Lightweight binos.

[lennyo3034]

I'm wanting a set of lightweight binoculars and looking for suggestions. I currently have these:

http://swfa.com/Pentax-8x42-DCF-CS-Binocular-P45823.aspx

And I think they are awesome. I've put them up against much higher priced binos and they've held their own. However they are bigger and heavier than I prefer for light hiking, backpacking, etc. I'm looking for a compact set of binos that weigh significantly less. I don't need a large objective or high magnification. In fact, I'd say 8X is the max I'd want and something 5-6X would be fine.

Anyone have experience with one they like? I'd set the price point around $500.

 

[threetrees]

0.6 kg will be hard to beat ... i looked at some 8x32 (wouldn't go below that, beam diameter is already only 4mm) and they are around 0.5kg

 

[lennyo3034]

I don't need the 42mm objective. Something below 30mm would be ideal.

 

[Lukas Koukal]

Why keep with the binos so necessarily, then? You could go qith a higher quality monocular for the same money, or save money on the same quality. I use the Vortex 8x36 monocular that I seldom leave the house without -> http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/solo_rt_monoculars

 

[turbo54]

I've thorougly checked out the compact bino market, and I am completely convinced Swaro owns it. Their 7, 8 and 10X offerings are excellent - until you are dealing with low light conditions. They absolutely outperform the Zeiss and Leica competition.

But these are all $650+ binos.

In your price range, you should take a look at the Minox BD 7x28IF binos. Maybe the IF turns you off...if not, these are compact, clear, bright and lightweight.

 

[ajwcotton]

I would check out the zeiss conquest 8x30's or the 10x30 I have the 10x30's and they are an excelent small bino and can be had for around 500 sometimes less it you do some hunting. I can't recommend them enough. Also the warranty/ service on these is outstanding.

 

[jasonk]

I'd look at Vortex 6x32 and 8x32 for the best weight to image value.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/viper_hd_binoculars

Then these for pure weight.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-8x28-binocular

 

[milo 2.0]

I have a pair of 10x Swaro compacts, they are sweet, fit in a shirt pocket, great open country glass. In the forrest, not so, no field of view. I liked the glass in these better than their 15x60 high dollar bino's.
I used them for years goose hunting till I got drug kicking and screaming like a little girl to the eye doctor for glasses, didn't need them as much after that.
I see Jason's plugging for Vortex, I shot my first Vortex scope, a pst in the last couple of weeks, I'm not impressed. I'll be putting my dickbeater's on any of their products before I shell out any cash for it.

 

[JL]

Zeiss Dialyt ClassiC B/GA 8x30 T* P* IF,

Best compact binos I have ever used or tried, period. And have I tried quite a few. Dialyt is army spec with green color rubber skin and has nice reticle. Uses phase-corrected Schmidt-Pecan roof prism system.
Very, very hard to find even used one, but still available as new atleast in one place.

 

[Aasgard]

I second the monocular thought if you won't be looking for more than a few minutes at a time. Outside of hunting, FOV is basically irrelevant most of the time I use binos anyway. That being said, glassing through a monocular can get old real quick, so it depends on the application. Less than half the weight right out of the chute.

 

[lennyo3034]

How does the vortex 28mm objective binos compare to the 20mm ones of the alpha glass? 8mm seems significant at that point, but I've never really been impressed with the glass of viper model riflescopes.

 

[Boomholzer]

In your price range, you should take a look at the Minox BD 7x28IF binos. Maybe the IF turns you off...if not, these are compact, clear, bright and lightweight.

I would not dismiss the Minox 8x33 BL's.
Same weight as the OP's linked Pentax.
<$500

 

[Rthur]

Lowlight had a set of steiners at the cup last year that were outstanding for the size. Maybe he'll chime in and tell you more about them. The clarity and brightness were outstanding for their size.

 

[Bubb]

Leupold pinnicals. Check them out... I'm a little optical whore, and they do it for me. I also have had Leica, and Swaroski, for over 1k less they don't leave much on the table. I've looked threw both at twilight yea the better glass might get 2-3 more minutes... But the problem with the Leica, and Swaroski is there so damn heavy! You have them hang on you neck for a morning you'll feel it!

 

[BillCh]

I chose the Leica Ultravid Compact 10x25's a few years back. I wanted something I could pack around in my shirt pocket. They work great. I could have gone with the 8x20's but have no regrets.

B

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Lowlight had a set of steiners at the cup last year that were outstanding for the size. Maybe he'll chime in and tell you more about them. The clarity and brightness were outstanding for their size.

I have a pair of these, keep them in my duck hunting bag during duck season, on the boat other wise. Rugged, good glass, and affordable - under your $500 number. I know a lot of guys that "need" compact glass, roll with a set of these.

Two years ago, all nephews got them for Christmas - Dad's beefed that kids had better glass than they!!!! LOL!

 

[PSYOPS]

Why keep with the binos so necessarily, then? You could go qith a higher quality monocular for the same money, or save money on the same quality. I use the Vortex 8x36 monocular that I seldom leave the house without -> http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/solo_rt_monoculars

This!

I just got one of these myself and for ~$120 it is pretty cool. I still use binos, but this is gaining more and more use each time I go out.

 

[lennyo3034]

I have a pair of these, keep them in my duck hunting bag during duck season, on the boat other wise. Rugged, good glass, and affordable - under your $500 number. I know a lot of guys that "need" compact glass, roll with a set of these.

Two years ago, all nephews got them for Christmas - Dad's beefed that kids had better glass than they!!!! LOL!

What model are you referring to? I took a look at a pair of 10x26 predator binos at a store and have to say I was not the least bit impressed.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Nope, not those, the 8x30's. I am not aware of a decent set of 10x binos in that price range. There are a couple different styles of 8x30, the predator, the marine, and the mil., all pretty close, same basic bino. Wide range in cost though.

 

[lennyo3034]

I actually much prefer 8X to 10X as they seem a lot easier to hold steady. I'm currently considering the 8.5X26 wildlife pro against the 8X28 vortex viper R/T. And of course, would welcome comparisons of them to alpha glass in 8X20.