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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    I have not tried the Opticron Traveller 8x24 and sadly I have not seen a single proper review online! The Barr and Stroud 10x25 I bought were a step down in quality from my Viking Kestrels - but they were half the price! I would say for the price they are fine. But I expect I will be returning...
  2. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    I would buy the Optician 8x24 Traveller at a place you can return them if you don't like them. I bought a new pair of Barr and Stroud 10x25 Series 5 to test - they arrived today and at first glance seem very good. As it's getting dark I'll test them out properly another day. They are almost...
  3. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    Well, the Opticron 10x25 Aspherics arrived. Focus knob was stiffer than all my other bins. The image didn't have a uniform focus either. I guess that's why I got them at a reduced rate of £40 from the original asking of £75 on eBay... The seller accepts returns so they went back this morning...
  4. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    I just bought a pair of Optician 10x25 Aspheric phase-coated used in great condition - arriving Tuesday. These are the last model before they changed to a thicker rubber armour coating and different focussing knob. Looking forward to trying them out.
  5. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    These look very good and even have a 30 year warranty: https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-8x24
  6. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    The Nikons weigh 316 grams which is even heavier than my Vikings or Zeiss and the front focussing puts me off. I considered the Swarovski 10x25CL but they are even heavier at 350 g and super expensive.
  7. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    Viking is a British brand so I think not available outside UK and possibly Ireland. A couple of months ago I bought them and the Zeiss Terra 10x25. The Viking's image is 95% as good as the Zeiss - there is a tiny amount of pincushion distortion which I only noticed when looking square on at a...
  8. J

    Compact comparisons: Low end vs high end

    Sounds great - I haven't seen one in the flesh. Presume it has screw out eye cups? I have a fifteen year old Opticron 10x25 Aspheric. They were made before the waterproof/nitrogen purge feature and with soft rubber eyecups ie not screw out. The focus knob on that is still beautifully light and...
  9. J

    8 x 24 BGA compact

    Has anyone reviewed the Opticron 8x24? https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-prod...ler-bga-compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-8x24 I would be seriously interested to hear as it is from their top spec range and comes with a THIRTY YEAR warranty!
  10. J

    My bins need repair

    I believe Opticron is one of the few manufacturers that offer servicing of their products in their own workshop in the UK.
  11. J

    Compact comparisons: Low end vs high end

    Has anyone ever reviewed the Opticron 8x24? https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-8x24 I would be seriously interested to hear as it is from their top spec range and comes with a THIRTY YEAR warranty!
  12. J

    CL 8x25

    I don't use spectacles when using binoculars. Don't know why you doubt the spec (scroll down) - Opticron is a well respected brand. And I'd have change left over if I bought THREE pairs compared with Swarovski.
  13. J

    CL 8x25

    6.3 degrees is adequate for a travel scope for me. Now consider its dimensions: 95x65x45 mm folded and weight: 240 grams. The Swarovski is 110 grams heavier - that's an extra 4 ounces in old money!
  14. J

    CL 8x25

    I wonder how these Opticrons would compare with the Swarovski 8x25: https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-compact-binoculars/traveller-bga-8x24 Note the price and a thirty year guarantee! I can't find any reviews but they are top of Opticron's pocket range...
  15. J

    Kowa 8x25 SV vs. BD Brief Comparison

    I wonder how the Kowa 8x22 compares with the cheaper two above.. Is it as bright?
  16. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    Indeed the current RSPB 10x25 HD at £270 in a reserve I saw seemed very good but a bit bulky as single hinged. It bears a strong resemblance to the now discontinued Viking Ventura 10x25 which Neil English reviewed poorly.
  17. J

    Terra Pocket 10x25 - stiff focusing

    Yesterday I tried another pair of the Zeiss in a shop - they were exactly the same. I want to like them but it's hard to accept paying £330 and finding this issue. The only reason I can think others accept this is because they've become blind to failings.
  18. J

    Terra Pocket 10x25 - stiff focusing

    If this is the case I am surprised Zeiss make no mention in their manual of 'running in' a new pair for the focusing to become light enough to adjust properly.
  19. J

    Terra Pocket 10x25 - stiff focusing

    A few days ago I bought to trial a Viking Kestrel 10x25. These are a new model and rated pretty highly. They have ED glass and dielectric prisms. Compared with my fifteen year old Optician Aspheric 10x25 they are in a different league - as I'd hoped. The focusing is relatively stiff which I...
    • julay
    • Thread
    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: Zeiss
  20. J

    Advice: Not too expensive toss in the pocket/bag compact binoculars?

    These new ones by Viking get good reviews; dielectric prisms and ED glass for £150: Kestrel Compact - Viking Optical I have a pair arriving in a few minutes! Will give a quick review then.
  21. J

    Seeking advice - lightweight bino in the £150 range

    Which reserve is that? I was at Burtonmere today; there was no indication of any events.
  22. J

    Viking Kestrel 10x25 opinions?

    I watched, I think, three vids on the Kestrels of yours including the comparison. With the Kestrel I'd be worried about the focusing, the Hawke I tried was very stiff which put me off it from the start. Perhaps that's just because it's new? Do the focusing rings slacken a bit with use?
  23. J

    Viking Kestrel 10x25 opinions?

    I took my 15 year old Opticron 10x25 Asphercals to compare in the shop today... They had Hawke Endurance ED 10x25 which immediately felt poor - blackouts from the eye cups and very stiff focusing and dioptre but image seemed OK. Then I tried Zeiss pocket 10x25 - better eye relief, better...
  24. J

    Advice welcomed

    Initially I would buy a good used pair or two. See how I get on with them and which type/size I prefer. Then sell either or both (losing relatively little) and buy a higher quality model.
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