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A better 8 x 20. Which One ?

Started by Eddh, 02/27/2003 06:14PM
Posted 02/27/2003 06:14PM Opening Post
I need a good quality compact 8 x 20. My choices are narrowed down to:
1. Swarovaski
2. Zeiss Victory Series
3. Nikon Venura
4. Leica
Can you fellows help me out there ?
Posted 03/02/2003 10:39PM #1
Unless they have come out with some new models recently I believe the smallest Victory Series binocular that Zeiss makes is an 8 x 40. And the smallest Nikon Venturer is an 8 x 32.

From the various reviews I read over the years the Swarovski 8 x 20B is the best mini-binocular. It is fully waterproof, folds up small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, and it only weighs 7.5 ounces.

I've had a pair for 7 years now and have been very pleased with them. I take them on hikes and backpacks into the mountains because there are so small and lightweight. On nearby objects in bright daylight the image and so sharp and clear that you think that you're looking through a top of the line 30mm or 40mm binocular. On the downside (and this is true for most mini-binoculars) their small size and light weight makes them harder to hold steady than a larger binocular in say the 18oz - 32oz range.

Two years ago I got a pair of 8.5 x 42 Swarovski ELs and since then I have not been using my 8 x 20s nearly as often as I once did. It is only when I must have a binocular that is very small and light that I will bring them along.
Otherwise, my hand hold able binocular of choice (for all applications) is the 8.5 x 42s.

The reason I got the 8.5 x 42s was so that I could use them for both astronomy (which they're great for) and terrestrial use. If I were just looking for a good terrestrial glass I probably get either a 8 x 32 Leica or Nikon Venturer.