Curious if anyone has had any experience with these in the field. I really porro prism binoculars because of the large field of view and 3-D like perspective they provide. These are waterproof and rubber coated so they ought to hold up. Not that many good porros being made these days. Any experiences with these?

http://www.swarovskioptik.us/e...s/binoculars-habicht

Mike Habicht (Habicht stands for Hawk) 7x42 (not GA - GA means rubber coated) is a cornerstone of Swarowski - from their history:

"Wilhelm (Swarovski, son of the original founder) went on to found Swarovski Optik KG in Absam, Tyrol, in 1949 thus laying the foundation stone for a sports optics company with a global reputation. His company’s first serial product, the Habicht 7x42, is still an industry standard in the field optics and continues as ever to be produced by Swarovski Optik in the best tradition of its founder."

It is like a Mauser M98 - good, simple, reliable and according to later products - "cheap" - I'd take it anytime

Hi Mike,

Althought not in Africa, I have tryed the Habicht Porros in 7x40 and 10x40. Both are very good and very strong-build binoculars. Since the mid `90 they are also sealed and nitrogen purged. One of the few Porros weatherproofed. And the new ones, after 2003, have the latest optics in that serie. But, the 7x40 has a narrow field of view for a 7x! One of the narrower field of view in that magnification. The 10x40 is an entirely another thing! I have one of the latest rubber armoured. And is almost as good optically as my Zeiss FL 10x42. And, I think, stronger built.

Regards amd Happy New Year!

PH

That's what we call Rommel style!

Hi Goldeneye,

I don`t understand what do you mean...!

Regards and Happy New Year!

PH

Zim PH Ian Gibson prefers his easier handling Leather type 7x40 Habitch Binos over the heaver Roof type.


http://www.cameralandny.com/op...swarovskihabicht8x30

As does PH Johnnie Johnson.

Thanks for the feedback. Ozhunter, those are two pretty good endorsements.

For Goldeneye...

I have a pair of green 8x30 porro that I love--they are excellent binos!

Ed

Mike-
This might be a little off topic since you had specified "field use" but I have a pair of habicht SL 8X56 that I picked up at a gun show for $500. They are big, rugged feeling and heavy. They are wonderful from my porch or vehicle, the 3D effect is quite pronounced and these guys are bright.
I don't think I'd schlep them up Gota Gota at Makuti, though.

quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
I don't think I'd schlep them up Gota Gota at Makuti, though.

LOL. I think that statement is true for damn near anything.

The 7x42 GA's weigh 26.8 ozs. That compares with the 8.5x42 EL's at 29.4 ozs. So long as we take Gota Gota or the Dreaded Dreadful slowly, I should be okay.

19ozs for the little 8x30s. Ideal Zambezi escarpment Bino's.
http://www.cameralandny.com/op...swarovskihabicht8x30