For the last year, I've been trying to decide on a set of shorter, lighter, more compact binoculars for Africa that can be carried diagonally across the body.

Since I didn't want to pay the devalued-dollar, current price of my first-choice Leica Ultravid 8X32s, I decided to look for good set of used binoculars. I found a used set of mint Zeiss 8X30s, the green-armor, individual eye-focus version. These are surprisingly great binoculars, and I bought them for a very favorable price.

The only problem is, the strap/eyeguard assembly really isn't the best, and it's just too much of a good thing. So I came up with a plain cordura camera strap with no padding, strung it through the top rainguard and binocular, adjusted for a perfect fit, trimmed the strap, then -- to avoid buckles -- I pop-rivited the strap together on each side just below the rainguard.

The whole assembly slides easily into position, the rainguard is a snap to move out of the way, and this is the most practical diagonal-carry binocular setup I've ever used, plus it's SIMPLE. There's no emcumbering harness setup to fight, no sticky padding to impede function, and nothing to come loose. I found a leather Zeiss case for that was originally made for 10X40s that's perfect for transport, and the whole package is very compact. It fits these 8X30s perfectly.

Quality used binos can be a great way to go.....

AD

Damn allen, sounds as if your being Cheap.
I do understand your side of things, just hard to lay out that 1200 to 1500 for new optic's. I had a pair of the 8X30's but sold them and then picked up a pair of the 8X20B's which are really cool, so much so that the household warden decided she needed them worse than I did. Sonow I am back in the market for another small set of good optic's.

Allen,
I carry a set of the 8x30 Zeiss also. Mine have a simple green neoprene Vero Vellini strap that I think is perfect. I never liked the Zeiss factory set up either. They are great binos, in fact they may be the perfect binocular, especially if you do a lot of walking.
Doug

I'm with you alan... too many good used items out there to pay retail (unless you're in a time-crunch).

I find that if I'm patient and keep my eyes open there are lots of "deals" in good, used merchandise.

I recently traded for a used remington in 300 ultra-mag (unfired). Wasn't my first choice in makes, but it was a Rem Custom shop gun (@1300 retail) and when all was said and done, I had exactly $100.00 in it!

I bought my 8x30 Leicas on AR, I have a 1" canvas webbing strap on them that I made, they hang across my body and under my left arm, non adjustable strap attaches with D rings and cheap plastic bridle hooks...I like this set up and I love the 8x30 Leicas....Like you can't stand those ridiculas harnesses that cling to your body, tried them for about two hours and shucked them and went back to cross body carry.

I also used a camera strap with padding for them but have about settled on the canvas web strap for everything...

After busting Ray's chops about an across the body carry, I decided to see if I could improve the matter myself and design my own strap. So $3.00 worth of nylon webbing, some borrowed hardware, and my Mom and her sewing machine later, I think I've come up with something very serviceable. I like it. Notice how the strap is turned to allow the strap to lay flat against the body.

Ya know Allen, if you want things done right, do it yourself.


Chuck

Chuck,

Purple????

Regards,

Terry

The half inch webbing came in two colors. The other alternative was pink.

Chuck

Purple????

my thoughts also Terry

Sorry Chuck, just couldn't pass up the chance.

Does look very good though

I picked up my Swarovski 8X30's used for 500 dollars, used optics can be a great deal. You can visually inspect the lenses and overall body condition and most high end makers will fix them for free if there is an issue.

I normally use a 8x32 Hensold bino. Hensold is the Zeiss owned company that produce military optics. Fixed focus and individual focus regulation You can see it on the follwing photo

I'd payd it 300 dollars, some years ago, absolutely new, still sealed in an allumined plastic cover.

Chuck, that's a cool strap. I like it!

Jimmy, sometimes being cheap is the best way to go!

Steve, that Hensoldt is a smart-looking glass that looks perfect for Africa...........

Purple is great no one would steal them.

If its stupid and works it is not stupid that goes for looks to good job man.

Well my cotton webbing is white, now turned the color of dirt, but I won't get hit on by the girly boys as many times as Chuck does, but then it may not be the straps, it just may be I ain't as purty!!