18 replies to this topic

[Starfishboy]

Trying to be reasonable in my pursuit of my new Binocular search.

Ive owned for many years 10x30 Canon IS until they became sticky and I became disgusted with Canon for not fixing this.

I have ordered and returned a number of very nice Binoculars. 

I do not apologize as I will keep one or two eventually, but It does spoil you.

So here's what I have figured out:

I love Image Stabilization. But I cant find any that do not have something wrong with them.

The Canon 10x42 is one of the best...but its too big bulky and its Canon...oh well.

We are an older couple with eye issues, but love Binos.

I even tried the Mono Kite APC 60 ED...just too much to handle, but its a FABULOUS Eye piece!!

Ill never see the justification in Zeiss and their 10k IS Bino.

So here's my question:

I want to find an 8x or less with the Biggest x? that I can manage w/o IS....Need good clear FOV.

My guess is Ill have to give up seeing Saturns rings?

Thats ok, I 99% look at the birds and trees and mountains etc.

Ive tried the 12,14,16s and 20s....all nice but the FOV is too small plus I don't need that level of magnification.

With the exception of planets 6x 8x 9x 10x is plenty for me.

The ergonomics of the higher priced Kowas and others are also wanted/needed but thats personal

Any help will be appreciated.

Peace. Moe

 

 

 

 

[gwlee]

 

I want to find an 8x or less with the Biggest x? that I can manage w/o IS....Need good clear FOV.

My guess is Ill have to give up seeing Saturns rings?

Thats ok, I 99% look at the birds and trees and mountains etc.

 

I am 76 years old and satisfied with the with my Leica 7x42 UVHD+, Nikon 7x50 SP,  Fujinon 7x50 FMT-X, and Swarovski 8x56 SLC. The 7x50s are individual focus binoculars, so limited to astronomy and other tasks that don’t require central focus. I can see some of Jupiter’s moons and lumps on the sides of Saturn that are its rings with all of these binoculars, but a small telescope is a much more satisfactory to me for observing planets. 

 

The 7x42 and 8x56 are central focus binoculars, so I use them for everything. The smaller 7x42 is my first choice for birding and the larger 8x56 is my first choice for astronomy. 

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Edited by gwlee, 20 April 2025 - 12:31 PM.

[jupiter122]

I can’t really weigh in on image stabilized binoculars, but I think there are ways to fix that stickiness. Here is a suggestion from ChatGpt:

 

That sticky, rubbery coating on your binoculars is likely a soft-touch plastic that has degraded over time—a common issue. Here are some ways to fix or improve it:

Option 1: Clean Off the Sticky Layer
1. Isopropyl alcohol (70–90%):
• Dampen a soft cloth or cotton pad with it.
• Gently rub the sticky surface.
• It may take a bit of elbow grease, but often the sticky layer will come off, revealing a harder plastic underneath.
2. Goo Gone or similar citrus-based cleaner:
• Use sparingly and test in a small area first.
• These can work, but sometimes leave a residue, so follow up with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Baking soda paste (baking soda + a few drops of water):
• Rub it in with a cloth to gently abrade and lift the sticky surface.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Option 2: Apply a New Coating

If you’ve removed the sticky rubber or just want to cover it:
• Wrap the body with textured grip tape, like for tennis racquets or tools.
• Or use self-fusing silicone tape—clean look and grippy.
• If you’re feeling DIY, you can even spray on Plasti Dip for a new rubbery coating, but this requires prep and masking.

 

 

My simple but effective, albeit inelegant,  solution for my cheap Celestron bono was to wrap the barrel in Press ‘n Seal.

 

Good luck!

 

Tim

[ABQJeff]

 

So here's my question:

I want to find an 8x or less with the Biggest x? that I can manage w/o IS....Need good clear FOV.

 

I really enjoy my Maven b1.2 8x42s.  They are the best binocular optics I own.  I got these to be my steady hand held non-IS wide field binoculars.  They also take objective filters (using a M49 to M48 stepdown ring can use standard 2” filters.)  This makes them great for seeing large nebula and sweeping Milky Way star clouds in dark skies.

 

If you don’t need the filter option, many rave about the Sky Rover Banner Cloud (SRBC) 8x42.

 

For use, my standard binocular astronomy steps go 8x42 handheld, Canon 15x50IS handheld, APM 16x70MS ED light weight P-gram mounted, TS MX 23x110 on heavy duty p-gram (PM2/TR3), then to telescopes.

