Hi All. Pocket Bino Experience Needed. (2 Viewers)

[Alexis Powell]

I wouldn't bother looking at anything other than the Zeiss 8x25 Victory and the Swarovski 7x21 Curio.

Of those, I prefer the Zeiss. Big bino performance, view, and handling in a little bino. It has good "hang" around the neck and flat against the body too, unlike the Curio. If you make your own strap and find a close-fitting case, it packs into a very small space, not significantly larger than other pocket bins when in their cases.

As for the asymmetric hinge, some left-handed folks have expressed concern that the focus will not feel right, being too close. I would argue to the contrary. For a person with average sized hands who likes to be able to roll the focus knob quickly with the pad of the last phalanx of the index and/or middle finger, the reach to the focus is actually a better fit to the left-handed (and so it is a bit farther reach than ideal for right-handed folks). This hinge design was first used with the older 8x20 Victory model, which was smaller all-around, making the reach good for the right-handed and too cramped for left-handed focus.

--AP

 

[Rg548]

I wouldn't bother looking at anything other than the Zeiss 8x25 Victory and the Swarovski 7x21 Curio

I really wouldn't discount the Leica.
Smaller than the Zeiss, better build than the Curio.
I looked at all three, the Zeiss is the best for ergonomics, but is NOT truly pocketable.
The Curio edges the Leica on optics..... just.

But as an all round pocket option, I believe the Leica to be the best.... and it's where my money went.

 

[has530]

I have owned the "big (little) 3" discussed here (and still have the VP and Curio...likely selling one once I decide which I like more) and my general impressions are:

• Leica 8x20 - mechanical bliss and the best color and contrast but just too small and fiddly, narrow fov, hard to hold steady...
• Swaro Curio - Nice optics, truly "pocketable", lower magnification works well with the small size for a more stable view, best eyecups (for me), least favorite focuser (small and protected)
• Zeiss VP - Biggest, best view, wide AFOV, I love the off-center focuser, focus wheel is larger grippy and nice and smooth, eyecups too small for me, diopter exposed so it gets bumped and moved frequently

 

[SanderBird82]

Why dont you keep both?

 

[fazalmajid]

It’s all about making informed compromises you can live with.

The Zeiss VP 8x25 is definitely better than the Leicas or the Curio, and is the smallest with usability comparable to full-sized binoculars for extended viewing, but it is also bulkier and you might find you don’t always carry it with you.

The Nikon 7x15 Mikron is surprisingly usable for such a small instrument but the focuser is very tight and less easy to deploy in an instant.

My current preference is the Curio, but its construction feels flimsier than the Leicas (plastic parts in the body) so if you expect to use them in rough conditions the all-metal Leicas may be a better option. Also the Curios don’t have a covering on the barrels, which may be an issue in cold weather like Canada’s.

You really should try them in person. For pocket binoculars more than bigger ones, small differences in fit for your morphology make for huge differences in comfort. The VP 8x25 are quite polarizing, people wearing glasses like myself love them, others with find the eyecups too short for their eye sockets.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Cuckoonest and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. You seem to have been given a load of ideas which I hope you find useful. I see you've ordered a pair, so I do hope they suit you and you get some enjoyment from them. If they don't, it may be that you need to actually find a shop where you can compare different makes and models.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[fazalmajid]

Hi Cuckoonest and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Hi Delia, are you the successor of the late and much lamented Lee (Troubador) as moderator of this forum?

 

[eronald]

I’m using a Leica 8x20 on a trip now. It won’t compete with my 7x42 but it certainly provides views of seagulls and far ships and landmarks. The Trinovid has the huge advantage for me that infinity focus works without glasses in spite of my extreme myopia, and by any definition it really is a pocket instrument.

The 7x21 Curio may be the best of the really small breed, the small Leicas come next and after that IMHO you might as well for as suggested here and go straight for an x30 or even the Leica 8x32 which is superb and very compact.

My local consumer Fnac has a bunch of such small instruments for sale, ranging from $100 Nikons to the Leicas - why not go and try them out?

Edmund

 

[SanderBird82]

I’m using a Leica 8x20 on a trip now. It won’t compete with my 7x42 but it certainly provides views of seagulls and far ships and landmarks. The Trinovid has the huge advantage for me that infinity focus works without glasses in spite of my extreme myopia, and by any definition it really is a pocket instrument.

The 7x21 Curio may be the best of the really small breed, the small Leicas come next and after that IMHO you might as well for as suggested here and go straight for an x30 or even the Leica 8x32 which is superb and very compact.

