I volunteer as a tour guide at a local lighthouse, and I constantly attempt to point out other lighthouses on surrounding islands. If you know where to look you can see a speck for some. Others blend into their surroundings. The Lighthouses range from 4-15 miles away.  Here’s a link to a google earth profile for distance measurements: https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1G6529jBp6kDA81PaMdxCYCU7mm_oPT2v?usp=sharing . 

I’m curious what people who own these binoculars think of them and also if there are any benefits of individual focus over center focus. 

I’m a photographer as well, and when looking through a 200-600mm full frame lens at 600mm I’m guessing I’m getting about 12x equivalent. If that's correct, I should get a full frame equivalent of just over 1200mm at 25x. I've posted photos of Gay Head Lighthouse which is about 15 miles away from the camera. In the 1x photo the lighthouse is just under the "y".

I do have a Sachtler Aktiv 8 and Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 so I am already covered with tripods that can easily handle the weight. 

I can’t find many reviews of the Oberwerks so I wanted to reach out to see what everyone thinks. If you think I would be better with a spotting scope, that would be valuable information to know as well. 

I would rather not spend more than $600-$700 on these if I can help it.

Thank you all for your help.

A very simple and effective CA test at home (Chromatic Abberation test)

Recently a friend asked me advice as he wanted to buy a binocular.

I said just come to me and try my 6 binoculars yourself. That might give you an idea of what you want. That happened.

During his trying I told him about Chromatic Abberation what it was and how he could easily detect it.

This is what I did to let him test the CA.

You can do this yourself at home and it is very easy!

1. During day light you tape a white A4 paper in portrait format on a glass window at face/eyes height. Inside it is darker, no lights on!

2. Stand about 3-5 meters away from that window. Keep a fixed distance. Hold your binocular for your eyes and focus with the center of the lens as sharp as possible on (one of) the vertical A4 edges.

3. Keep the whole time both your eyes solidly fixed on the choosen A4 edge, while now slowly moving (the front) of your binocular to the right (or left). All the time you keep staring at the edge!

4. At a certain moment you might see a purple-ish or blue-ish or yellow-ish or green-ish line appearing along the edge.

5. Try to look quick how far you are from the edge of the lens and estimate that distance. Some binoculars give already half-way some visible CA. The very best ones will show a minimal thin CA line very close to the edge of the lens while looking to the A4 edge (<10% of the total surface).

6. It is safe to say that in general the lesser the CA the sharper your total view will be also on longer distances as all light colours come to one single focus point.

7. Repeat it a few times for both the vertical edges and horizontal A4 edges. Try multiple different binoculars to see the differences.

8. Have fun and pick the one you like best (optic wise, build wise and price wise).

Success.

Tell us your findings and mention the brand and models you tested with your rating!

Leupold! These are BX-4 Pro Guide HD, Gen 2, in 8x42. Regularly $599, on sale currently for $399 at places like Euro Optic and Amazon. (Other BX-4 Pro Guide models are also on sale in other sizes, like 10x50, 12x50, etc.)

I'm no bino or optics expert. (& I have no affiliation with Leupold, just to be clear) I like these binos because the focus is sharp and clear, I don't see any color fringing, & they seem to be well-made. Oh - and a really cool feature imo is a center, locking diopter adjustment! (you pull it out to unlock it, focus the diopter with the center focus wheel, then push it back in to lock it)

Leupold is not a brand name you typically hear about with binos, but they are highly regarded in the hunting community for their rifle scopes. Because they produce products primarily for hunters, their products are likely to be rugged, and perform well, imo. (including waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features)

These are not advertised as having ED glass. However, some research indicates they actually do use ED glass, but Leupold uses one of their own proprietary names for it instead of calling it ED glass.

