image Stabilization
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital binoculars will also feature Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization which should help to keep the view stable even when viewing at full magnification. This is the same optical stabilization system that is found on their Handycam camcorders and their Cyber-shot cameras.
Body Design
From the pictures that came with the press release, they look great and rather similar to Canon’s Stabilized Binoculars. Sony say that this “stealth” design without any distracting buttons or external details has been made to help conceal your position from birds and other wildlife.
Other than that they are coated with an elastomer material for a more secure grip and all controls are mounted on the top to allow easy operation with gloved fingers. There are also dual record buttons to enable you to start recording instantly with either hand.
Sony DEV-3 vs DEV-5
There is actually not a huge difference between the Sony DEV-5 and DEV-3. The DEV-5 has a few extra features including a GPS that automatically geo-tags video clips and photos. It also has an extra x10 digital zoom mode for a total of x20 zoom in movie mode (x10 optical), and double the optical zoom in photo mode to up to x15/x20 vs x7.5/x10 on the DEV-3. You also get a few more accessories that includes a faster charging adapter and higher capacity battery.
Availability
The new Sony DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital binoculars are expected to be available in November 2011 with a price of around $1400 and $2000 USD.
So there you have it, it is now time for Digital Video Camera Binoculars to be released onto the world and I just wonder are they set to be the next big thing or just like digital camera binoculars, basically a gimmick? All I know is I will reserve judgement and can’t wait to get my hands on a pair to review… (big hint Mr. Sony!)
Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: DEV-3, DEV-5, Digital Binoculars, Sony | No Comments »
August 19, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
…with just a pair of Binoculars
I was recently about to play a round of golf with a few friends and just before we tee’d off, I noticed that in the clubhouse window was a Cassegrain telescope and I made the comment that somebody must be using the relative seclusion of the golf club with it’s minimum amount of light pollution to view the stars at night.
My friends were not impressed. You see they never really give much thought to the stars, milky way and every thing else “up there” and assumed that if you did, you had to spend a whole heap of money buying specialist equipment like telescopes, which of course could much better be spent on golf clubs!
Myth
Sure telescopes will let you see further, but you do not need them to get excited by the night sky:
If you just take some time to think about it for a minute, our Earth, the planets of our solar system, our sun, billions and billions of other stars, and God knows how many other planets going around the stars are all part of the great Milky Way Galaxy which you can see with your naked eyes!
So when you next step out at night, just take a second to take in the sky. Remember every one of those stars you can see is a neighboring star in our home galaxy, the Milky Way. But to get the big picture of our home galaxy you should try and get out into the dark countryside where the sky is pitch dark and there’s much less hidden from our eyes.
Don’t just stand and look at the spectacle, really take it in by lying on your back and take in a deep breath. If you’re not at least a little thrilled by what you see, check your pulse! That’s when you can really see our Milky Way galaxy, that river of light across the sky and think of this – it is a thousand-light-years wide in thickness!
Remember stellar distances are measured in light-years because the numbers are so huge. One light-year, the distance that a light beam would travel in one year’s time, is just short of 6,000,000,000,000 miles. That’s 6 trillion miles! The thickness of that disk, Our Milky Way Galaxy is about 1,000 light-years wide, although the central disk that makes up the central bulge of our galaxy is about 6,000 to 8,000 light-years in diameter. But it’s diameter spans a colossal 100,000 light-years and you can see it all with you naked eyes. No telescope or even binoculars are necessary!
If you are in the northern hemisphere, take a look midway down the band in the high southeast, look for what appears to be a formation of brighter stars that make up a sideways cross. That’s what is known as the Northern Cross, and while it’s not an official constellation all by itself, it’s the main part of the constellation Cygnus the Swan.
At the top of the Northern cross is Deneb, this is one of the brighter stars in the sky and marks the tail of Cygnus the swan. The crosspiece of the cross makes up the main part of the wingspan, and the moderately bright star at the foot of the cross, Albireo, forms the head of the swan.
Now if you have a pair of binoculars with you, focus in on Albireo, and you’ll see that it’s not just a single star but two stars with contrasting colors. One of the stars has a bluish tint, and the other has an orange glow to it. These two stars are nearly 400 light-years away and are thought to take 100,000 years to orbit each other.
Now if you take your standard “daytime” binoculars and slowly pan all across the band of the Milky Way galaxy, you’ll see all kinds of celestial treasures like bright nebulae clouds, star clusters and dark rifts, especially on the southeastern side of the Milky Way band.
That area of the sky would be a whole lot brighter, except there are a whole lot of dark clouds of hydrogen gas and dust in the way. Some astronomers think that if it weren’t for all this in the way, that part of the sky would be as bright as the full moon all the time!
At this time of the year, you can see two of the most recognisable constellations within the southern side of the Milky Way band. They are Scorpius the Scorpion and Sagittarius the Archer. Scorpius is one of the “nice” constellations that really does look like a Scorpion with three stars in a line that make up its head on the right side and the curved line of stars that make up his tail and stinger on the left. Nearly in between is the dark reddish star Antares at the heart of the scorpion.
