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Compact binoculars in 6x or 7x (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter etc
- Start date
Leica Trinovid 6x24
Leica use to make the 6x24 Trinovid but they are hard to find now. Huge FOV(636 ft@1000 yds!). Here is a pair that went for $565.00 on E-bay just recently.:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Leitz-Leica-Vin...ryZ83883QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem.
Dennis
etc said:
Leica use to make the 6x24 Trinovid but they are hard to find now. Huge FOV(636 ft@1000 yds!). Here is a pair that went for $565.00 on E-bay just recently.:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Leitz-Leica-Vin...ryZ83883QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem.
Dennis
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Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
Are you looking for ultra-compact mini binocs? Minox has a 6x20 ultra-mino porro. Nikon makes a 7x15 ultra-mini porro and a 7x15 mini single-hinge roof. I don't think any of these have sufficient eye-relief for glasses wearers, they aren't cheap, and they're way too fiddly to be used for serious birding.etc said:
If you are actually looking for compacts (reverse-porro), there are a number of 7x21 models available (Bushnell, Olympus, Nikon...). I like the Bushnell 7x26 Custom quite a bit. The Pentax 6.5x21 are great for butterflying, but they are definitely not very compact for being compacts!
If, instead, you are after pocket (double-hinged roof) binos, I'm not sure any 6x are made at all, or that there are any 7x made that are worth owning. Pocket roofs tend to be pretty awful unless they are very well made. If you can afford it, consider the Leica 8x20 Ultravid (or Nikon 8x20 LX) which is a seriously functional bino.
--AP
normjackson
Well-known member
The Russian Foton 5x25 are a cheap low power bin if you can find one :
http://www.rusmilitary.com/html/c-bino_foton.htm
http://www.rusmilitary.com/html/c-bino_foton.htm
Attachments
etc
Well-known member
I am aware of Leica and other high end binos in 8x20. I am afraid that the tiny 2.5mm exit pupil will make these difficult to use. I think that 6x20mm is a much better combo, with 3.3mm size, and 6x24 is a better choice still with 4mm ratio.
I am aware that Leica used to make 6x24 and I wish they still did. I am reluctant to get a used one, because the coating technology has improved much over these decades. Second, the antique ones that are sold are not cost-effective.
Does Zeiss make anything? Nikon perhaps?
I am aware that Leica used to make 6x24 and I wish they still did. I am reluctant to get a used one, because the coating technology has improved much over these decades. Second, the antique ones that are sold are not cost-effective.
Does Zeiss make anything? Nikon perhaps?
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
Other than some monoculars that are next to useless for birding, nope, they don't. But if you haven't actually tried one of the premium 8x20 roofs, you should--you might be surprised how easy they are to use compared to the dim optics (poor light transmission, poor contrast) with poor eye-relief and poor ergonomics of the past. If you try these and don't like them, I think the largest exit pupil small bino you're going to find is the reverse-porro Bushnell 7x26 Custom that I mentioned earlier.etc said:
As for myself, I'm certainly a lover of large exit pupils, which is why I ususally use full-sized 8x/8.5x42 binos, but the very best modern pocket roofs are amazingly good. I end up using pocket roofs a fair bit because they're handy to carry and because they are so good I'm not as reluctant to use them in place of my 8x32 as I was with the previous generation of pocket roofs. In the past, the optical/ergonomic compromises of pocket roofs were so large, I more often opted to take my 7x26 or an 8x32 instead. Frankly, nowadays I really don't have much use for the 7x26 because the 8x20 works so well (actually, I'd say it is better overall). I like the Leica 8x20 Ultravid best optically--it doesn't suffer from the contrast problems in backlit situations that plague most small optics.
--AP
jaymoynihan
Corvus brachyrhynchos watcher
reverse-porro Bushnell 7x26 Custom
stbear said:
Agreed! Also small enough to fit into a large shirt pocket or a small jacket pocket. Reasonably wide FOV: 363' @ 1000 yards. Fully multicoated and only one central hinge--no fooling around looking for the right IPD like with smaller double hinge roof prisms! 12 ounces.
A bit larger is Bushnell's 8 x 28 Excursion Roof Prisms with a 417' FOV, 15mm ER and phase coating but they cost half as much as the 7 x 26's above and you do, for the most part, get what you pay for in optics!
Bob
I would be really interested in a quality modern single hinge 6x24. Great; width and depth of field, short minimum focus, light weight, decent exit pupil, top optics, pocketable.
The quality 8x20s are good but 6x would improve exit pupil, width and depth of field. The reduction of image size is similar to the 8x vs 10x argument.
