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Recent content by sillyak

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    Updated Nikon 10x25S and 12x25S Stabilized binoculars

    That is what stopped me from immediately pre-ordering these. Even if you don't use them in the rain, if they aren't water proof they won't be dust proof.
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    Your most anticipated futures books

    I've Pre-ordered "The Gull Guide: North America" by Amar Ayyash. I'm looking forward to it! https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691195896/the-gull-guide?srsltid=AfmBOoqll8o7FZfmdZ_MjJ1jdeiVibMp0cg-eItKPk3tHILIfA-a4FN0
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    Dusk light performance relative to weight, NL Pure 10x32 vs 10x42

    I'm 35, and I worked for over a decade throwing tongs on a drilling rig, and I'm fit. I don't mind a heavy bino for many activities. However, doing something like a Raptor Count, where you are glassing for the majority of 8-10 hours, it matters.
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    What's your most used binocular?

    Far and away most used is my Swarovski 8x20 pocket. They are most used because they can go with me anywhere because they are so small and light. If I am going birding specifically I take a full sized bino.
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    Spring Migration of raptors - Mexico

    https://hawkcount.org/ I don't know about Mexico, but Tolima Colombia gets some crazy numbers.
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    Dusk light performance relative to weight, NL Pure 10x32 vs 10x42

    200 grams on your back, you'll never notice. Holding 200 extra grams up to your face for 10 hours straight, yeah you'll definitely notice.
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    Dusk light performance relative to weight, NL Pure 10x32 vs 10x42

    Although it's been a while since I've worked in retail. The trend for birders has definitely been towards 32mm binoculars, while many hunters still go for larger binoculars with bigger exit pupils. Obviously preferences vary, even among a given activity.
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    Is there a way to check if a bino has Swarobright?

    Swarovski got back to me saying they have had Swarobright in this model since 1998, but I think this forum has established that isn't correct. From Swarovski: Hello Mr. XXXXXX, this SLC from the year 2002 has already SWAROBRIGHT, SWAROTOP, SWARODUR coatings (since 1998). Mit besten Grüßen...
  9. S

    Is there a way to check if a bino has Swarobright?

    Thanks for that info! I have sent an email to Swarovski with the serial number to double check. I'm checking them out on Friday.
  10. S

    Is there a way to check if a bino has Swarobright?

    I'm interested in a local Swarovski 8x50 SLC. Serial number says 2002 manufactured (D7227XXXXX) I know Swarovski started dielectric prism coatings (Swarobright) in 1999 and many model switched over in 2001. Is there any way to tell if this 2002 SLC has dielectric coatings? No original box...
  11. S

    New AX Visio 10x32 binocular

    That does make sense, although how well does Merlin photo ID work in places with less data points? I honestly have never tried using it much even in my local area (Canada). I guess it will probably do fine on common, easily distinguishable birds. The $1850 premium over a 10×32 NL Pure will buy...
  12. S

    New AX Visio 10x32 binocular

    I just plugged it into Merlin and it says Rufous. That's the thing, Merlin photo ID works great for easy IDs, but it does not work for challenging IDs, or it gives unreliable results. The bino will be great for a beginner trying to tell a BCCH from a RBNU, but it isn't going to positively ID...
  13. S

    Nikon ED82 Fieldscope vs Monarch 82ED with Hyperion Zoom

    Upgrade in FOV and comfort, but at best side grade optically, most likely a slight downgrade optically. I don't have the monarch, but do have an 82ED and MCII zoom EP (As well as a 38x wide MC) and I have the APM adapter to use the field scope eyepieces in my telescope, so I have compared them...
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    What's the latest on Meopta?

    Meopta has been such a basket case with marketing, even when I worked in the industry 15 years ago. I remember when Cabela's sold them as the Euro, and there was controversy over the differences between them and the Meopta versions, controversy over what coatings were on what bino's, complaints...
  15. S

    What was your best found “patch bird”this year?

    My best local patch find this year was a Barred Owl. A common owl in other parts of the province, but only found once or twice a year in my eBird region and mine was the first ever in my town.
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