[Starfishboy]

Jupiter 122

Ive given away my old 10x30s to a friend who said the sticky didn't bother him, only to find out he pawned them.

Great suggestion if I still had the old canons.

[Starfishboy]

gwlee 

Nice suggestions.

Is it possible to to atleast get some star gazing benefits from the 7x models?

Maybe not Saturn rings but atleast see Saturn?

My main focus will be for birds the skies Mountains...clear wide FOV top concerns...wife needs close focus under 10 feet (if possible)

[Starfishboy]

ABOJeff

I'll look into the Mavens.....look like they also have a nice feel/grip construction, etc.

[gwlee]

gwlee 

Nice suggestions.

Is it possible to to atleast get some star gazing benefits from the 7x models?

Maybe not Saturn rings but atleast see Saturn?

My main focus will be for birds the skies Mountains...clear wide FOV top concerns...wife needs close focus under 10 feet (if possible)

Yes, I have been using 7x50s for astronomy for 58 years. If I could only have  one instrument for astronomy, it would definitely be a handheld binocular. 

 

You can see five planets including Saturn naked eye, so you can definitely see more details with a binocular. I can’t see the rings of Saturn naked eye, but with any of my 7x binoculars,  I see can  small projections or bumps on the sides of Saturn that are the rings. However, they don’t look like rings, perhaps more like the handles on a pitcher. 

 

Of course a 50mm binocular works better than a 42mm for astronomy and a 56mm better yet. Whenever planets are visible, I look at them with whatever binocular that I am using that evening, but a small telescope allows me to see MUCH more detail, so no handheld binocular would be my first choice for planets, but I find them very enjoyable for viewing most other celestial objects.

 

They are particularly nice for star clusters and cruising the Summer Milky Way, but you can also see the Andromeda Galaxy and many of the show piece celestial objects. I have attached a photo of an excellent guidebook for viewing the universe with handheld binoculars. 

 

I use my 7x42 now and previously used an 8x42 for astronomy travel, especially by commercial aircraft. I have made several lengthy trips to the Southern Hemisphere with just an 8x42 binocular with no regrets. During the day, it was useful for viewing wildlife and looking at scenery.  

 

The near focus of my 7x42 and 8x56 binoculars is around 10 feet, but quite a few 8x42 roofs will focus much closer and work equally well for astronomy. I find 7x just a little easier to use handheld and larger exit pupils provide a little brighter view and are little more comfortable to look through, especially for long observing sessions.

 

Many people, some with more experience reading than observing, might tell you that a person over forty WILL NOT benefit from an exit pupil over 5mm because their eyes WILL NOT dilate more than 5mm, but mine do, my eye doc agrees, and many other older, experienced observers report the same. If mine didn’t, I would still prefer large exit pupils for their greater viewing comfort. That said, there’s some correlation between age and exit pupil size. The only way to know whether you will benefit from large exit pupils is to try them. 

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Edited by gwlee, 21 April 2025 - 09:17 AM.

[Starfishboy]

which 7x do you suggest as there are not too many to choose? Most everything is 8x

[sevenofnine]

There are a lot of factors including your budget. At a fairly modest price (<$300) the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 is my favorite bino to take on nature/exercise walk around Spring Lake, Ca.

Good luck with your choice! 

 

https://www.bhphotov...binoculars.html.

Edited by sevenofnine, 20 April 2025 - 06:46 PM.

[Starfishboy]

So my last question...(hopefully..) 

Im going to search for what I can afford in 7x...why? Least chance of being ok without Image Stabilization.

possibly 8x....but Im skeptical

Now there are a number of x40-50s maybe even higher

For ex: the 8x go up to 50 something but most like the 8x42 or less

In the 7x...I think 42 will be great for all round.

my question....finally

What happens when you go as high as possible in the 7x or 8x50s or 60s?

Whats gained whats lost?

Does this kill the close focus or what?

 

 

I know...go buy a book and hush...but I cant help myself asking my forum understanding ones!

 

Peace

[ihf]

I like image stabilization. 8x is the absolute max for me without it. The Kowa 6.5x32 is relatively small and pocketable. The image is very curved during the day, but if I don't want to I don't notice it at night. It has some trouble with spiking which does not bother me (but many others) and it has some veiling glare against the sun (especially ocean). The SRBC 8x42 fixes both problems, but it is a brick in comparison. Either one is great for folks that need glasses, but not so good with deep set eyes or larger nose. Both are fun to use on the Milky Way. They will show me 3 Jupiter moons, but being roofs will spike on bright planets. Problem is the SRBC needs to be ordered from China ASAP before the tariffs go up in 10 days. The Kowa is distributed in more regular US channels. I would not carry a 50mm class bino during the day short of the Canon 18x50.

