From: BUNNER@MACC.WISC.EDU (Dana A. Bunner) Subject: Review of Mid-sized Binoculars Date: 5 Jun 1995 21:42:32 GMT Version 1.1 Best Buys in 8x30-32 (Mid-sized) Binoculars Advantages of this type of binocular include: Lightweight, smaller size, wide fields of view, good close focus capability. Disadvantages: Somewhat dimmer than 40-42mm models, although this is not much of a factor under well-lit conditions. You will see a difference in late twilight. Also a slight loss in resolution due to the smaller objective. Both of these disadvantages can be somewhat compensated for by quality manufacturing (better coatings, better prisms, well-ground lenses). Thus there can be major differences between 30-32mm binoculars. Also it is typical for 8x30-32 binoculars to have less than the 15mm of Eye Relief recommended for eye/sunglass wearers. This is largely due to the design emphasis on wide fields of view. Price Recommendation Weight, FOV, Close Focus, Eye Relief* $200 Range: Celestron Ultima 8x32 18oz, 436', 11', 12mm $300 Range: Nikon 8x30E 21oz, 436', 12', 13mm " " : Optolyth Alpin 8x30 15oz, 420', 9', 12mm $500 Range: Swarovski 8x30 SLC 19oz, 408', 13', 14mm WaterProof $800 Range: Leica Ultra 8x32 22oz, 442', 10', 13mm WaterProof All employ center-focusing mechanisms. The Celestron, Nikon , and Optolyth are "weather resistant" and can take some light rain & fog, but aren't made for heavy rain or being dropped into a stream. If you are prone to drop binoculars onto hard surfaces, it should be noted that Nikon does not protect the objective with a shock-absorbing rubber guard, using metal instead. The Optolyth is fully rubber-coated, but unlike the Swarovski & Leica, it is not fully water-sealed. Celestron, Nikon, and Optolyth Alpin are porro-prism designs, typically brighter in sub-$400 price ranges than lower-cost roof prisms. The Swarovski & Leica are roof prisms. Swarovski also makes a porro prism 8x30 both with and without rubber coating. Usually sell for about $50 less than SLC models. They are rugged & use extra seals against moisture, but I'm not sure if they are certified as waterproof. Less eye relief than SLC model. *Eye Relief is as measured from the eyecup at minimum position to point where full FOV image is focused. Some of the above models are spec'ed by the manufacturer at higher numbers, but many manufacturers spec ER from the edge of the eyepiece lens edge. For an eyeglass wearer, this is not a relevant number as you can't get your eyeglasses any closer than the edge of the eyecup. ** Other Models to Consider ** These do not meet the same optical standards as those listed above but are all waterproof at a lower price than the Swarovski above. Lower Priced Waterproofs $200-225 Steiner 8x30G 17oz, 390' FOV, 10mm ER, ? Close Focus $250-270 Fujinon 8x32 SHS 20oz, 351' FOV, 10mm ER, 15' Close Focus $360-380 Fujinon 8x30 FMTR-SX 26oz, 393' FOV, 15mm ER, 15' " " All are individual focus eyepieces (a drawback for birding, IMHO). The Steiner & Fujinon FMTR-SX are porro prisms. Note the decreased FOV of the Fujinon SHS as compared those in recommended group. Also the poorer close focus numbers of the Fujinons. The Fujinon FMTR-SX is pretty heavy for a mid-sized binocular, but is built like a small tank. It also has sufficient eye relief for most eyeglass wearers and has the best optics in the second group. Aside: If you are looking for a small, lightweight, waterproofed, under $300 binocular then I suggest you also take a look at the Bausch & Lomb Discoverer 7x24 compact. It has sharp images, center-focusing, and 16mm of Eye Relief. Weight is 16 ounces, FOV is somewhat reduced at 340', and I do not yet have their close-focus numbers (and since B&L doesn't provide this spec in their current brochures, perhaps it isn't a great number). The B&L 7x26R Custom is also a very nice compact, not waterproofed, but with 15mm of Eye Relief, a great close focus of 9' and only 11.5 oz. Dana Bunner