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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

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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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    Binocular advice - tempted by the Zeiss

    Sorry that should read 8x32
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    Binocular advice - tempted by the Zeiss

    I'd second those suggesting an aperture of 30mm and up. The Opticron BGA ED Traveller 8x30 is a great little instrument, is lightweight, has a nice wide field of view, and has a decent close focus which will be good for the hummingbird gardens you may visit out there. You should be able to find...
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    The APM 6.5x32: Mini review

    It seems that Swaro's My Junior model is manufactured in China. Will be interesting to see whether they offshore more of their production or retain most in Absam.
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    How do you carry your binoculars?

    Totally with you on this. If I'm in the mountains then I'll always have a magnetic compass with me and I detest having to worry about whether a magnet is nearby. So many manufacturers think they're a good thing to include (eg on the bases of torches or to hold pouches shut) but in the latter...
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    Brief comparison between Zeiss 8 power binos

    Sorry, I should have been clearer! In this context "chime" means to agree with something. I should also have said thanks for your time and effort in posting so much to this forum!
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    Brief comparison between Zeiss 8 power binos

    For me the key points are in this quote. I think everyone agrees it's always considerably better to try binoculars in real-life. However if you can't do that then reviews can be useful or simply interesting. Jackjack is a reviewer, just the same as others on this site. He just happens to...
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    lightweight binoculars suggestions

    Opticron Traveller 8x32 is fantastically light at c. 460g, has a great view, with a nicely smooth and light focus. However it may still be too heavy for your wife. If so then I'd recommend either the Swaro 8x25 CL (which I own and love) or a Zeiss VP 8x25. They are 350g and 290g respectively. I...
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    Habicht 8x30W Family Reunion: 1999 GA CF meets 2022 leatherette.

    Thanks for taking the time to reply, much appreciated. I can now see where I went wrong - I assumed that the new eyecups were mechanically held in place somehow rather than by friction. Makes much more sense!
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    Habicht 8x30W Family Reunion: 1999 GA CF meets 2022 leatherette.

    Out of interest, would you mind sharing how you remove the existing eyecups from the leatherette version please? Does the whole metal eyecup unscrew?
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    Help choosing 8x25

    Just realised you mentioned your damaged pair were Hawkes. Have you thought of contacting them and making use of their 'No fault' warranty to potentially get them repaired/replaced? Hawke warranty
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