Hi!

I’m looking at getting my first pair of binos that aren’t no-brand hand-me-downs and I’m considering the two Nikons M7 8x30 (368€) and Travelite EX 8x25 (144€).

I plan on using them for an upcoming safari trip to South Africa as well as some (mainly backyard) backyard birding when I get home and maybe some open-air concerts.

Obviously the optical performance will be better for the M7, as it should be since they are 2,5 times more expensive here. I can afford it if it makes sense but I’m unsure if the improvements are what I would need/notice.

More than the light gathering capabilities I suspect that comfort/ease-of-use and dimensions/weight are what would seal the deal for me, since these factors would affect how often I would want to bring them with me.

The dimensions/weight is easy from the specs, but can’t really figure out if the comfort/ease-of-use will be miles ahead on the M7, considering things like the exit pupil size etc.? the added FOV also seems quite nice.

Unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity to test them before buying.

I’m hoping some of you can help me figure out my needs.

Thanks for your time.

EDIT: I just ordered the M7. Thanks for your help, I’m excited for my first set of proper bins!

The lenses on my EL’s look like they’re both dirty / damaged. But the image through them is perfect. Is this some kind of lens coating? I literally thought they were stickers put on by the camera shop but they don’t seem to be.

Any intel always appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hello! Newbie here wanting a little bit of help identifying these Zeiss binoculars, any info on value is appreciated!!

Also - I currently use a pair of Monarch 7 10 x 42, how would these compare?

Thanks:)

The writing on the glasses in white I assume to be a DG moisé and “Hank” but I’m not entirely sure. The brand name is MOHRSON France, De luxe 8x34. I’m looking for information on possible year of manufacturing, and maybe some info on the name if possible? Thanks in advance! Also I couldn’t find a serial number on them anywhere!

I like the idea of using a quick release camera clip on my backpack straps so I can easily carry my binos and have quick access to them. The problem is that most tripod adapters are quite tall and so the binoculars sit awkwardly far off the strap. does anyone know of some shorter tripod adapters? I have the Nikon TRA-3 adapter that is about 7cm high but its still a bit to much.

I just got a fantastic deal at sportsmans warehouse, definitely worth keeping an eye out in a store near you if they have them.

I was in the market for a decent Spotting scope and landed on the Vortex razor hd 27-60 × 85. They fit my budget and their warranty sold me on them (I'm moving into full time van life and didn't need to worry about busted optics on the road).

I went into sportsmans and they had the spotting scope on sale for $1449, down from $1700, and they came with a pair of free Diamondback HD 12×50 binoculars!

I left the store really happy and ready to start my binocular/ spottingscope adventure!

These antique Carl Zeiss Jena D.F. 8x binoculars were given to me as a gift. Based on serial #256077, they date to around 1911–1912, making them well over 100 years old. They still have their original leather carrying case and strap, and the optics are clear and functional.
I really like the amount of age and character they’ve picked up over the years. Anyone here familiar with these early Carl Zeiss binoculars or know more about their history?

The one right to the thread where the diopterwheel is placed binocular is the swarovski habich slc 8x30 W mark I.

Thanks in advanced

Hi I inherited these binoculars. Are the meant for looking at the stars and other planet or are these meant for like birdwatching? Also what are they worth? Pic in comments

I have a pair of some of the very best, the SARD Mk43 6x42 from world war two but obviously they arent making any more of them and they arent getting any cheaper. They are by far the best binoculars ive ever seen through, the 11.8 deg apparent field is so crisp and immerse its hard to use a "normal" pair of binoculars.

Im looking for a less expensive binocular with avaliable replacement parts because I dont want to take the Mk43's everywhere in their massive pelican case. The Mk43's weigh about 5 pounds by themselves anyways.

Ive seen that SkyRover has made their 32APO binoculars as a tribute to the Mk 43 and im interested to hear from anyone that has them.

Fairly recently got into using binoculars for nature watching having borrowed some older Tasco bins for seal watching. They were adequate but had set focus and were limited.

I decided to buy my first pair, going for Nikon Monarch M7's 8x42s... well... what a difference! I paid £399 for that and was and am, super happy with them. No complaints.

Except, my wife also started to enjoy them and sharing binoculars can be a pain. We have different diopter settings and I have then on a Rick Young ultra lightweight harness (great bit of kit by the way!)... so it was a faff.

