Compact binoculars help in choosing (1 Viewer)

[a.z]

I'm looking for compact binoculars as a supplement. I want to have as many features of a good 8x32. Please, say the people who have to deal with binoculars below. Ask for other suggestions that you had a chance to compare to live with these. This binoculars for the trip so I do not want to unnecessarily overpay, but I know the quality has to be.
Docter Compact 8×21
Opticron DBA Oasis 8x21
Nikon HG L 8x20 DCF
or.....

thanks

 

[denniswaugh]

I have the HGL 8x 20 and the DBA 8x 21.
The Nikon is sharper than the Opticron but the handling of the Opticron is similar to a smaller mid size bin.
The Docter looks like a clone of the Opticron.
The Opticron has a wider FOV than the Nikon but I always go with the Nikon. It's optical quality is first class.

 

[black crow]

I owned and sold (regretted doing that) a pair of Nikon Prostaff compacts in 9x. It was my first real experience with the wow factor. I was very pleased with them but sold them to have the cash to buy other bins in my thirst for ever more binocular experience. Like I said I've regretted it.

 

[Sancho]

I´ve owned the HGL 8x20, the Zeiss Victory 8x20, the Opticron DBA Oasis 8x21, and currently the Leica Ultravid 8x20. The one that feels most like a regular 8x32 bino, although smaller, is without doubt the Opticron. The optics are excellent, and although not as sharp as the others, it has the best FOV of any compacts I´ve seen.

 

[PhilR.]

I want to have as many features of a good 8x32.

Docter Compact 8×21
Opticron DBA Oasis 8x21
Nikon HG L 8x20 DCF
or.....

The problem with wanting a bino in the 20-21mm class is that you will not have any features of a "good" 8x32. While choosing a 20mm will get you a decrease in weight/bulk (which seems to be your major concern), you also give up field of view (FOV), brightness, and for the most part resolution as well. Yes, you can find a few such as the Opticron DBA that will get you very good FOV, but now you have increased weight by about 50% over other good 20mm binos.

If you don't mind carrying around 12 ounces or thereabouts, then besides the excellent Opticron suggestion above, you could also look at the Bushnell Elite 7x26 Custom Compact, and the Swarovski CL Pocket 8x25. Might as well go with a larger objective lens if you are going to carry that much weight. The CL Pocket comes the closest to a 30mm bino of any 20 or 25mm bino that I've ever seen. The Custom Compact has a very bright view, brighter even than the CL Pocket. The CC however is not waterproof, so this might be a concern for you.

If low weight is of concern, then you should consider the binos in the 8 ounce area. A good one that is rather low in price is the Alpen Wings ED 8x20, which weighs about 8 ounces. These are very sharp in view, and in fact are as bright as any other 20mm roof in or near it's price range. It is even sharper and brighter than a 8x20 Zeiss Design Select that I used to own. It's eyecups snap into place very well, and stay put. These are the best 20mm binos I've seen so far in the $150 price range.

Otherwise, if you want the highest quality view in a small and lightweight 20mm-class bino, then you will need to go with the Nikon, or the 8x20 Leica Ultravid HD, or the 8x20 Zeiss Victory. Any of these will do just fine. In this case I prefer the Leica over the Zeiss. I haven't used the Nikon, but I have a feeling that it will provide more optical goodness for the dollar/pound/euro spent than the other two.

Lastly, there is also the Hawke 8x25mm Sapphire, which I believe only weighs about 9oz.. I've not used one, but the reviews seem to be quite good. It's price sits right in between the Alpen and the Nikon. These might well be best combination of price vs. quality in a bino that meets your need for a compact travel binocular.....

 

[typo]

Of the models mentioned so far I enjoy using the Bushnell 7x26 the most. It's comfortable in the hand and the 3.7mm EP makes it a better low light performer than many of the others. However it isn't very compact and not waterproof so not the most obvious travel bino. I think others have summed up the 8x20s pretty well. However features like the 2.5mm EP, double hinges, tiny focus etc. all seem a little irritating to me, but if small size is really important they may be tolerable. Only a fraction bigger, at UK prices I think the Hawke Sapphire 8x25 offers best performance for the pound. A couple of buyers have mentioned the hinge tension needed adjusting and the focus was a little stiff but at half the price of the DBA let alone the alphas it might be worth it.

David

 

[winwinbino]

I'd highly recommend Sapphire 8x25ED or Vortex Viper 8x28 which is almost compact. They are both should be within your budget plan (aorund $300) and optically very good. Please note that I own other alpha compact as well, but they are almost double the price.

Andy

 

[CSG]

All I can say is that back in 2006, when I was looking for a compact bin, I went through everything available at the time. I ended up with the Zeiss Victory 10x25 (today, I would likely have looked at the 8x20's more closely). Only the Swaro had an edge optically but the dual hinge designs are not something I could live with and the size and design of the Victorys is brilliant. I still carry them most of the time on hikes.

I haven't tried them but a lot of people are talking about Swaros' new CL Compacts as they are closer to a standard bin with bigger oculars.

