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  1. yarrellii

    Very light* setup (binoculars + scope)

    Maybe it’s because we now have two kids, maybe it’s because we’re busier, who knows, but sometimes I find myself in “different” birdwatching scenarios, compared to, say, a couple of years ago. Very often there is less time available, and often the opportunity demands a lighter/smaller set of...
  2. yarrellii

    Warbler: Phylloscopus or Hippolais? Ibiza - Spain

    I was watching some action among the branches of a nearby field and what first appeared to be a willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) catched my eye. It displayed what seemed a greyish (or at least darker) cap, and the beak seemed surprisingly clear. I know the picture is pretty awful, but...
  3. yarrellii

    Sky Rover 8x30 ED first (underwhelming) impressions

    I really like the 8x30/32 format, to my eyes it hits a sweet spot for versatility, optical performance, ease of use and portability. I have just checked, and 8x30/32 is by far the most repeated format of all the binoculars I've had, accounting for 31 models, followed by quite a margin by 7x42...
  4. yarrellii

    Ultralight tripod/head for a 400 g (14 oz) scope

    I'm not sure this has been dealt with, given the nature of the scope itself, a Kowa TSN 501, which weights 400 g, under a pound. Earlier today I've exchange some messages with @dwatsonbirder (the seller of this lovely little scope) about the most appropriate tripod/head combo for such a small...
  5. yarrellii

    Allbinos review of the Canon IS II 10x30

    Just out of the oven https://www.allbinos.com/379-binoculars_review-Canon_10x30_IS_II_review.html Basically the 10x30 follows the trend of the review of its bigger sibling the 12x36. Many scores are nearly identical, as is the transmission curve and the pros/cons. Also some of the comments...
  6. yarrellii

    Allbinos Review of the Vortex Crossfire HD 10x42

    Allbinos has released a new review. In this case, following on the last review of the cheapest model in the Vortex roof range, the Triumph, now they have inspected what was the cheapest Vortex roof prior to the launch of the Triumph...
  7. yarrellii

    Vixen @Six 6x18: quirky and surprising pocket binocular

    I tend to like Vixen binoculars, they usually offer great value and pretty good optics. I guess it has to do with the decisions regarding the selection of products from different Asian producers, because it seems that they choose models also offered by other brands (like Opticron, Celestron...
  8. yarrellii

    Waterproofness of the 30 mm APC range

    A note in case someone finds him/herself in the same position as me, and has doubts regarding the level of waterproofness of the APC 30. I'm considering the purchase of a Kite 12x30 APC, but something has caught my eye. On Kite's website, you can see how the 42 range uses waterproofness as a...
  9. yarrellii

    Anyone tried Covert Optics?

    Just found a brand I've never heard of: Covert optics. I guess they are aimed primarily at the US hunting market, and that's probably the reason it's the first time I see it. Well, there is this 42 mm bino (both in 8x and 10x) that looks quite interesting. Compact, no frills and quite light...
  10. yarrellii

    Just how good is the 8x32 Opticron Verano BGA VHD? (Comparisons)

    An open question for those who have tried it (not the old BGA HD, but the "new" 8x32 BGA VHD) A bit of background (I’ve read the reviews by Steve C and Troubador, and everything in between). I really like 8x32, for non-IS use it is by far my most used configuration (I just don’t see the point...
  11. yarrellii

    IS x2 (...and other amazing things IS)

    Over the last couple of years I’ve learnt to appreciate what IS binoculars offer: unmatched handheld resolution (and ability to ID and study bird's plummage and features), a calm, relaxed and steady view, unforgettable “space walk” views of the starry night sky, etc. Yes, I’ve also leant to live...
  12. yarrellii

    Allbinos review of the new Vortex Triumph HD 10x42

    Yesterday they published a review of the new entry-level 10x42, the only member (so far) of the Triumphy series. https://www.allbinos.com/383-binoculars_review-Vortex_Triumph_HD_10x42_review.html Apparently its build/body outperforms its optical qualities. But then, 149,99 USD is not a lot of...
  13. yarrellii

    "David Bowie" special eye lenses (will your eyes tell the difference?)