[gwlee]

which 7x do you suggest as there are not too many to choose? Most everything is 8x

I believe the Leica 7x42  that I have now is the only 7x42 roof prism binocular that’s currently in production.  I have used it  for the last four years or so. It’s also among the most expensive binoculars. To me, personal fit is the most important characteristic of a binocular. It trumps all other factors. Fortunately, it fits me well. 

 

There’s a large number of  8x roof prism binoculars available in all price ranges, so you stand a much better chance of finding a 8x binocular that fits you well in your price range. For me, an 8x binocular is not quite as easy to hold steady, but it’s close. The last 8x42 binocular that I owned is no longer in production.

 

Generally, I don’t recommend binoculars that I haven’t owned and used for at least one year. However,  I tried a Zeiss 8x40 SFL for about two weeks last year and liked it, especially for birding. If I didn’t have the 7x42, I might have kept it. It’s made in Japan and much less expensive than the Leica 7x42, and I believe it’s on sale for about $300  below list price now. 
 

There’s no shortage of 7x50 pro prism binoculars though, and the Fujinon 7x50 FMT-SX is one of my favorites. I have owned two of them used them for decades.  It’s a high quality binocular from Japan with eye relief long enough to fit those who wear eyeglasses, and it’s readily available and moderately priced. There are similar binoculars available from manufacturers in China that are less expensive. I have no experience with them, but others here often recommend them. 

Edited by gwlee, 22 April 2025 - 12:22 AM.

[gwlee]

So my last question...(hopefully..) 

Im going to search for what I can afford in 7x...why? Least chance of being ok without Image Stabilization.

possibly 8x....but Im skeptical

Now there are a number of x40-50s maybe even higher

For ex: the 8x go up to 50 something but most like the 8x42 or less

In the 7x...I think 42 will be great for all round.

my question....finally

What happens when you go as high as possible in the 7x or 8x50s or 60s?

Whats gained whats lost?

Does this kill the close focus or what?

 

 

I know...go buy a book and hush...but I cant help myself asking my forum understanding ones!

 

Peace

I haven’t owned an 8x50 roof prism binocular. Their field of view is often limited by the size of there prisms, so they offer no more FOV than similar 10x50s.

 

The Swarovski 8x56 SLC roof prism binocular with individual focus that I have used for about 8 months has AK prisms, so offers a 7.6° TFOV with a 7mm exit pupil. It’s quickly become my most used binocular for astronomy, and I also enjoy using it for birding, viewing wildlife, and long range terrestrial observing at my rural mountain home. The 8x56 SLC has already sent my 10x50 FMT-SX, which I have used for decades, to a new home,  and I expect it might also send my 7x50 FMT-SX and Nikon 7x50 SP to new homes by year end.

 

Although the SLC has a larger aperture than these 50mm porro prism binoculars, it’s lighter and more compact and offers the versatility of central focus. It also costs at least twice as much. 

Edited by gwlee, 22 April 2025 - 12:53 AM.

[ads]

I believe the Leica 7x42  that I have now is the only 7x42 roof prism binocular that’s currently in production.

The Pentax SD 7x42 ED is a current model.

 

Is it confirmed that the Nikon EDG 7x42 is actually out of production? It's available on amazon.jp. (With the Nikon 8x30 E II still being in production, I wouldn't be shocked if the 7x42 was still in production.)

[gwlee]

The Pentax SD 7x42 ED is a current model.

 

Is it confirmed that the Nikon EDG 7x42 is actually out of production? It's available on amazon.jp. (With the Nikon 8x30 E II still being in production, I wouldn't be shocked if the 7x42 was still in production.)

I believe the 7x42 Edge can be ordered from a dealer in Japan, but it’s not available from US dealers as far as I know. 

[glittledale]

i've been extremely happy with my nikon edg 8x 42.  i have not tried the 7x 42 version but if it is similar to the 8x 42, it must be lovely.  prior to the edg i had a swaro 7x 42 habicht.  the focus wheel on them is a bit stiff but it is a wonderful binocular.  

[Starfishboy]

gwlee,

Have you ever owned the Nikon 7x42 edg?

Ive read your comments on other 7x42 and 7x50s

[Cestus]

On my 20x80 and 25x100 I can make out Saturn's rings and even some space between them and the planet. On really clear nights I have seen some color on Jupiter.