Compact binoculars help in choosing (3 Viewers)

[Dennis Mau]

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.

Say WHAT! Just buy the Swaro 8x25 CL-P. It is THE best compact. You will be the happiest birder in Poland! Your making this too hard.

 

[a.z]

Say WHAT! Just buy the Swaro 8x25 CL-P. It is THE best compact. You will be the happiest birder in Poland! Your making this too hard.

I already bought a Docter but I had no possibilities to compare it with Swaro 8x25 CL-P. FOV is in favor Docter, and other considerations do not know. Perhaps this discussion will help others. :smoke:

 

[Dennis Mau]

I already bought a Docter but I had no possibilities to compare it with Swaro 8x25 CL-P. FOV is in favor Docter, and other considerations do not know. Perhaps this discussion will help others. :smoke:

The Doctor doesn't have sharp edges though.

 

[A2GG]

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

A nice compromise between a pocket and compact is a rare tiny 32mm.
I just picked up the discontinued Leupold Katmai 6x32. It is small next to the Swaro CL 8x30. I was searching a couple of weeks ago for a nice compact, but now I don't feel the need for one.

The Opticron Traveler 32mm (in 6x and 8x) is still available new. It is the same tiny size as the Katmai yet even lighter.

 

[ceasar]

My recollection is that the Katmai was a solid, compact little dude but rather heavy. I had a 6 x 32 for a short time which I had to return because of a defect. I might have gotten it replaced but it was about as heavy as an older Eagle Optics 6 x 32 I wanted to upgrade so I got a refund instead. I would guess that the Opticron 6 x 32 Traveller is 5 or 6 ounces lighter.

Bob

 

[A2GG]

My recollection is that the Katmai was a solid, compact little dude but rather heavy. I had a 6 x 32 for a short time which I had to return because of a defect. I might have gotten it replaced but it was about as heavy as an older Eagle Optics 6 x 32 I wanted to upgrade so I got a refund instead. I would guess that the Opticron 6 x 32 Traveller is 5 or 6 ounces lighter.

Bob

yes, it is 18 ounces and feels solid. It feels well built except for the rather cheap eyecups (they just feel cheap). The Katmai is Japanese made.
The Opticron is about 13 ounces I believe.

Here is a pic of the Katmai next to the CL:

 

[FrankD]

Annabeth,

Could you do me a favor and check the Katmai's box? I seem to remember that, at one point, the Katmai utilized Bk7 prisms but then it was switched at some point. I am curious which version you purchased.

Thank you.

 

[A2GG]

Annabeth,

Could you do me a favor and check the Katmai's box? I seem to remember that, at one point, the Katmai utilized Bk7 prisms but then it was switched at some point. I am curious which version you purchased.

Thank you.

sure, the box is at home, but I can check it tonight. Remind me if I forget.
I can't remember a thing these days. It will be interesting to find out. I didn't even
think to look since I figured I was getting the same thing I had before (same coatings, prisms, etc),
but in a 6x this time. The optics seem decent (certainly not CL quality of course) so far.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I had both of those. Never got on very good with either one because of ER and other problems.

 

[A2GG]

Annabeth,

Could you do me a favor and check the Katmai's box? I seem to remember that, at one point, the Katmai utilized Bk7 prisms but then it was switched at some point. I am curious which version you purchased.

Thank you.

On the box it says Bk7, but the guy at the store gave me the box
Of the other unit (I think) that he brought out from the back. The bin in the display case
is the one I chose over the one in box.
the bin in the case had better eyecup function. So I don't think I have
the correct box. However, these bins were probably ordered at the same time;
one for the display case and the other stored in the back. The box was all
banged up. It seems correct to assume that this is the Bk7 glass.

Is the Bk4 a significant improvement over the bk7?
Either way I'm grateful to have this binocular again and
in the 6x. Even though it's an old bin it feels and looks brand new...focus is still a
little stiff.

 

[a.z]

Here are cool and extensive comparative tests B :
http://www.allbinos.com/search-binoculars_reviews.html
http://www.allbinos.com/18.1-binoculars_review-summary-Endurance_test_of_8x42_binoculars.html
and on the Polish side of the 261 tests
http://www.optyczne.pl/testy_lornetek.html
Unfortunately, at the moment there is no similar test pocket binoculars. Testers believe that pocket are not serious. :-C

 

[winwinbino]

Annabeth,

Could you do me a favor and check the Katmai's box? I seem to remember that, at one point, the Katmai utilized Bk7 prisms but then it was switched at some point. I am curious which version you purchased.

Thank you.

FrankD,

Sorry for jumping in. I once owned the Katmai 832. It was stated Bk7 prism on the box but actually using Bak4, which was confirmed by Leupold personnel. He declared that the old box is still being used though the prism already switched. If my memory serve me right, it was 2009.

Andy

 

[A2GG]

FrankD,

Sorry for jumping in. I once owned the Katmai 832. It was stated Bk7 prism on the box but actually using Bak4, which was confirmed by Leupold personnel. He declared that the old box is still being used though the prism already switched. If my memory serve me right, it was 2009.

Andy

That's interesting...thanks for sharing this info Andy. Maybe there is some way I can find out from Leupold by referencing the serial no. to them.
It's not terribly important , but it would be nice to know.

 

[Binoseeker]

I have read you can tell the difference between bk7 and bak4 by looking at the shape of the exit pupil...

Anders

 

[ceasar]

I have read you can tell the difference between bk7 and bak4 by looking at the shape of the exit pupil...

Anders

Are the Katmai's Porro Prisms or are they Roof Prisms?

You can tell the difference from the exit pupils if they are Porros. I don't know about Roofs though.

Bob

 

[FrankD]

Roofs. See pic above.