The APM 6.5x32: Mini review (2 Viewers)

[Dave_J]

I own both, but don't think I can add anything to what has been said already on the many and various threads concerning these two instruments. Similar field of view maybe, but otherwise like chalk and cheese, in terms of optical character and ergonomics (ENORMOUS eyecups notwithstanding!).

Ergonomically, I would suggest both are very much an acquired taste, especially if you don't wear glasses. Try before you buy has never been a more appropriate piece of advice, especially as the forum is littered with reports of unacceptable quality control and sample variation, for both instruments. I'm also not convinced that either is a strong candidate as a travel binocular. So, to turn your question on it's head, is there actually any major reason for you to consider purchasing either of these instruments?

Thank you for your opinion and your question. Such a reason could be, for example, their wide FOV.
However, I already have the SRBC and am very satisfied despite all its specifics. Yes, there has been a lot of debate about both instruments, yet I was interested in the opinion of someone who has both. I understand that they have a lot of differences, but they also have a few things in common, such as similar magnification (almost 7x vs 8x), similar FOV, similar weight, both are relative novelties and both are MIC. Unfortunately trying out the unit beforehand as you know is not easy unless you want to follow the martyrdom of sending it back. Plus you need to have the unit for at least some time and use it; in my experience sometimes first impressions and conclusions are not correct and you get used to a lot of things over time.
So generally I get the impression that for you both are different enough and you have a reason to use and enjoy both, depending on the need of the moment and they are not interchangeable.

 

[yarrellii]

(Suspense music) And now the plot thickens...

I wrote to APM in order to return the APM 6.5x32 after my insatisfactory experience with them. First I got the usual reply from APM customer service with instructions on how to return it. But some moments later I got another email from Markus Ludes who informed me that they have changed they eyecups. He very kindly offered to exchange the binoculars for another unit "with new narrow rubber eyecups". He explicitly mentions that "70 % of buyers do not like them and about 30% like them very much". So, I wonder if there is a new version with narrow eyecups, if they can swap the eyecups with something like the rubber eyecups of the IF... I just don't know, this is all the info I have (I've replied asking about the width of the new narrow eyecups).

This possibility has sparked my interest in the APM 6.5x32 CF, but I'll hold my breath until I get all the details. I wish there could be a way. If there is, it would be a great move from APM.

 

[Dave_J]

(Suspense music) And now the plot thickens...

I wrote to APM in order to return the APM 6.5x32 after my insatisfactory experience with them. First I got the usual reply from APM customer service with instructions on how to return it. But some moments later I got another email from Markus Ludes who informed me that they have changed they eyecups. He very kindly offered to exchange the binoculars for another unit "with new narrow rubber eyecups". He explicitly mentions that "70 % of buyers do not like them and about 30% like them very much". So, I wonder if there is a new version with narrow eyecups, if they can swap the eyecups with something like the rubber eyecups of the IF... I just don't know, this is all the info I have (I've replied asking about the width of the new narrow eyecups).

This possibility has sparked my interest in the APM 6.5x32 CF, but I'll hold my breath until I get all the details. I wish there could be a way. If there is, it would be a great move from APM.

Interesting. If this is confirmed, surely that's a good reason to wait to order now. Unfortunately, the official website doesn't mention anything like that yet.

 

[Hermann]

I wrote to APM in order to return the APM 6.5x32 after my insatisfactory experience with them. First I got the usual reply from APM customer service with instructions on how to return it. But some moments later I got another email from Markus Ludes who informed me that they have changed they eyecups. He very kindly offered to exchange the binoculars for another unit "with new narrow rubber eyecups". He explicitly mentions that "70 % of buyers do not like them and about 30% like them very much".

Interesting. I'm one of the buyers who like the eyecups of the CF as they are, but I interested in your impressions. BTW, that's Markus - he'll do a lot to make sure his customers are happy. Never had any bad experience with him.

Hermann

 

[Bentley03]

So generally I get the impression that for you both are different enough and you have a reason to use and enjoy both, depending on the need of the moment and they are not interchangeable.

