Thread: Midget binos

When I saw the title all I thought was @Philipo

Divide objective size by magnification, so for 7x35 then 35/7=5mm exit pupil. 8x40s and 6x30 and 10x50 binos each have 5mm exit pupil, so similar light gathering power. Note though that the lower magnifications "win" in the light-gathering department as they have less thick glass letting more light through (and weighing correspondingly less).

The grunty military 7x50s will have a much bigger exit pupil (50/7=7.14mm exit pupil) but the older we get the less likely we are to have pupils that can dilate to 7mm and utilize the extra light available! Dead weight unless you are a 21 yr old soldier.

If you want something you don't tire from, go for lower magnification like 7x35 or 6x30. Minimal shake, maximum light gathering, light weight, wide viewing angle. For an occasional closer view you have your rifle scope.

Individually adjustable tubes for better waterproofing, e.g. WW2 Leitz style field glasses. 6x or 7x have such a deep focal plane you hardly need to adjust them anyway.

Like these - diminutive girl with scoped mosin for scale:

I have had a go with 8x42 binos (steiners) and got sore eyes real quick, I mostly hunt big open tops chamois country and found I was concentrating harder on a smaller image when glassing stuff 500+yds away to pick up on animals.

Some favourite haunts photos, because every thread needs pictures

If you're that stressed about saving a few grams just use your scope.

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That’s "Alpha Bino" terrain/territory- 110% so
Forget the Pockets in that environment

You need
Geovid or EL Range
Got a spare 4K

Originally Posted by Bavarian_Hunter

If you're that stressed about saving a few grams just use your scope.

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He prob uses open sights to save weight

Originally Posted by Sarvo

He prob uses open sights to save weight

I actually sent my vx6 (not a heavy scope) away up to Kiwi Greg in Nelson last week and my sako feels like a kids toy now with no scope on it, maybe opens are the way forward...

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I actually sent my vx6 (not a heavy scope) away up to Kiwi Greg in Nelson last week and my sako feels like a kids toy now with no scope on it, maybe opens are the way forward...

Met Kiwi Greg last week myself
We never got onto the subject of scopes - I steered clear as the rifle I was picking up from him had a Leoppy on it

Good guy - with a lot of gear - knows his stuff too !!!!

Do yourself a favour and get a decent pair of binos. I’ve used a set of Swarovski Slc 8x30 for years for everything alps to local etc and never had sore eyes or headache after hours of glassing.
Let your eyes do the walking and you can’t shoot what you can’t see.

I've had a pair of Leica 10x25 for years, excellent lightweight compact bio's, never fail me, fit in your pocket, I carry them a lot when fishing, and my eyes never get tired using them, cos they're good glass. Also use Swaro 10x30 as my go to bino's, much lighter and more compact than most others I've used. I certainly dont feel disadvantaged when I take either, bloody sight easier than carrying around some of the more hefty types, particularly those with a rangefinder in them.

I have a pair of Kowa Prominar 10x32 binos. Sold my Minox 10x44s as they were just too big and heavy for my liking and the Kowa's are every bit as good.
Their optics are excellent and they are much lighter (250 odd grams) than the average 10x42s.
FOV is fine (105m at 1Km, only 5m less than the Swarovski 10x42 SLC). I find them a great compromise between weight and performance. The quality of the glass is more important than the size of it.
I also have some Minox 8x25s for bush hunting. Perfect for when my eyes just aren't good enough.
PS Had the Kowa's in the Lambert @Ryan_Songhurst and did a LOT of glassing. Never found them wanting.

I use Swaro 9x25 (I think that is the magnification) when I feel tired of carrying stuff but they are not comfortable: very unforgiving of eye position and low light performance is not impressive. I much prefer 10x42 Zeiss, when I really need to see (for hours at a time) and don't mind carrying.

Originally Posted by Brian

You get sick of them after a few hours glassing

Why, specifically?

@Shearer where did you get kowas from? See heaps of really good reviews on their optics

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

@Shearer where did you get kowas from? See heaps of really good reviews on their optics

B&H photography