"My PH this last time mentioned he was sometimes frustrated with clients that don't carry their binoculars because it takes too much explaining (and time) in some situations to get on the "same page" to take a shot."

At that point you should be looking through your rifle scope and not anything else!

Swarovski 8x32 are the best combination of size power etc.
Odie does have a very valid point. I told my PH that I would depend on his judgement on which animals to shoot.
I told him that any discussiions on "size" was not necessary, If he saw an animal HE thought I should shoot, just tell me to shoot and I will, no discussion was necessary, no analysis on my part was required. HIS job was to tell me which to shoot, my job was to shoot straight. The plan worked to perfection. I had my 8x32's around my neck 100% of the time. I used them constantly to observe game when I was not going to shoot. If it was a shoot situation I was looking through the sights.
About 7 days into the hunt my PH told me we had the most comfortable "trophy" relationship he had ever had with a client, as when HE saw a good animal, no discussion was necessary, I did not need to know "how many inches" he was. He simply said "shoot that one" and I did. Thus no oppertunities were lost while discussing trophy size.
He was the PH, I was the CLIENT.
His name is Wayne Edwards of HHK, I WILL hunt with him again Many times.
I think the best thing you can tell your PH is "All I need to know is which way to shoot".

I myself have Swarovski 8x32 and they are always around my neck, but Kahles binos are also very good. I have no experience of Pentax so I can not compare, but when comparing Kahles and Swarovski watching small details in bad light, the difference is neglectible. I bought Swarovski because I do some birdwatching and hence use them a lot. But three of my riflescopes are Kahles (Helia) and I am very satisfied with them. I am planning to buy a fourth scope from Kahles, for my new .338win.

Regards,
Martin

I think you'll be very pleased with your Pentax. I laid them all on the counter and compared. Ended up buying the Pentax 8x42 DCF WP. Been using them for 2 years now near everyday. Very pleased. My PH in Zim this year was impressed over the Kahles he was carrying because we couldn't tell a difference and the price on the Pentax was much less. Spend the $ on trophy fees and a cross over bino harness so you can wear them all day without neck strain.

Hugh,
If you want to upgrade without breaking the bank I recommend you look up some of the second hand camera & optics shops in your neighbourhood...i know a few people that have picked up older model swarovski, zeiss or leica for prices that seem too good to be true. You wont find them quickly, but if you have time on your hands then check some of them out...although you dont get the same guarantee second hand that you would new, the chances that you would ever need the guarantee on a good pair of binos is limited - bearing in mind that quite a few of the middle priced binoculars only carry a 1-5 yr guarantee anyway I reckon you would be better off going the used route...
when I was looking for new binos I picked up a couple of birdwatching magazines and surfed a couple of birdwatching websites - they sometimes also have good deals on the go...
best of luck mate

I use a pair of Leica 10x32 that I bought secondhand about 10 years ago. They fit into a shirt pocket and don't bang about, they're great and if I lost them, I'd try to replace them with an identical pair.

I do find that a lot of clients pitch up with "fullsize" binos of various makes, most of which get left in the truck after the second or third day as they're so heavy & cumbersome.......the only advantage the fullsize binos have over my pocket size ones is when you're in a blind.

Baboonbreeder has the right idea, look for a good used set. Swarovskis 8x30's go for 5-600 used vs. 959.00 new. Keep checking ebay.

I can't imagine doing any sort of hunting without using binoculars..I carry my 7x42 Swarovski's constantly in the field and feel naked without them.

Having said that, unless you were planning on shooting leopard at first or last night or something similar, I think a set of decent 8x32mm is ideal for use in Africa.

I found my PH was pointing out so much other stuff other than our intended quarry species, that if I had not taken binoculars, I would have missed have what was going on..

Regards,

Pete

I have three pair of Swaro's - 7x30, 8x30 and 10x42's. I like the all and use each a lot. The PH I had last year used Swaro's 10x42's.

I suggest you use what you like and can see the best out of.

I had lasik surgery 3 years ago and found that I see better out of Swaro's than Zeiss or Bushnell. The lasik surgery affected my sensitivity to light and I find that Swaro's help with that.

Good luck