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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

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    Two Mechanisms of Vision: Ambient Vision and Focal Vision

    Really interesting - thanks for sharing. When using binoculars I would imagine both systems are engaged. But perhaps some users are more attuned to ambient vision and therefore will always subconsciously prefer a wider FOV in their binoculars than others?
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    CL Pocket objective caps?

    I’ve found these from Opticron to be a good fit https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/accessories/rubber-objective-lens-covers/31041-rubber-objective-lens-covers-for-outer-diameter-32mm
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    Knacks, tricks and modifications

    Or Swarovski Habichts. The eyecups on my 10x40 are barely larger than on my 8x25 CL pocket.
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    Knacks, tricks and modifications

    I also struggle with this issue so can sympathise with your frustration. Have you tried any of these? Opticron Explorer or Traveller 8x32 Zeiss Conquest HD or HDX 8x32
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    Anyone ever phoned scoped with swaro 8x25cl?

    Yes I have. It's a bit fiddly and the results were nothing amazing. However it did capture the essence of what I wanted to photograph, ie a marmot in one instance and an amphibious assault ship in another. I don't believe there's an adaptor. But don't let that hinder you, just give it a go and...
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    'Two into one' upgrade suggestions please.

    These are discontinued from >£400 hence available at considerable discount from various places. They are highly regarded - there is at least one review on this site. Verano 8x32
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    'Two into one' upgrade suggestions please.

    Sounds like you have a solid plan! So in decreasing order of budget: The Zeiss SFL 8/10x30 are better than the Swaro CL 8/10x30 in many people's view but they may also be over budget. The next step down is likely to be the Nikon 8/10x30 Monarch HG at c. £800. After that it might be worth...
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    Swaro CL Pocket v2 eyecups

    Interesting! Thanks Reinier :)
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    Swaro CL Pocket v2 eyecups

    Yes a version 2 came out a few years ago. Optically identical to the first version, just with some cosmetic changes.
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    Swaro CL Pocket v2 eyecups

    I was wondering whether other owners of the v2 CL Pockets could help with me something please. Last year I bought a pair of the v2 Pockets, having been very impressed with my partner's v1 which she's had for quite a few years. However I soon noticed that the eyecups on the v2 are noticeably more...
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    Japanese 10x50s - JB/JE era and later?

    I have always wondered why binoculars of that era often have that highly distinctive smell - instant nostalgia! All the ones I can remember encountering have been Japanese so maybe it's peculiar to them. But I've often wondered whether it's a particular lubricant they used or something else...
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    Verano BGA VHD 8x32 discontinued

    Thanks for the detailed and candid response re the Verano range Pete. Looking forward to see what you'll bring to the market later this year. Any chance of a high-end 8x32? Thanks too for the explanation for why Opticron historically had such a wide range of products.
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    Verano BGA VHD 8x32 discontinued

    Sounds like a question for @pete_gamby if he's able to shed some light!
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    Verano BGA VHD 8x32 discontinued

    Whilst buying a pair of Explorer 8x32 as a gift for someone I happened to spot that Opticron have just discontinued the well regarded Verano 8x32. I wonder if we might see an upgraded version or if this model simply didn't work so is gone forever? Would be a shame if the latter as it seemed to...
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    Pentax SD WP experiences

    I have (and regularly use) an 8x42 DCF CS. It's actually a surprisingly good binocular. Plus points are definitely the long eye-relief and narrow IPD (partly due to the cone shaped eye-cups). The image is a little more yellow than some equivalent Hawkes, however on the flipside it's better in...
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    Swarovski Warranty

    In recent dealings with Swaro Customer Service they are definitely emphasising the 10 year timeframe. So my guess is that there is a new internal directive to stick to their obligations rather than carry on repairing instruments ad infinitum. Which I would think is fair enough (and possibly...
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    Binocular recommendations for wet conditions

    Re the recommendations of a Habicht, just be aware that the design means they have very stiff focussers as standard. I really wouldn't fancy using one on a sub-zero Highlands day as it won't improve matters.
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    Binocular recommendations for wet conditions

    My first thought would be to echo the suggestion of the Zeiss Conquest HD/X in either 8x32 or 10x32. They're robust, lighter than a 42mm, covered by a decent warranty, and have a wide field of view that makes picking up your target much easier in wide expanses of sky or moor. That said I've done...
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    A 'user' observation on Swarovski CL 8x25 Pocket binoculars

    Thanks for confirming - yes I've always found LCE staff to be very helpful. Top tip re parking thanks :) Really must get to both wetlands soon...
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    A 'user' observation on Swarovski CL 8x25 Pocket binoculars

    Just out of interest Q, would you mind sharing which shop you use and whether you would recommend them? As you know there aren't many in the south-west - I mostly use London Camera Exchange in Exeter - so it's always good to hear of alternatives!
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    A 'user' observation on Swarovski CL 8x25 Pocket binoculars

    You'll be glad to hear they work just as well over the border in West Dorset too! I've also used mine a lot when walking in the UK and European mountains. The quality of the image is so good that I've certainly never found myself wishing I'd lugged along heavier/better bins - even when watching...
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    On the occasion of the HDX, thinking about it …

    I'm still baffled by the miserly FOV in the 8x42 HD/X model. I know some people feel it's to avoid competition with the SFL but this is basically an old model that long pre-dates that range. And besides, when the original 8x32 HD came out it had almost class leading FOV, so it would probably...
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    Having 2 pairs of binoculars. Which would you choose?

    By way of an update, I got bored waiting for my Habicht 10x40 to sell in the classifieds so I thought I'd take the plunge and try using it as one of two binoculars (the other being my Swaro 8x25 Pocket). Since then I've used the Habicht nearly every day and it has provided some stunning views...
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    On the occasion of the HDX, thinking about it …

    It's very interesting that one model has become so dominant in each segment. I'm curious to know if that's always been the case or whether sales across the big three manufacturers used to be more even across each class? Re the Zeiss range, I can really see why the 8x40 SFL is more popular than...
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    Binocular advice - tempted by the Zeiss

    I've found London Camera Exchange on the Strand to be knowledgeable and happy to get lots of models out of the showcases for you to try. Park Cameras just off Oxford Street have a smaller range but are also very helpful.
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