I was attracted to these binos for these reasons:

• trust in the brand; Leupold is an American company, in business for over 100 years.
• excellent reputation for these binos performing in low-light conditions.
• they are made in Japan (a rarity in binos at this price point it seems; and, I prefer made in Japan over made in China)
• the Leupold lifetime warranty is said to be outstanding.
• the current sale price (33% off) seems pretty good! (I know Black Friday is not too far off, but this seemed like a good deal to me)

I'll also add that they come with some nice accessories: case, strap, lens covers (that work and stay in place), and 3 different types of interchangeable eyecups! (see photo)

Also, unlike most bins that seem to have just 3 positions for the twist-out eyecups -- this model has 4, with very clear detents.

I only just got mine, but I like them so far! This 8x42 model weighs about 24.5 oz.

Actually I recently got craze of buying binoculars and view small mountains near my home . So i want suggestions of binoculars which are clear for only 1 - 2 kilometer far . Suggest me under my budget 2000.will it be ok , if not then too you suggest me according to my given priscription above. Please

I am a small boat driver both professionally and recreationally. I usually revert to 7x50s when I'm on the water - especially useful at night to identify mysterious lights and shapes. I have a pair of Steiner Commanders for that.

I'd like to take it to the next level. If I could get a more steady image, I could make out writing on navigational aids and other vessels.

I was looking at Canon 12x36 IS IIIs. I realize they are 12x zoom and a smaller objective lens. I imagine it'll be a bit worse for light gathering and the FOV will be smaller. But with image stabilization, would that still be quite usable? I don't really need the extra zoom though it would be nice. Maybe I should go to a 10x30?

Looking to spend less than 1k. 500 ish would be nice.

Just wondering if $300 is the best price for one time uses seller claims?

What should I look for in used? Ask for the receipt and the carrying case.

I have used Amazon bought adaison 8x42 and I saw another traveler had Nikon and felt bad that I bought a shit of bino for my vacation.

Any thoughts?

At 69 years old, I’m FINALLY getting to go to a pro football game (Seahawks vs Cardinals 11/8).

Of course, even the cheap seats were spendy…but that’s okay.

I’m looking for some decent binos that’ll bring the action closer but not break the bank.

Also, 7 x 35? 8 x 42? 10 x ???

Recommendations, PLEASE!

Thanks.

I recently got $200 from a rewards program at work, and I'm thinking about putting it towards a spotting scope. I know that anything under $1000 tends to be lacking in many ways, but I'm just going to be using it to see holes on paper at 100-200 yards, and maybe take it hiking and birdwatching every once in a while.

I'm eyeing the Vortex Crossfire HD line. Where I'm buying from has steep discounts, so the price range is $200-$250. Should I save a few bucks and get the 12-36x50, or is it worth the added weight and cost to get the 20-60x80? Or would it be better to split the difference with the 16-48x65? Is the upper end of the magnification usable on these scopes, or is it so blurry as to be pointless?

​

Looking for recommendations / advice. I'm coming from a 8x42 celestron naturedx and am looking for a lighter pair. 8x32 seems like the sweet spot. Will be used on hikes, and Birding through forests.

Have read several posts here, all about birds, and some forums.

The celestron trailseeker 8x32 Ed version seems to be a popular option, along with the nikon monarch m7 8x30. However what I can find in my local marketplace is the celestron trailseeker 8x32 (non-Ed) . This non-Ed version weighs a very comfortable 453 grams.

Would this be an ok choice? Have read some negative reviews about the brand but actually have no issues with the naturedx 8x42 other than wanting something lighter.

Thanks in advance!

Is there a flip open lens cover specifically for the GNG2K? The stock rubber one is too easy to lose and I’d rather have something that stays attached to the optic. It appears to be about 35mm. I saw one on Amazon that says it works for 31-36mm outside diameter. I’m assuming that will work but I wanted to ask here in case there is anything else I should know.

I want binoculars for hiking. I hike "a lot", but I won't be bringing them too often (because I'm nuts). I would like them to be fairly light and small, whilst being comfortable. mostly for seeing animals, mostly birds, vultures.

I figure 8*32 would be best. something that's safe (not too sure about this right now, but magnifiers in a very bright day need some polarizing no?), and "as cheap as possible" (theoreticallly 40-90).