My local consumer Fnac has a bunch of such small instruments for sale, ranging from $100 Nikons to the Leicas - why not go and try them out?

Edmund

Why not a good 8x25 like the Zeiss VP 8x25.
Much bigger view and better handling than Curio and UV-8x20, and just a little bit larger. And still smaller and lighter than 8x30 and much cheaper.

 

[dorubird]

My experience is the following: I really appreciate the mechanics, tactile experience, exterior finishes and the design in a pair of pocket binoculars. Leica Ultravid 8x20 is the best pocket binocular in these important chapters for me. A pair of binoculars is a mechanical and optical instrument în the same time. We often underestimate the mechanics and finish in a pair of binoculars. The mechanics help the optics but the optics cannot help the mechanics. Anyone who holds the Ultravid 8x20 in their hand feels the quality of the mechanics and the finishes immediately (Swarovski Curio 7x21 has an very ugly plastic cap on the back with a unfinish look. Also the focus knob is small and hard to reach). Leica Ultravid pocket 8x20 mechanical shines with a larger and more comfortable focus wheel, even larger than Zeiss VP 8x25 focus wheel. Ultravid pocket bino being a pair of binoculars that I look at and admire his exterior more than at larger binoculars, this pocket bino have a kind of jewel status. I want a pair of pocket binoculars to be mechanically and aesthetically impeccable. The Leica ultavid 8x20 is a jewel in the world of a pocket binoculars pair.

 

[dorubird]

I found Ultravid 8x20 BR at a good price and I couldn't resist. I tested it for a while and now I will share my Ultravid impressions and images with you. (I will make soon a detailed comparison between Ultravid 8x20 and Trinovid 8x20)
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Mechanical presentation

Ultravid eyepieces covers fit perfectly, having loop for the strap it is very useful not to lose them!
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Ultravid eyepiece cups have two positions: folded and extended! The rubber is soft. The outer diameter is 30mm
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Ultravid Focus system. It has an exact and pleasant rotation, without lost motion. For pocket binoculars, the wheel is very convenient, being easy to access.
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Ultravid diopter adjustment is done without taking off binoculars from the eyes, so very convenient and efficient. This is due to the small button that disengages the focus. Has a margin of +-3.5 diopters
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Ultravid Housing finish is carefully crafted with quality rubber armor, pleasant to the touch. It is a beauty!!
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Ultravid interior finish is impeccably matte blackened and vibrated with grooves
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Ultravid hinge is double with a very good resistance
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Ultravid resistance in water is 0.5 bar (up to approx. 5m depth). The material of the case is aluminum (bino weight with straps and caps aprox. 255g.). Operating temperature-25 degrees C. +55 Cdeg
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Ultravid ergonomics are impressive for such small binoculars. It is comfortable due to the larger and easy to access focus wheel.
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Optical presentation


Ultravid outer lenses are covered with High Durable Coating and hydrophobic AquaDura for very easy maintenance and resistance against fogging. I am extremely satisfied with this aspect, because a pocket binocular, during travels, has many unexpected situations.
Ultravid eyepieces have a tobacco-colored anti-reflective coating with a very high efficiency. From some angles you practically have the impression that the lens disappears. The diameter of the lenses is 16.5mm.
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Ultravid 20mm objective lenses have an olive colored coating with small purple hues. The roof prisms are covered with an blue/green coating, High Lux System and phase correction coating P40
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Ultravid resolution is very high. A very sharp pair of binoculars! The clarity extends to about 90% of the FOV. Only the last 10% decrease a bit in resolution, but not annoyingly
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Ultravid light transmission. I am amazed that in some tests (De verrekijkerspecialist) it has very high light transmission, higher than we are used with a Leica bino.
Ultravid contrast is very high. Ultravid 8x20 belongs to the category of binoculars with strong contrast with very deep black.
Ultravid glare resistance. With the light source near the FOV, or in the background, this small binoculars have no problems. This is due the very well blackened tubes inside, but also due the well-chosen coating and optical diaphragms in front of the prisms.
Ultravid colors saturation are vivid and strong. Especially in a sunset light, the colors take a special saturation beauty!!
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Ultravid Chromatic aberrations are minimal and only on the edges. For me it does not present any kind of problem.
Ultravid eye relief is 15mm from specification, but I think it is maybe a little higher because it is very comfortable with my glasses, having easy access to the entire AFOV.
Ultravid field of view is 6.5 with an AFOV of 52 deg. It's not a large AFOV but it's very similar to competition in this pocket class (Swarovski's Curio 7x21 has a little smaller AFOV- 51 deg.)
The binoculars can focus extremely close (1.75m measured by me). Very useful in nature
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Conclusions
Leica Ultravid 8x20 is a very small binocular that hides inside an extremely high performance optic. It has a special sparkle to the image! The mechanics are also impeccable, everything moves firmly and precisely. It gives me the impression that we are dealing with the highest possible quality concentrated per square centimeter!
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[Trinovid]

