HI all

I am seeking a new compact binoculars.

I am looking at Kahles, Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.

I am a Zeiss "man", but I feel that the old Zeis is gone. Not the same as they used to be.

And yes, my old binos was a Zeiss, but I did lose them in the river last week, stupid me, was stalking after a nice roe deer, did not have the neck strap on, ups....ai ai ai

But, to late..So, now I need a new one.

I have both Kahles 8x42s and Swarovski 8x30s and they are both fantastic. My buddy has the Kahles 8x32 and they appear to me to be every bit as good as my Swaros. My Kahles 8x42s I think optically are superior to my Swaros.

Too bad you are not in the States as CDNN has the Kahles 8x32 for $449 and Cabela's has the Swaro 8x30 on sale for $899. You won't go wrong with either.

Hi
Thanks for the reply.

Well, that is a good price on the Kahles.

But, if you was to go out today, and get a new one, will it be Kahles?? Or???

I understand they are good, neck to neck.......hard to say, what is best.

quote:

Originally posted by vegard_dino:
Hi
Thanks for the reply.

Well, that is a good price on the Kahles.

But, if you was to go out today, and get a new one, will it be Kahles?? Or???

I understand they are good, neck to neck.......hard to say, what is best.

Honestly, after seeing how good the Kahles binos and scopes are I would buy Kahles just because they are usually a bit less costly. I also have 2 Kahles scopes that are phenomenal as are my 2 Swarovski scopes. Swarovski owns Kahles and I think both brands are very similar and among the best optics money can buy.

I would always go with the Swarovski. I compared all big 3 brands together and my result is clear: Swarovski EL 10x32 for me - the 8x32 is the same quality...

There is also a new styled EL Traveller:
http://www.titanium-gunworks.d...32-wb-traveller.html

Just another look.

Second choice of quality is the Leica Ultravids.

The Kahles is owned by Swarovski, but it is still "one step" under Swaro´s quality...

Leica Ultravid or Zeiss Victory FL .
Would not go for the Kahles.
Have owned Leica 8x30 (Trinovid and Ultravid) and Kahles 8x30s

Hi

Thanks for the reply and information

Then I will look more at Leica and Zeiss.

I have three Zeiss 8x30 B/GA IF Olive binoculars with mil scale rangefinders. I am willing to dispose of one. In my opinion, this is the finest, most durable binocular for hunting ever created. The binocular was developed for the Bundeswehr in 1964. It entered commercial production a few years later and remained in production until 2005.

Here are thumbnails of it.

Hi

Thanks for the reply

Oh, that is one model I do not know...you have some information on it? Looks very interesting.


Thanks you

If you refer to the Zeiss 8x30 B/GA IF, here are some data.

-- Full rubber armor over duralumin barrels and frame.

-- [Schmidt] roof prisms.

-- Individually focusing eye pieces ± 5 diopters.

-- Ocular and objective lens covers, so binocular does not need - has never been offered with - hard case.

-- Twilight # 15.5.

-- Field of view 120 meters at 1000 meters.

-- Weight 600 grams.

-- Full height with folding eye cups unfolded 141 mm. And I wear spectacles all the time.

-- Width at 65 mm interpupillary distance 114 mm.

-- Waterproof to NATO standard.
***
This is neither the smallest, lightest, nor quickest to [change] focus among the universe of binoculars.

Individually focusing eye pieces may be too slow for birding. But hunters usually focus and forget. The method of focus provides the most durable method of maintaining binocular waterproof at point of focus on binoculars. Notice ALL militaries uses individually focusing eye pieces, for that reason.

None of the binocular's weight is waste weight. Duralumin has a reputation for being more rigid, more resistant to battering than magnesium alloys and polycarbonate. This requires a little explanation. Acquaintances in US Army report that Steiner polycarbonate-bodied binoculars are excellent -- until they get banged enough to injure relationship among prisms. They become incredibly difficult to repair.
***
The best endorsement I can furnish is that I have three of these, having previously wasted thousands of dollars on Leitz Trinovids, Zeiss-Jena EDFs, and B&L Elites. While these are excellent machines, I have only my three Zeiss'. I acquired so many from fear I could no longer get them. I never took into account they ain't gonna break or wear out.

Hope this helps.

Yes, the Zeiss "SAFARI" 8x30s are a great model and still in production.

Hi

Yes, it looks to be a great model, solid and made for work

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Yes, the Zeiss "SAFARI" 8x30s are a great model and still in production.

Really?? The last time I checked with Zeiss-Wetzlar they informed me the binocular had been discontinued, circa 2005.

Check out the new Meopta 8x32. I have a pair and they are every bit as good as my Swaro 8x30 SLCs. Cabelas had them on sale in the Bargain Cave for $650. They are compact, light, well built and the optics are exceptional.

There are several good threads on these on www.24hourcampfire.com in the Optics forum.

If you're not going to secure them with the neck strap, your "best buy" would be the $25 Chinese stuff at Wal-Mart.

quote:

Originally posted by Wm.S.Ladd:
If you're not going to secure them with the neck strap, your "best buy" would be the $25 Chinese stuff at Wal-Mart.

Except for insuring security for the binocular, I don't beleive it's possible for me to disagreement more strongly.

1. Nearly all of the hunting hours are invested looking, looking via a binocular unless shooting area is egregiously dense foliage.

2. A binocular viewing device is really two telescopes joined to provide one stable stereoscopic view. Were telescopes improperly aligned, person viewing will get an eye strain headache in a remarkably short time.

3. Among the factors that cause best-quality binoculars to be as expensive initially as they are include the following: Schott optical glass; rigid, durable alignment of telescopes; manufacturing precision to assure both barrels provide identical viewing platforms; rigid, durable mounting of each telescope's lens system within its barrel.

4. BaK 4 prisms if binocular ("E" body) uses porro prisms rather than baK 7 prisms. This differentiation makes zero difference when referring to roof prism "H" body binoculars.

5. A first-class warranty is nice, but it's essentially useless if your binocular becomes non- or poorly-functional when the hunter is miles into the mountains. Best-quality binoculars have sufficient durability designed and manufactured into them to withstand substantial use and some abuse for decades.
***
In my opinion, one buys the finest binocular available; scrimp on the firearms if you must. When the cost of the best binocular is amortized over a lifetime, cost per day is chump change. With a modicum of care, the binocular will serve your children as well.

I do not like individual focus binos.

Many times when stalking I use the bino with one hand. Being able to change the focus when in thick bush makes a big difference.

I recommend you go to a good store and look at the top brands.

Pick the one you like the best.

If that is not possible get the Swaro, or the Leica.

Hi N E 450 No2

Yes, I feel the same, so I did order a Leica today

Thanks for helping me all

quote:

Originally posted by vegard_dino:
Hi N E 450 No2

Yes, I feel the same, so I did order a Leica today

Thanks for helping me all

An excellent choice. Take care of it and one of your grandchildren will thank you.

Hi

Oh yes, I will take good care of

The Zen ED is Japan's answer to the SWV EL.

https://hunting-washington.com...Path=3&products_id=7

http://www.opticsplanet.net/swarovski-binoculars.html


But it is $370 instead of $1700.