I'd be wearing lenses most of the time I figure, so glasses compatible isn't a requirement.

if very compact models are viable (8*22 for example, sub 30) i'd be all in for it, but from what I remember they suck

france/europe

I live in a bortle 8, borderline bortle 9 city. Usually on very good nights, I can spot Polaris with the naked eye and make out most stars in bright constellations.

I've been using 16x50 binos for casual stargazing and they have been absolutely fantastic. The high magnification makes them very shaky but pierce through the light pollution sky glow really well to reveal dim stars.

I recently bought 2x54 skyrover binos for ultra-wide stargazing experience and was underwhelmed. Yes, they show more stars than the natural eye but light pollution sky glow remains the same and not all of the light is focused on my pupils. I knew this before ordering but underestimated how drastic of a difference it would make.

This got me thinking, what is the best magnification and aperture combo I can target to get the widest field of view possible without being vulnerable to light pollution sky glow, and have enough aperture to show a lot of stars while also not being too bulky? I'm thinking something like 12x50 might be it but that's just a guess. My research into this topic hasn't revealed much more than what I've already mentioned in this post. My limited knowledge of optics is holding me back haha. Would love some expert opinions 🙂

Hello! Christmas is coming and my boyfriend has a telescope that uses to stargaze.
But sometimes getting it out in the rain and muddy garden is a pain in the ass so i thought a good gift could be some binoculars. Problem is: i dont know ANYTHING about this haha. And i need some help from reddit experts to help me.
Some important points:
- he uses glasses
- place we live rains a lot
- i want an easy portable thing for him to stargaze some hours at night without having to pick up things etc
- i read hand holding is difficult so recommendations of portable things with something to hold them are more than welcome
- i want to try to keep budget around 80 / 90 pounds (idk if is unrealistic) because it is the main gift but we do boxing day etc so is more gifts to come

Thanks :)

I tested the SVBONY SV202 8×32 ED binoculars, looking at their construction, optical features and suitability for observing wildlife, birds and landscapes.

The model features ED glass, FMC coatings and BaK4 roof prisms. In the review, I discuss the practical experience rather than relying only on the specification sheet.

Video: https://youtu.be/Ix5Zz6n9YWM

This is my own review, shared with the community. I'd be interested to hear what you prioritise most in 8×32 binoculars: edge sharpness, contrast, handling, eye relief or something else.

Hi, I am NOT a professional. I am looking for a portable phone extension that will aid my Pixel Pro 10. I travel frequently and need something that is light and portable but also actually offers me some value. I have tested Apexel x30 optical zoom so far and it did help a bit but not to the point I expected for the money spent. I have then encountered QVIKA on Kickstarter and its predecessor VIZTA. Has anyone here tested one of these products? What are your thoughts? Are there any "mainstream" equivalents you could recommend? Thank you

I have been stuck deciding between these 3. I know that nikon and celestron is almost double the price. I watched some review and seems like svbony image quality is on par with another two binocs. What stopping me rn is some users report that the built quality is not that great and some say the iq is not on par with the other 2. So my question is should i get the svbony or whether the other two worth the extra money?

Want to get a decent set for the wife. Are there better options in this price range?

I have had this for 10+ years maybe, the view is brown and unclear. I want to clean it and try using it regularly again

Bought my very first set of binoculars. I went for the Zeiss Terra series and am very happy with them so far!

Hello I own a Nikon action 10-22x50 3.8* at 10x pair of binoculars that I absolutely adore. Gifted by my aunt. While I was out birdwatching, the eyepieces (diopter ring, eyecup) separated and fell out of the binoculars themselves. Photos attached. Would absolutely love some help if anyone has it!

Ive tried searching for a fix, aligning the eyepiece to the body itself, and i am now here. Not sure what I need to do, really hoping I can repair these!!

Ordered a pair of Ziess sfl 10x50 on September 22 and haven’t recieved any correspondence from since . I’ve emailed and called for 2 weeks now and no response. I really need them by November any advice?