You might open your search to a few more brands.

 

[a.z]

And has anyone Docter Compact 8×21, I care about the maximum FOV, compactness, weight is of secondary importance.

 

[Chris 37]

DOCTER compact 8x21
Opticron DBA Oasis 8x21
Kite Collibri 8x21

All of them have 131m FOV, all are 8x21 and have very similar weight.
Could they be basically the same binoculars?

Docter says on their websites` "About Us" (German version only!), that their production facilities are used for third party production as well.

http://www.docter-germany.de/en/products/prod/cat/compact-binoculars/prod/doctercompact-series.html
http://www.opticron.co.uk/Pages/dba_compact.htm
http://kiteoptics.com/en/products/type/48/collibri

Sorry, a.z, don´t have experience with either of them. What I can NOT recommend is Steiner Safari Ultrasharp 8 x 22.

.

 

[ibramr]

Greetings. I recommend the Ultravid 8x20; it is a superb tool. The Trinovid BCA is a close competent second. Get either for travel, and perhaps supplement your travel insurance with a special premium for your peace of mind. On the other end, Nikon travelite 8x25 is a short term efficient solution with low associated risks and cost. In this size, I have both Ultravid and Nikon -- the former rules supreme and goes everywhere. Enjoy in good health.

 

[peatmoss]

+1 on the Alpen Wings ED 8x20. I was pleasantly surprised at how sharp this little guy is. It also has just enough eye relief to accommodate my eyeglasses.

 

[Bencw]

Greetings. I recommend the Ultravid 8x20; it is a superb tool. The Trinovid BCA is a close competent second. Enjoy in good health.

I have to agree on the Leica, I don't often have much use for a compact, I just keep an old Nikon 8x25 sportstar to pop in my pocket when I don't want to carry much, always thought it good enough, but a friend insisted that I borrow his Leica 8x20BL to take on holiday, the difference is astounding, they were superb, if there is a better compact than these around then it must be really,really exceptional.

Enjoy whatever you choose.

 

[a.z]

I bought DOCTER 8x21 . Thanks everyone for your feedback. DOCTER 8x21 short review here: http://forum.optyczne.pl/viewtopic.php?t=23703

 

[AlanFrench]

I find the compact binoculars are actually harder for me to hold steady than a pair of slightly larger and heavier 8x32s. This probably varies from person to person, but it is worth checking a pair of compacts before you buy, or making sure the seller has a generous return policy.

Clear skies, Alan

 

[NDhunter]

I find the compact binoculars are actually harder for me to hold steady than a pair of slightly larger and heavier 8x32s. This probably varies from person to person, but it is worth checking a pair of compacts before you buy, or making sure the seller has a generous return policy.

Clear skies, Alan

Alan:

You are just like most everyone that uses binoculars.
A "pocket" type of binocular is harder to use than a larger compact style, they are small and finicky.
It is the nature of the beast.

The original poster could have used the term pocket binocular.
There is a "big" difference between anything 8x20 and 8x30
for instance, as the larger objective is easier to use.

I believe this subject has been discussed on the forum before.
Compacts include 30-32 mm. Pockets are in the 20-25mm
objective range. I have both and I only use the pocket when I
travel, and so that limits its usefulness, as an all around optic.

Jerry

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

Aha.... Pocket was the goal.

Not sure if there is an acronym for it yet ;-) ,
but I find lacing the hands together and bracing the fingers against the forehead
can stabilize 8x21s up to 8x25s well. Sort of a hands as baseball cap visor thing.
Hopefully the shape of the binoculars suits that bracing.

 

[CSG]

That's just how I hold my 10x25 Zeiss Victorys. Works very well and I can hold them steadier than full size 10x.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I'm looking for compact binoculars as a supplement. I want to have as many features of a good 8x32. Please, say the people who have to deal with binoculars below. Ask for other suggestions that you had a chance to compare to live with these. This binoculars for the trip so I do not want to unnecessarily overpay, but I know the quality has to be.
Docter Compact 8×21
Opticron DBA Oasis 8x21
Nikon HG L 8x20 DCF
or.....

thanks

I have had A LOT of compact binoculars but the best one I have ever seen is the new Swarovski 8x25 CL-P I recently bought. It is the first compact I could see myself using as a full time birding binocular. Here are some nice reviews and a field test of them.

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/swarovski/swarovski_cl_pocket_binoculars.html

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/swarovski/swarovski_cl_pocket_personal.html

http://www.backpacking.net/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=179740

 

[a.z]

I have had A LOT of compact binoculars but the best one I have ever seen is the new Swarovski 8x25 CL-P I recently bought. It is the first compact I could see myself using as a full time birding binocular. Here are some nice reviews and a field test of them.

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/swarovski/swarovski_cl_pocket_binoculars.html

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/swarovski/swarovski_cl_pocket_personal.html

http://www.backpacking.net/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=179740

Opinions of the links resemble opinions sellers are inaccurate and do not bring a in a comparative manner. Precious was to review the simultaneous comparison of binoculars with details of their principal characteristics.