    Today, while on the field, I noticed something I hadn't realised about my recently repaired Canon IS III 12x36 eyelenses... I have a "David Bowie" special edition... ... each eye piece displays a different colour!!! Joking aside, I guess this is due to different coatings, because each...
  14. yarrellii

    Is the 15x50 IS worth it if you already have a 12x36 IS?

    Well, as the title says, I'm contemplating getting a high-powered IS. I already have, and enjoy, the 12x36 ISIII, which I can use as my main birding binoculars for weeks non-stop without missing much. Only when I have a special need, like trekking, or faul weather (we don't get a lot of that...
  15. yarrellii

    Canon vs Kite stabilized binoculars

    As I've written in another thread about the repair of my Canon IS III 12x36, I’ve briefly tried some Kite APC stabilized binoculars at De Kijkerspecialist in the Netherlands. The test was just a few minutes looking from a window, reading a resolution test (a series of text in diminishing sizes)...
  16. yarrellii

    Leucistic scoter? Rickelsbüller Koog (Germany)

    Where: Rickelsbüller Koog. Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. When: today, 28.07.2023 Today I saw what appears to be a common scoter (Melanitta nigra) in Rickelsbüller Koog. I'm not very familiar with this species, and there's something that has caught my eye. The bird seems to have the most notable...
  17. yarrellii

    Allbinos review of the Nikon SE 12x50

    As part of their last series of reviews on 12x50 binoculars, Allbinos has just released the review of the venerated SE 12x50. A bit of an exercise in nostalgia given that finding a 12x50 SE in 2023 can be pretty difficult to say the least, but a great an enjoyable read nonetheless...
  18. yarrellii

    Can (higher) weight be a deliberate choice?

    Bit of background: I got myself a lovely 7x42 Meopta Meostar B1 and I've been using it with great pleasure lately. In the past I've had the Meostar in 32, 50 and 56 mm in various configurations, it's a model that somehow appeals to me: it's chunky but compact size, the understated Czech take on...
  19. yarrellii

    Maven C2 7x28: any sibling under other name from other manufacturer?

    I'm quite interested in the little C2 7x28, I find it is an unusual and very attractive format (light, small, but with a 4 mm EP) that is not seen very often. Even the 225 USD price seems very attractive too (taking into account that there are no miracles, and that 225 USD is not the largest of...
  20. yarrellii

    Bynolyt Runner III 10x50

    A model I come across every now and then and that I find interesting. Bynolyt Runner III 10x50 (there are other configurations as well). Maybe some Dutch forum members are lucky enough to have some experience with them and care to shed some light. The looks are extremely similar to other...
  21. yarrellii

    Keno 20-100x30 zoom binoculars

    Yes, I know, common wisdom says that zoom binoculars are usually a poor choice (given that many are cheap devices with very poor quality, narrow FOV, etc., and there are few top brands selling quality top zoom binoculars, apparently for a reason). That’s why I was puzzled to find what appears a...
  22. yarrellii

    Do the 10x30 IS II and the 12x36 IS III share the same body?

    After enjoying the 12x36 IS III over the last year and recently trying the nice 8x20 (surprising image quality, although a little compromised in FOV) I'm getting more and more curious about a light 10x IS. The performance of the 10x20 with its small exit pupil is a bit unknown (although maybe...
  23. yarrellii

    Fungus on Nikon EII 8x30. What to do? Ideas and comments welcome

    I’ve had my 2018 Nikon EII 8x30 fogged up internally several times, the last time it displayed an odd looking «noodle patter» that was probably not fungus. However, yesterday while cleaning the lenses I spotted something worrying that I’m afraid this time is indeed fungal growth, is it? I’m...
  24. yarrellii

    Let’s talk about eyecups (comfort, dimensions, preferences, etc.)

    Let’s talk about eyecups (comfort, dimensions, preferences, etc.) When reading binoculars reviews and experiences you hear a lot about the optical performance of a certain device and also about its physical aspect: usually the dimensions and in particular how the focus wheel works (whether it’s...
  25. yarrellii

    Phylloscopus ibericus call? - Ibiza (Spain)

    Heard it earlier today, 20.03.2022 in a wet valley of the island of Ibiza (Es Broll de Buscastell). Birdnet identified it "almost certain" as a P. ibericus, but then, we all know Birdnet suggests funny odd things sometimes. However, back home I've done some research and actually the call of the...
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