The quality 8x20s are good but 6x would improve exit pupil, width and depth of field. The reduction of image size is similar to the 8x vs 10x argument.
normjackson
Well-known member
Just been reminded (thankyou Michael) about these wee reverse 7x24 porros :
http://www.gigrin.co.uk/bins/classic.html
The fourth post from bottom here explains that they were same as Opticron MCF :
http://www.web-nat.com/bic/optics.html
And one happy customer on BF :
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=447988&postcount=19
http://www.gigrin.co.uk/bins/classic.html
The fourth post from bottom here explains that they were same as Opticron MCF :
http://www.web-nat.com/bic/optics.html
And one happy customer on BF :
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=447988&postcount=19
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
The 7x24 Opticron might be fine for folks who don't use glasses. They are listed as having only 12 mm eye-relief, whereas the Bushnell 7x26 has an honest 16 mm.
--AP
--AP
normjackson
Well-known member
Another quality compact (OK not completely compact) was the Bausch and Lomb Elite 7x24. Somewhat narrow FOV but optically excellent and very rugged and waterproof. This looks like one :
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=220080669848&rd=1&rd=1
Funny how the lower magnification bins don't seem to sell. Recall a few years back one retailer in UK virtually having to give away old stock of these.
Edit : Not entirely sure the EBay ones are a version of the Elites. Here's a probably out of date listing advertising the 7x24 Elite :
http://www.sharktested.com/Merchant..._Code=1&Product_Code=Elite724&Category_Code=2
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=220080669848&rd=1&rd=1
Funny how the lower magnification bins don't seem to sell. Recall a few years back one retailer in UK virtually having to give away old stock of these.
Edit : Not entirely sure the EBay ones are a version of the Elites. Here's a probably out of date listing advertising the 7x24 Elite :
http://www.sharktested.com/Merchant..._Code=1&Product_Code=Elite724&Category_Code=2
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Review of Pentax Papilio 6.5x21 and 8.5x21
Hope this helps--I have just ordered a pair of the Papilio 6.5x21 by Pentax along with a pair of the Nikon Superior E 8x32.
From Better View Desired--Review of Pentax Papilio (6.5x21 and 8.5x21)
Pentax has introduced two new ultra-close focusing binoculars designed for butterfly and dragonfly viewing. They just may be the coolest new optics to come along in a long time.
The limiting factor for close focusing binoculars is parallax. Binoculars produce two distinct images – one for each barrel. At normal distances the images overlap and our brain has little trouble merging them into a single image. At less than normal distances the two images don’t overlap and our brain cannot merge them so we see double. Most binocular designers mechanically limit the close focus to the closest distance at which the two images overlap. A few close focusing binoculars, like the Eagle Optics Platinum Ranger 8x32, permit very close focusing, accepting the double image at the closest focus as a reasonable (and unavoidable) compromise. The Eagle Optics has been my standard butterfly glass for several years and I have accepted the need to close one eye when focusing on an object at 3 feet.
Pentax has solved the parallax problem in a very clever way. They have incorporated the objective lenses into a solid housing rather than into separate barrels. The interpupillary distance (the distance between your eyes) is adjusted by moving the hinged eyepieces. The binocular focuses by moving the objective lenses in and out. The objectives move in two plains. As they are focused to closer distances the objectives move closer together allowing the images to overlap even at extremely close distances, while retaining binocular vision at ordinary distances. This solution virtually eliminates parallax problems -- even as close as 1.6 feet.
I have seen the Papilios for sale for $125, and was not expecting much from a binocular in this price range, but I found the optics to be amazingly good. I test binocular resolution by examining a dollar bill which I have pasted to a flat board. I rest the binoculars on a tripod, start at 15 feet, and then back up to 30 feet, and then 70 feet. When I tested the Papilios I started the test at the closest focus and then backed up to my standard testing distances. The Papilios showed detail at 1.6 feet that I had only seen through a loupe. Backing up to 70 feet showed the limitations of the Papilios, but the image was still quite acceptable -- keeping in mind that these binoculars were designed as a special purpose close focus instrument. The Papilio includes a fitting for attachment to a tripod. Mounting them on a table top tripod to examine a stationary object turns the Papilios into a field microscope of sorts.
Pentax has endowed the Papilio with the same “Pentabright” coatings, used on their more expensive binoculars, which makes them astonishingly bright. The colors seem very natural, and the contrast is very good. Looking at butterflies, dragonflies, and plants at very close range reveals worlds of detail that most of us have never seen. The eye plate and face of a dragonfly, and the detail of butterfly wings really come to life at very close distances.
I did use the Papilios for a day of birding. They do not show the detail and brightness that I expect from birding binoculars with larger objective lenses, but I was surprised to find the image to be quite acceptable. Color fringing is a bit better than average, and there is little edge distortion.
Pentax offers the Papilio in 6.5x21 and 8.5x21 configurations. I tested the 6.5x21 because I prefer the wider field of view (393 feet at 1,000 yards versus 315 feet for the 8.5x21) The eye relief is 15 mm and they worked well for me with eyeglasses. They have twist up and down solid eyecups. Weighing in at 10.2 ounces, the Papilios are virtually weightless and fit my hands quite well.