Sagittarius the Archer is a lot harder to make out as it certainly doesn’t resemble what it’s depicted to be. In Greek mythology that constellation is supposed to be a creature with a man’s chest, head and arms with a horse’s rear end, tail and legs shooting an arrow at Scorpius. What I think it actually looks like is a teapot in the sky with four stars that make up the handle on the left side, and three stars on the right that form the triangular spout.
What ever you see, I hope that the next time you look up to the night sky, you take time to appreciate it all even with just your naked eyes or your standard binoculars.
More Information
If you want to get a little more serious, take a look at my article on how to choose Binoculars specifically for Astronomy.
Books on Astronomy with Binoculars
Touring the Universe through Binoculars on Amazon.com
Touring the Universe through Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk
Categories: Astronomy Binoculars | Tags: Astronomy Binoculars | No Comments »
August 3, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
I was doing a little research this morning and discovered that you can currently make savings of around $500 (and sometimes more) on selected Swarovski binoculars at both Eagle Optics
& on Amazon.com
I admit that this saving is calculated against their recommended retail price and most shops will sell them just under that anyway, but even so these huge savings are still very impressive:
Swarovski EL 8X32 Binocular with Snap Shot Adapter
These incredibly versatile high end binoculars are listed on both sites for:
Sale Price: $1,639.00
List Price: $2,143.33
You Save: $504.33 (23%)
Swarovski 10×32 EL 32 Traveler Binoculars
As the name suggests these are ideal travel as well as safari binoculars:
Sale Price: $1,699.00
List Price: $2,221.11
You Save: $522.11 (23%)
Read My Full Review
Swarovski SLC 15×56 WB Binoculars
High powered binoculars with their patented focusing wheel for rapid adjustments, deep thumb grooves for comfort and the best quality optical coatings.
Sale Price: $1,899.00
List Price: $2,554.44
You Save: $$655.44 (25%)
Where to Buy
For these and other savings on Swarovski Binoculars check out:
Categories: Binocular Discounts, Swarovski Binoculars | Tags: Binoculars Cheap Deals Sales, Discount Binoculars, Eagle Optics, Swarovski Binoculars, Swarovski EL, Swarovski SLC | No Comments »
July 27, 2011 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
Today’s question comes from a very lucky person who is about to go on safari in Rwanda and Uganda, is looking for some safari binoculars and can’t decide between the Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5×28 binoculars and the Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8×30′s:
Question
In September I’m going to Rwanda. From there we will visit Uganda to go on safari. Your site has been a great help for me to find out what to take with me! While searching for binoculars on your site I bumped into the Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5X28. So I went looking for it on the internet. Now I have seen that there is another (newer?) Wildlife Pro CF 8X30. Is there any chance you have information about this one and about the differences between these two binoculars?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Answer
The Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8X30′s are quite different to the Wildlife Pro 10.5X28′s, with both having their advantages and dis-advantages over each other, yet both would work well as a safari binocular, especially in harsher environments like Rwanda and Uganda.
So to choose between them you just have to decide which of their main features and advantages are most important to you and to help with this I have listed their advantages over the other below:
Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5X28
- More Compact – easy to pack into your luggage and carry with you whilst on safari – could be especially important on walking safaris especially if you want to carry other equipment with you like a camera
- Lighter – also helps with carrying
- 10.5x magnification – gets you closer to the action
Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8X30
These have what Steiner call their “Sports-Auto-Focus Plus” focusing mechanism – which basically combines fixed focusing with a standard central focusing wheel – meaning that they have a very good depth of field as all objects from “20 metres away can be seen in sharp contrast and with sharp margins without any additional adjustments” – yet you can still use the central focusing wheel to focus on nearby objects.
- 8x magnification – slightly easier to keep image staeady
- No focusing needed from 20m means less chance of missing something
- Wider Field of View (120m @ 1000m) – see more in your view without having to move the binoculars – find and follow birds and wildlife easier
- Larger objective lenses – means that have the potential to produce a brighter image and therefore work better in low or poor light conditions like early morning, just before sunset or in thickly forested areas. The actual brightness obviously depends on the quality of the glass and their coatings (transmittance) – I have not reviewed these so cannot comment, but in generl of the Steiner’s that I have used they tend to be pretty good
Other than that they are fairly close in that they are both waterproof and cost pretty much the same amount:
Buy And Compare Prices
Use this page to quickly compare prices of these Steiner binoculars: Where to Buy Steiner Binoculars
Alternatives
In my opinion also well worth considering are:
Mid Sized Binocular
The excellent Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars, that won the award for the Best Safari & Travel Binocular in 2010
Compact Binocular
Eschenbach 10×28 Farlux B Silver Binoculars
More Information
Categories: Buyers Guides, Steiner Binoculars | Tags: 10.5x28, 8x30, Question, Safari, Safari Binoculars, Steiner Binoculars, Steiner Wildlife, Steiner Wildlife Pro 10.5x28, Steiner Wildlife Pro CF 8x30 | No Comments »
