763 replies to this topic

[gwlee]

interim 15x70 ultra still in stock, no official word either so guess not. i read it was delayed but nothing since.

The last I heard the manufacturer had encountered some unexpected difficulty getting the FF to work with the existing 15x70 EDU design, but nothing since last Fall and Kevin hasn’t responded to my inquires, so time for me to take a closer look at other readily available products. 

 

The Fujinon 10x70 and 16x70 are a known quantity and in stock at US retailers. The Nikon 10x70 SP is available new in Japan and the 18x70 Astroluxe is available new in the US and Japan. All of these binoculars are available here in the used market from time to time. 

Edited by gwlee, 31 March 2025 - 02:26 PM.

[pat in los angeles basin]

Since the subject of upcoming Oberwerk products was mentioned, was there not a statement of the LW being replaced?

Edited by pat in los angeles basin, 31 March 2025 - 02:43 PM.

[OBERWERK]

The last I heard the manufacturer had encountered some unexpected difficulty getting the FF to work with the existing 15x70 EDU design, but nothing since last Fall and Kevin hasn’t responded to my inquires, so time for me to take a closer look at other readily available products. 

 

The Fujinon 10x70 and 16x70 are a known quantity and in stock at US retailers. The Nikon 10x70 SP is available new in Japan and the 18x70 Astroluxe is available new in the US and Japan. All of these binoculars are available here in the used market from time to time. 

 

We have samples of the 10x50 ED and 15x70 ED Ultras with FF coming in May.  Assuming all is good, we should have production units in June.    

[gwlee]

We have samples of the 10x50 ED and 15x70 ED Ultras with FF coming in May.  Assuming all is good, we should have production units in June.    

Thank you for updating your progress towards releasing the new15x70 EDU with the field flattener. 

Edited by gwlee, 31 March 2025 - 09:18 PM.

[dmorrow]

Perhaps I should start a separate thread on this, but I am finding myself thinking about a 15x56 with AK prisms mostly for astronomy but also some daytime stuff as well. Since I really like my recently obtained Zeiss Conquest 8x42 HDs I am drawn to the Conquest 15x56 HDX and I found a good price on a pair.

 

That said, I keep hearing good things about the Maven B5 and Meopta. Swarovski is way above my pay grade, so that’s out. Has anyone ever had a chance to compare a couple of the 15x56 bins out there? Having absolutely no experience with any of these, any suggestions about any one over the others?

 

If anyone thinks that this should be a separate thread please say so and I’ll delete this post and start another thread.

You will probably get a better response if you start a separate thread.  

[Doug Culbertson]

I agree. I deleted my post and started a new thread if you want to delete your reply. Thanks

[Maranatha]

Finally back on the team after my failed try with some Celestron 25x70s.

 

Picked up 15x70 GiantViews that HighPoint was selling. Also got a pair of Bushnell PV2 20x50.

 

It didnt take much viewing for me to decide the 20x50s are much more to my liking. The moon is very impressive in these. Stars much brighter than the GiantView. Daytime views are just ok, but thats expected for under $100.

 

Clear skies!

[pat in los angeles basin]

I never would have though that a 20x50 would work better than a 15x70 . The PV is a pretty basic bino with low indix prisms in addition to a smallish EP. Interesting, thanks for the comparison as it's food for thought.

[Maranatha]

Thanks. I enjoy reading others thoughts on their experiences and so I try to share mine when it seems interesting at all.

 

Funny you mention the PV2 as meh, they were my last choice as I had been trying cheaper models of different kinds in recent months. Surprised me at their decent quality.

 

I never would have though that a 20x50 would work better than a 15x70 . The PV is a pretty basic bino with low indix prisms in addition to a smallish EP. Interesting, thanks for the comparison as it's food for thought.

 

[pat in los angeles basin]

I didn't even know they made an updated version (PV2)- the original seem to be all plastic with the paddle focus (a focus I've not got on well with), with the low index prisms on the original 10x50 and practically no eye relief- they were a barely acceptable bino IMO. But with the alum body  and the drum focus and being at a lower price than the original, seems worth another look.   Pat

Edited by pat in los angeles basin, 06 May 2025 - 07:37 PM.

[brentwood]

Our local FB Marketplace has a Fujinon 16x70 with case for $400 CDN .  Should I?  Its the yellow trimmed FM?   Also in a consignment store there was those really nice B&L 8x36 for $24CDN. again I was tempted and I already have one.  I left them for someone else nicer than me! 

[jrazz]

That's about 1/2 the cost of a good used one and 1/4th the cost of a new one... Seems like a steal if it's in good shape. I would totally get it 

[Maranatha]

Speaking of cheap binos to give a look to, apologies for off topic, Coleman Silhouette series.

I own two already and am about to buy a third pair. Glass is very nice for cheapos.

 

Ditto, on the paddle focus, not for me.

 

I didn't even know they made an updated version (PV2)- the original seem to be all plastic with the paddle focus (a focus I've not got on well with), with the low index prisms on the original 10x50 and practically no eye relief- they were a barely acceptable bino IMO. But with the alum body  and the drum focus and being at a lower price than the original, seems worth another look.   Pat

 

Edited by Maranatha, 07 May 2025 - 12:06 PM.

[brentwood]

Our local FB Marketplace has a Fujinon 16x70 with case for $400 CDN .  Should I?  Its the yellow trimmed FM?   Also in a consignment store there was those really nice B&L 8x36 for $24CDN. again I was tempted and I already have one.  I left them for someone else nicer than me! 

Well I was going to write that it looks like I was going to be able to get these for $360 cdn , $258US,  We drove down in the pouring rain to his $2.2M home( I looked it up!) saw them. nice case , all lens covers, looked pristine, unmarked lenses and coatings, but out of sodding alignment!  OH no! both vertically and laterally!  He must have dropped them! He said they were fine for him! Yea right!