The Papilio is great fun. Pentax did everything right with these binoculars. The price makes it easy to justify buying a special purpose binocular, even for those of us who are only peripherally interested in bugs. Anyone interested in butterflies, dragonflies, or flowers should run out and buy a pair. I am not aware of anything comparable. They also work for birds. My wife and I plan to bring a pair of Papilios on our next European trip for church windows, architectural details, and museums.
etc said:
Hope this helps--I have just ordered a pair of the Papilio 6.5x21 by Pentax along with a pair of the Nikon Superior E 8x32.
From Better View Desired--Review of Pentax Papilio (6.5x21 and 8.5x21)
Pentax has introduced two new ultra-close focusing binoculars designed for butterfly and dragonfly viewing. They just may be the coolest new optics to come along in a long time.
The limiting factor for close focusing binoculars is parallax. Binoculars produce two distinct images – one for each barrel. At normal distances the images overlap and our brain has little trouble merging them into a single image. At less than normal distances the two images don’t overlap and our brain cannot merge them so we see double. Most binocular designers mechanically limit the close focus to the closest distance at which the two images overlap. A few close focusing binoculars, like the Eagle Optics Platinum Ranger 8x32, permit very close focusing, accepting the double image at the closest focus as a reasonable (and unavoidable) compromise. The Eagle Optics has been my standard butterfly glass for several years and I have accepted the need to close one eye when focusing on an object at 3 feet.
Pentax has solved the parallax problem in a very clever way. They have incorporated the objective lenses into a solid housing rather than into separate barrels. The interpupillary distance (the distance between your eyes) is adjusted by moving the hinged eyepieces. The binocular focuses by moving the objective lenses in and out. The objectives move in two plains. As they are focused to closer distances the objectives move closer together allowing the images to overlap even at extremely close distances, while retaining binocular vision at ordinary distances. This solution virtually eliminates parallax problems -- even as close as 1.6 feet.
I have seen the Papilios for sale for $125, and was not expecting much from a binocular in this price range, but I found the optics to be amazingly good. I test binocular resolution by examining a dollar bill which I have pasted to a flat board. I rest the binoculars on a tripod, start at 15 feet, and then back up to 30 feet, and then 70 feet. When I tested the Papilios I started the test at the closest focus and then backed up to my standard testing distances. The Papilios showed detail at 1.6 feet that I had only seen through a loupe. Backing up to 70 feet showed the limitations of the Papilios, but the image was still quite acceptable -- keeping in mind that these binoculars were designed as a special purpose close focus instrument. The Papilio includes a fitting for attachment to a tripod. Mounting them on a table top tripod to examine a stationary object turns the Papilios into a field microscope of sorts.
Pentax has endowed the Papilio with the same “Pentabright” coatings, used on their more expensive binoculars, which makes them astonishingly bright. The colors seem very natural, and the contrast is very good. Looking at butterflies, dragonflies, and plants at very close range reveals worlds of detail that most of us have never seen. The eye plate and face of a dragonfly, and the detail of butterfly wings really come to life at very close distances.
I did use the Papilios for a day of birding. They do not show the detail and brightness that I expect from birding binoculars with larger objective lenses, but I was surprised to find the image to be quite acceptable. Color fringing is a bit better than average, and there is little edge distortion.
Pentax offers the Papilio in 6.5x21 and 8.5x21 configurations. I tested the 6.5x21 because I prefer the wider field of view (393 feet at 1,000 yards versus 315 feet for the 8.5x21) The eye relief is 15 mm and they worked well for me with eyeglasses. They have twist up and down solid eyecups. Weighing in at 10.2 ounces, the Papilios are virtually weightless and fit my hands quite well.
The Papilio is great fun. Pentax did everything right with these binoculars. The price makes it easy to justify buying a special purpose binocular, even for those of us who are only peripherally interested in bugs. Anyone interested in butterflies, dragonflies, or flowers should run out and buy a pair. I am not aware of anything comparable. They also work for birds. My wife and I plan to bring a pair of Papilios on our next European trip for church windows, architectural details, and museums.
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
I'm a big fan of the Papilio, but I think "etc" is looking for something small. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, the Papilio is enormous considering it is a 6.5x21 bino. The Bushnell 7x26 is much smaller, but even it is large compared to a pocket roof.
--AP
--AP
Bushnell Custom 7x26 vs Pentax Papilio 6.5x21
The dimensions of the Bushnell 7x26 Customs are 3.75 x 4.4 in.
Note that the close focus of the Bushnells is 7 ft. while the close focus of the Pentax Papilio is about 18". The Papilios are also over $100 less expensive. I think they are a very interesting binocular and should be great for butterflies (hence the name) as well as flowers, bugs, museums, concerts, etc. At only 10 oz. they are very portable but do not fold into quite as small a package as some.
The dimensions of the Bushnell 7x26 Customs are 3.75 x 4.4 in.
Note that the close focus of the Bushnells is 7 ft. while the close focus of the Pentax Papilio is about 18". The Papilios are also over $100 less expensive. I think they are a very interesting binocular and should be great for butterflies (hence the name) as well as flowers, bugs, museums, concerts, etc. At only 10 oz. they are very portable but do not fold into quite as small a package as some.
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