Look at Pentax Papilio 6.5x21 or 8.5x21 binoculars. They're designed with insect watching in mind, so focus down to less than 50cm - most binos, even at lower power, can't focus as close as the ground at your feet. Optical quality on them is generally decent (at budget prices reverse porro prism designs are optically superior to roof prisms). The only issue with the Pentax Papilio is that they're not nitrogen purged so they can fog up in bad weather.
Hi, thank you for the review! In your own appreciation, how would these bino compare to leica noctivid and zeiss sf in terms of optical quality? 95 percent?
It’s a Japanese bino, good quality, probably made in the Kamakura or Fujinon factory. Many brands are manufactured there. It’s not comparable with the top line of Zeiss, Swarovski or Leica. Those binoculars are better, but not twice as good although the price is twice as high. If you have the money, I would advice to compare the binoculars and decide for yourself if it’s worth the extra money.
Great presentation Russell and thanks for getting these superb binoculars to me so promptly. Game changer indeed and with the forehead rest and the winged eyecups fitted they are rock steady handheld.
I’ve had the Opticron 8x25 porro many years ago, they was ok I paid £100 2006. Later upgraded to Leica 10x25 ultravids in 2010, excellent 👌 binoculars probably the best, bad points is price £650+
You mentioned that the eyecups were an issue that was addressed but you did not give any explanation. You mentioned “you now have 3 position settings”…. There were 3 position settings on the last model (Conquest HD).
The contouring and materials have been made more ergonomically tapered to your eye socket, smoother in operation and easy to adjust - they are not stiff. They offer a very relaxed and comfortable viewing experience. Noteworthy, the 8x32 is also brighter than than the former 8x42. Yes, than the x42.
Thanks very much for an interesting video, especially showing the different sizes, which as you say is very important I went to your web site to find out more and found it difficult to compare the different compact binos by size, so i had to go back to your video see the different sizes, which took a fair bit of time. It would have been very useful if, at the end your video, you lined up the binos from the largest to ths smallest and named each one. Perhaps you could do that on your web site to help buyers like me choose by size as well as by make, quality and cost etcetera. Thanks in anticipation Tony Burch
I always had trouble hand-holding anything over 8x, until I got my NL Pures in 12x42. The ergonomics of these binoculars just seems to make them hold steadier. Would love to try the 14x52's!
Hi, this is a great video on how one can utilise thermal for birdwatching. Between FQ25 and FQ35, what should be the considerations for bird watching beyond pricing ? Thank you.
Yes, they are steady enough hand-held, (depending on the individual of course), without the essential need for a tripod. For prolonged use I recommend the FRP Forehead Rest for the 14x52, although not essential to enjoy the results in detail. With a tripod, you have the ultimate in relaxed viewing, next only perhaps to the BTX. The NL Pure 14x52 is simply stunning.
I have the Svarowski NL Pure 14 x 52 with the FRP Forehead Rest and I can keep it very still , even without the Forehead. Rest Forehead Rest makes it bit easier.
If have to choose one : the Swarovski 10x25 or the Leica ultravid 10x25? Which one you would take at home? ( my feeling/ believing is that the Leica has better contrast and better colors but a slightly narower field of view.? ) thanks for the tip!!
The Swaros are better, just saying.. and the customer service (if you need it) is superb if not a little slow due to having to return them to Austria. I tried both for a month on lease and settles on the Swaro 10x25's.
Yes, they are indeed. You may likely benefit from the forehead rest produced by Swarovski called the FRP. Depending on how steady you are, you may find this isn't essential, but it is helpful for extensive day long use, as an example.
@@russellwelton813 Thanks. I would definitely be using them with the forehead rest, though my 10x32 NL's are fine without it. I just noticed some early reviewers said these really ought to be tripod mounted, but then they were mostly talking about hunting scenarios. I might pass the 12x42's and try these.
Don’t understand firms making instruments this expensive without image stabilisation. It would only put the price up a few hundred quid or less and be a genuine improvement.
Having discussed this with Swarovski, their opinion is that they make a better system without it at this stage in time due to weight, cost and particularly then, performance at this weight and balance. The forehead rest is still a better option taking these factors into consideration. It's a topic they have fully analyzed and could make tomorrow - but with no real world advantage. The same is true of the Visio.
I wind my Opticron Oregon 8x42’s to get rid of the black spots, and have done the same thing with the much more expensive binoculars I’ve tried. The Oregons have 22mm of eye relief and can quickly be brought up my eyes to view birds. I suspected that extending the eyecups all the way out reduced the field of view, which was very noticeable with the extended eyes installed on the Zeiss Conquest 8x32’s I purchased and ended up returning. I appreciate your confirmation of the loss of FOV with eyecup extension and will try turning down the eyecups halfway to see if there is a noticeable difference in FOV. Cheers!
Bought cl curio 2 years ago and chose between those and cl pocket 8x25... Not sure what was better in the end... nothing against the other top brands, but I just have not tested them... Curios work good for me an I wear glasses. I have also scl 8x42 that are bright as hell, but the curios I use on walks and city vacations. I do recommend them.. Next investment for me woul be a scope for birding... Any recommendations?
The Curios are spectacular. You wouldn't know they weren't an 8x unless badged as the 7x that they are. They feel so planted. Why not consider the amazingly versatile new Swarovski ATC 17-40x56. It's a real companion piece and very bright with modern coatings. Thanks!
I looked through a pair of these yesterday- unbelievable view, and a very easy to look through bin. Now very much on my wish list! Great info and video - thanks
I had these for a while, I did really enjoy the view when used on a tripod which is how their optimum performance was revealed, the view was astonishing! A bit big and heavy I feel for an every day binocular especially if one is carrying a lot of camera gear too!
I am currently in doubt between the EL 10x50 and the NL pure 10x42. The NL's cost around 800 euro more than the EL's. Do you feel like the difference in price is worth the upgrade?
The value to performance ratio is amazing on the EL - particularly at the moment, but also in general. The total amount of light flux through the 50mm objective is quite special combined with this field flattener resulting in highly special images and viewing experience.
I have the victory 10x25, have had them for a few years. I was using them lastnight in countryside looking around as I was doing some wildlife photography. They impress me every single time I've ever used them. The field of view which I believe is class leading and quality of the image is outstanding. One day I will upgrade to top of the line Alphas too.