Absolutely. I hadn't realised you already owned an SRBC. If you took the gamble with an SRBC, I would suggest purchasing from Markus at APM is far less of a gamble, in terms of ease of after sales recourse, if the copy you receive turns out to be not quite right.

For me, everything turned out as I had hoped, with both the SRBC and APM. Others have been less fortunate, so I'm reluctant to shout too loudly my enthusiasm for them, as quality control and sample variation are questionable at best. Purchasing either of these binoculars is a leap of faith, in my opinion, because even if you receive a good copy, you may not get on with their ergonomics.

 

[Bentley03]

Interesting. I'm one of the buyers who like the eyecups of the CF as they are, but I interested in your impressions. BTW, that's Markus - he'll do a lot to make sure his customers are happy. Never had any bad experience with him.

Hermann

I too am happy with the eyecups, now I've worked out the optimal setting to allow me to get the best out of them without glasses. But, replacing those monsters with eyecups of a more modest size will undoubtedly widen their appeal amongst non glasses wearers.

 

[Dave_J]

Absolutely. I hadn't realised you already owned an SRBC. If you took the gamble with an SRBC, I would suggest purchasing from Markus at APM is far less of a gamble, in terms of ease of after sales recourse, if the copy you receive turns out to be not quite right.

For me, everything turned out as I had hoped, with both the SRBC and APM. Others have been less fortunate, so I'm reluctant to shout too loudly my enthusiasm for them, as quality control and sample variation are questionable at best. Purchasing either of these binoculars is a leap of faith, in my opinion, because even if you receive a good copy, you may not get on with their ergonomics.

Oh, I see. Sorry, my mistake. Yes, I already have a pair of SRBC binoculars and use them as a general-purpose instrument, mainly for landscape scanning and occasional birding. My unit is flawless and perfectly collimated. I was wondering if by buying the APM I can still get any other added value besides the chic porro unit. Frankly, I had Meostar B1 Plus HD binoculars, which are excellent, and although the ergonomics on them suit me better than on the SRBC (narrower eyecups, a softer and more grippy surface, a nicer shape to hold, and even a nicer earthy khaki color), I recently sold them because, even after much comparison, in reality I was unable to enjoy them more than the SRBC, which are a joy to look through. The extremely wide field of view is then just a considerable extra bonus.
As for the APM, I only regret that these 6.5x32 are size-wise not a bit closer to the older 6x30 model and thus more suited for general usage when traveling. In case of purchase I would definitely choose to buy directly from APM to avoid any further problems. Anyway, thanks again.

 

[Thotmosis]

(Suspense music) And now the plot thickens...

I wrote to APM in order to return the APM 6.5x32 after my insatisfactory experience with them. First I got the usual reply from APM customer service with instructions on how to return it. But some moments later I got another email from Markus Ludes who informed me that they have changed they eyecups. He very kindly offered to exchange the binoculars for another unit "with new narrow rubber eyecups". He explicitly mentions that "70 % of buyers do not like them and about 30% like them very much". So, I wonder if there is a new version with narrow eyecups, if they can swap the eyecups with something like the rubber eyecups of the IF... I just don't know, this is all the info I have (I've replied asking about the width of the new narrow eyecups).

This possibility has sparked my interest in the APM 6.5x32 CF, but I'll hold my breath until I get all the details. I wish there could be a way. If there is, it would be a great move from APM.

Wow, that’s interesting. I will send Marcus an email as well. Might be a game changer.

 

[boboladder]

I have sent the APM back to Astroshop, Germany, this week to have it serviced/exchanged. I had an opportunity to check its performance on stars when the weather got better. Collimation was perfect but there was really not enough focus travel to infinity. I could get only pinpoint stars image through the right side optical path, after a diopter adjustment. If the bino had a traditional focusing mechanism similar to e2, APM 6x30 or many vintage binos I would consider adjusting it by myself having seen some videos on YT. The focus knob and all the mechanism is rather similar to that of Nikon action ex/aculon hence too difficult to be repaired at home. My updated observation was that APM was brighter than the e2 8x30 during cloudy days but under the clear sky at the sunny noon the Nikon was noticeably better.