quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
In "popularly priced" models most binos are pretty much the same.

I'm in the minority, but I much prefer an Individual Focusing binocular to the CF models. The IF is simpler to focus initially, stays where you put it, and the lack of a central focusing cam allows the frame to be much tougher and less likely to get knocked out of collimation. For the same reason, an IF is much more easily made waterproof.

Sometimes you can find some of the older IF Leupolds for sale on ebay or some place similar, but there are a few guys out there like me who recognize their superiority for hunting and they usually bid them up pretty high.

The last new bino I bought was a Japanese Minox 9.5x42 with IF. It is a heavier instrument than the Leupolds and shows a bit more flare around the edges, but is still a very usable bino.

A few binocular manufacturers make a CF which has a LOCK on it. That's a big step forward and the next best thing to doing away with the CF entirely.

CF's are for birdwatchers. I don't say this disparagingly at all. Birdwatchers need a high power bino which can be instantly refocused from 40 feet to 40 yards as the subject flits from branch to branch. Hunters (in most situations) need a bino which is focused to infinity and stays there. But birdwatchers are the big market for binos and drive what the manufacturers offer.