The thread has drifted towards the 7x21 Curio, 8x20 Ultravid and 8x25 Victory Pocket and having spent much time with all three, cannot see the last one as belonging when absolute size is high on the list of requirements, though it fares much better when a larger binocular is acceptable. Strange though that anyone considering the Zeiss wouldn't also consider the 7x35 Retrovid, but be that as it may, the toughest decision when absolute compactness is at the forefront of the decision, I've gone with both of them, and while the Ultravid gets the most usage, the Curio is generally very close by as well.

Today however, it was the old Leitz 8x20c that I was doing some comparative viewing through, alongside the Ultravid, and though the Ultravid wins fairly handily, it excels primarily in direct side by side usage and the old (ancient?) Leitz is still a very enjoyable binocular, noticeably more compact and has a nicer eyecup to eye fit so to speak. With the Leica I do best with just a bit of float, whereas the Leitz eyecups set right where it seems to me that they should, with just a little contact.

When it comes to the best of the most compact, especially if one is concerned about budget, the Leitz is still a valid contender.

 

[Jon.Bryant]

Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25

My vote goes to these binoculars as well. I tried the Swarovision pocket bins, but found these suited me better.

As others have said pocket bins are a compromise. I personally find the Swarovski bins don’t ‘fit’ my eyes and I find it more difficult to get a ‘single’ image. The Zeiss are much better for me.

I would always say, go to a shop or a show where you can test options - what works for me, may well not be your cup of tea…and perhaps this is more the case for pocket bins, which I find more marmite (love em or hate em).

 

[SanderBird82]

Waarom geen goede 8x25 zoals de Zeiss VP 8x25?
Veel groter zicht en betere besturing dan Curio en UV-8x20, en net iets groter. En nog steeds kleiner en lichter dan de 8x30 en veel goedkoper.

My vote goes to these binoculars as well. I tried the Swarovision pocket bins, but found these suited me better.

As others have said pocket bins are a compromise. I personally find the Swarovski bins don’t ‘fit’ my eyes and I find it more difficult to get a ‘single’ image. The Zeiss are much better for me.

I would always say, go to a shop or a show where you can test options - what works for me, may well not be your cup of tea…and perhaps this is more the case for pocket bins, which I find more marmite (love em or hate em).

Thats true. Its very personal.

 

[dorubird]

Zeiss VP 8x25 belongs to a different class than a really pocket binoculars because it is bulkier. It is logical that it is more comfortable than an 8x20 one because it is larger. But if it is still larger, in this logic, why not an SFL 8x30 or Nikon HG 8x30 which are not much larger than an 8x25 but much more comfortable to use? And we can extrapolate to infinity that an 8x32 is better than an 8x30, an 8x42 is better than an 8x32, a 10x50 is better than an 8x42 and so on. But here we are talking about truly pocket binoculars that should be as small as possible, and that obviously come with a compromise in visual comfort, compromise anyway assumed by those who know exactly what they want from extremely compact binoculars. Usually, those of us who own such tiny binoculars also have a second larger pair of bino for comfortable use and high brightness.

 

[SanderBird82]

Zeiss VP 8x25 belongs to a different class than a really pocket binoculars because it is bulkier. It is logical that it is more comfortable than an 8x20 one because it is larger. But if it is still larger, in this logic, why not an SFL 8x30 or Nikon HG 8x30 which are not much larger than an 8x25 but much more comfortable to use?

Because 8x30 MHG or SFL are much heavier, bigger and far more expensive. There are not pocket binoculairs.
VP 8x25 can kept in a jacket pocket, 8x30 usually doesnt.

And we can extrapolate to infinity that an 8x32 is better than an 8x30, an 8x42 is better than an 8x32, a 10x50 is better than an 8x42 and so on. But here we are talking about truly pocket binoculars that should be as small as possible, and that obviously come with a compromise in visual comfort, compromise anyway assumed by those who know exactly what they want from extremely compact binoculars. Usually, those of us who own such tiny binoculars also have a second larger pair of bino for comfortable use and high brightness.

