Minimal distance focusing best binoculars (1 Viewer)

[MBS]

In your opinion, which binoculars are the best ones in short distance focusing. In other words: which binoculars allow the minimal focusing distance (with the best viewing and optical quality) ?

Many thanks in advance to all readers that will help me to choose wisely my binocular.

 

[richt]

In your opinion, which binoculars are the best ones in short distance focusing. In other words: which binoculars allow the minimal focusing distance (with the best viewing and optical quality) ?

Many thanks in advance to all readers that will help me to choose wisely my binocular.

Hi

A couple of short focus binoculars come to mind but will be dependant on primary useage i imagine

Pentax have recently released 6.5 x21 and 8.5 x21 Papilio compact models which i believe focus down to around 45cm with some clever parallax resolving design
Some reports i have seen suggest they are also not bad as a daytime use small binocular but if low light and ease of view are major issues then other size/spec models may prove a more prudent choice

Eagle Optics roofs 8 x32 Platinum rangers come down to around 3 feet and again seem to have good feedback from quite a few forum folk as do similar spec Minox and Avian roofs

From models i have used/compared i have found Porro style binoculars to be not generally quite as good on close focus relatively and sometimes i have found them to be more of a strain to get really close with in actual use
Then again Nikon SE's will go to about 3m and Swift Audubon's 820 about 10 feet
Both of these porro's are v high optical quality

Many premium models ie Leica Zeiss Swaro and Nikon will close focus down to anything from 1.5m to 3m + so if cost is not a major sticking point these will be worth at least checking out

Good luck
Regards
RichT

 

[Alexis Powell]

The Pentax Papilio models are by far the best for close-focus work because they focus down to 18 inches (45 cm) or less, correct for parallax (thus maintaining a truly binocular view at close distances--a unique feature), are very well made, and cost only $110. Their only weakness is that they are not especially bright. These are the model to get unless you are looking for something that is better suited for full-time dual use as a birding binocular. I have the 6.5x21 model and use them when I am exclusively butterfly watching.

The Brunton Epoch 7.5, 8.5, and 10.5x43 models all focus to 3 feet (92 cm), but they are not nearly as comfortable to view through at close distances as the Pentax because the left and right views don't overlap (especially in the higher powers). These are also EXTREMELY expensive given that they are optically mediocre compared to similarly priced models from Swaovski, Leica, and Zeiss, and cheaper models from Nikon.

The Eagle Optics 8x32 Platinum Ranger focuses down to just over 3 feet (92 cm), but because it has no parallax correction, it isn't as comfortable as the Pentax. The poor optical quality outside the very center of the field compromises the view at close ranges since the image overlap of the left and right fields is not great enough to allow center-field overlap. I consider these a bit overpriced at $300-$350 given their overall optical quality.

The best full-size butterfly bino is the Bausch & Lomb 8x42 Elite (waterproof model versions). It is no longer made, but you might be able to find a used one for a few hundred dollars. It focuses down to just over 4.5 feet (1.37 m) and has excellent image quality at all distances.

My favorite bird/butterfly combo binocular is the Zeiss 8x32 FL. Mine focuses down to 5 feet (1.52 m), which is closer than any of the other currently manufactured premium binos as far as I know. It is superb but pricey.

--AP

 

[ceasar]

I've been taking my Eagle 6 x 32 Platinums Flyfishing with me for 3 years now and use them to identify Mayflies and Caddis Flys floating nearby. I also use them on any bug and butterfly that happens along. They are great on Dragon and Damsel Flies, and also for just sitting on a porch and watching Hummingbirds at a feeder! And they really come into their own when a flock of Cedar Waxwings comes around the stream I am wading in! They have no parallax problems or deterioration in sharpness toward the edge of their field. They focus down to 3 feet and are very bright with their 5.2 exit pupil and 6x is plenty of power for these applications.
Cordially,
Bob

 

[Hanno]

I do really not know how close my Swaro 42EL focus down to, but it is pretty close, and they are an all around superb pair of bins (if on the expensive side).