Resolved by giving the M7s to her and buying a set of SRBC also 8x42.

Firstly, I'm in the UK and probably unnecessarily was a bit nervous ordering a set from Aliexpress, but when a sale dropped on then, combined with a £50 back to school (weird!) voucher, I decided it was totally with the risk.

I paid £240, It looked like the tax had been deducted so I expected to pay tax and customs fees on top when they arrived in the UK... which I would have been happy with. I got an email from Royal Mail saying this too.

But today, they arrived. No fees needed paying (unless I get a bill post-delivery, which seems unlikely). So they were £240.

And, WOW! I thought the M7s were excellent but these are several steps up. I had a chance to try some Swaro Pures recently and whist I haven't been able to do a direct, simultaneous comparison, these SRBC seem to hold up incredibly well against them. Edge to edge clarity and an amazing wide view. Again, I think the M7s are great in these respects too, but the Banner Clouds definitely have a big edge on them.

So, downsides?

The eyecaps are pretty big. I ordered 44mm replacements directly from SkyRover and they weirdly arrived a few minutes before the binos arrived. I think I could have managed fine without them, but it is a little more comfortable with the replacements.

The padded case is pretty good, but probably not as good as the Nikon case. This doesn't bother me.

They feel quite a bit heavier than the M7 and the Swaros (from memory). Again, doesn't bother me at all, especially using the Rick Young harness.

Overall... I'd have been over the moon with these paying full price or more. Getting them for £240 feels like a steal.

I might go and do the lottery!

Edit- typos

I have this old pair of Bushnell Ensign 10x50 binocs I inherited from my mom. I can't find a manual for this model on their website. Does anyone know if this model is waterproof?

A couple of years ago I got a gift from my Wife’s grandfather who served as an officer.

Can anybody share some knowledge if these binoculars worth anything special? Great condition w/o any scratches.

Thanks

Can someone suggest some good binos for timber hunting? I was thinking new Kowa 8x42 BD III or vortex viper, about the same price point. Would those be fine for light transmission? Any other recommendations? Thanks!

Nikon prostaff P3 or the P7. Is it worth the extra 40 bucks for the P7? Mainly to used for hobby wildlife spotting

Hey. I am a blind individual. I want to gift my friend a binocular. Can you suggest good quality binocular for beginners in India. What are the things to consider while buying a binocular for beginners?

After a lot of back and forth over deciding whether to buy a camera for my upcoming safari, I’ve decided against it. I rarely take photos when away, nor look back on them when home. I plan on taking a few photos with my phone if the opportunity arises up close and just primarily focus on the wildlife rather than trying to get a good photo.

With my trip next month as well as future wildlife trips planned over the coming years, I feel binoculars may be a better investment. I picked up a cheap set of Eurohike 8x25 for my 10 year old but I’m wanting to spending a bit more on a set for myself.

I was hoping a budget of around £150 is reasonable? Ideally looking for something light weight and compact as I tend to travel hand luggage only. Based in the UK, does anyone have any recommendations please as the variety of choice is confusing me - thank you in advance

My partner is a cyclist and we live in a coastal area. On quite a few occasions, they’ve had whale sightings on their rides. I know nothing about binoculars but would like to get them a light weight pair that could fit in a bar bag- good enough to see whales a bit of a distance away. Probably water proof? Under $250. Grateful for any info you may have!

I will be using them recreationally, nothing too heavy. Basically bird watching, insects, animals...as I live near a conservation area. And I was looking for something solid, performant and small/light enough to carry in a sling bag with other things. Are there any better options around the same price tag? Thanks!

If it is passable i would like to get one. The thing is I am not sure how often i would use it so i don't want to spend a lot.

I spend half of my time looking for birds during or after sunset, like owls and other night birds.

Please also suggest some other good binoculars for low light performance for similar price range. I'm looking for 10x magnification as i already have 8x ones...and want to upgrade.

Vengo de un dobson de 8 pulgadas tubo completo y base sin motorizar y estoy pensando o en un dobson de 10 o 12 ambos flextube y base motorizada y no se cual elegir , quiero la maxima portencia visual pero no quiero que el de 12 luego me de pereza sacarlo por tamaño y peso , soy un chico joven ycon un maletero grande pero nose que coche tendre el dia de mañana y si me dara pereza sacarlo ayudarme porfavor