I also have a 8x42 NL Pure.
8x32/30 is too close to them.
8x25 is best option for me.
I understand if you have a good 8x32/30 then 8x25 is no useful. Than 8x20/7x21 is better.

But i understand the love for a good extra small bino for jeans pockets.
Maybe i buy Curio in future as second pocket option. But the UV820 is lovely too.

 

[Jon.Bryant]

Zeiss VP 8x25 belongs to a different class than a really pocket binoculars because it is bulkier. It is logical that it is more comfortable than an 8x20 one because it is larger.

I am sure you are correct, that there are smaller 'pocket' binoculars,. I however did a comparison with the Swarovski CL 8x25, which have pretty similar barrel dims, and this size suited my needs. The hard case is a little bulky with the Zeiss, but the asymmetric hinge means they actually fold down quite small without the case - so I would argue they still can be classified as pocket. I recall that the CL's have two hinges and again fold very small, and Swarovski definitely advertise them as CL 8 x 25 Pocket Binoculars. By comparison the Zeiss SF 8x32 have a standard hinge to allow eye space adjustment, but this does not have so much travel, or allow the binoculars to fold into a highly compact shape.

 

[Jon.Bryant]

I understand if you have a good 8x32/30 then 8x25 is no useful.

For me, my bins in order of size are

1. Kite APO 16x42 image stabilised - very good on a marine vessel, apart from the odd thing that comes a bit too close. Image like a rock.
2. Swarovski EL 10x42 - the open country task master
3. Zeiss 8x32 - the deep forest choice (OK not as bright as 42's, but nimbler and still good - also wider field of view, greater depth of field (at least I think) and much quicker focus than my old EL's (and much lighter for an aging man like me!).
4. Zeiss 8x25 - the pocket rockets for the sneaked birding opportunities on business trips. Served me well even on a full day out in the field.

So, in my mind there is a place 8x32 and 8x25 - my 8x32 are much bigger than my 8x25, and take up far more room in my carryon luggage or briefcase.

But for me, my pocket bins are an occasional pair - would I recommend them for full time use? - probably not, but then I don't think I would recommend any other pocket binocular. Again it is very much personal choice, and how you use your bins - all day birding, just in case while walking the dog, out on the open marshes or moors, buried deep in the enclosing rain forest, or perhaps even bobbing around on a boat?

 

[SanderBird82]

For me, my bins in order of size are

1. Kite APO 16x42 image stabilised - very good on a marine vessel, apart from the odd thing that comes a bit too close. Image like a rock.
2. Swarovski EL 10x42 - the open country task master
3. Zeiss 8x32 - the deep forest choice (OK not as bright as 42's, but nimbler and still good - also wider field of view, greater depth of field (at least I think) and much quicker focus than my old EL's (and much lighter for an aging man like me!).
4. Zeiss 8x25 - the pocket rockets for the sneaked birding opportunities on business trips. Served me well even on a full day out in the field.

So, in my mind there is a place 8x32 and 8x25 - my 8x32 are much bigger than my 8x25, and take up far more room in my carryon luggage or briefcase.

But for me, my pocket bins are an occasional pair - would I recommend them for full time use? - probably not, but then I don't think I would recommend any other pocket binocular. Again it is very much personal choice, and how you use your bins - all day birding, just in case while walking the dog, out on the open marshes or moors, buried deep in the enclosing rain forest, or perhaps even bobbing around on a boat?

Thats a nice selection!


Ok. I mean less useful.
Ofcourse there is a place for everyone bin.
But for me, i would buy a 7x21 /8x20 instead of a 8x25 if i had had a alpha 8x32/30.
But its personal.

I love my 8x42 NL and VP 8x25 combo.

 

[chill6x6]

Portability vs. usability is the question.

I really like the Leica 8X20s...be it Trinoid or Ultravid. When it comes to the most binocular with the smallest footprint, this is it. They are quite good and quite useful too! I can actually go birding with them, and have. They WILL fit in a pleated shirt front pocket too. HOWEVER....of course they aren't as good of a birding binocular as a VP or CL 8X25(pick your poison). The 8X25s fit your hand a little better, the controls are a little larger, exit pupil is a little larger/brighter/easier to find, and FOV is a little larger. They ARE a little better birding binocular. They ARE much lighter and take up less space than larger binoculars. But, I DO find myself bringing along one of the 8X20s when I otherwise wouldn't take anything.

Sooo...If you want something you really can take with you just about anywhere, go for a Leica 8X20. If you want less compromises that is smaller/lighter than a full sized binocular, go the 8X25 route.