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Author Topic: Compact/Lightweight Binocular  (Read 2680 times)

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Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« on: August 08, 2019, 02:34:45 PM »
Looking for recommendations for a compact or very lightweight bino.  I've been bitten by the hiking/climbing bug and would like to carry a bino along.  Lightweight as possible is the main concern so I'm thinking the compact models, 10x25 or similar, but not opposed to others.  I'm considering mid-priced models but also thinking of going high-end.  Swaro would be my obvious choice for top of the line, but don't really know what the benefit would be over other compacts given the small aperture.

Any input?

TIA


Offline bobcat

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2019, 03:07:18 PM »

Offline bobcat

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2019, 03:18:32 PM »
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850076-REG/Kowa_YF30_6_YF_6x30_Binocular_Black.html

I'm not familiar with those.  Will have to look into them.

Thanks.

They're pretty much the same as the ones Leupold used to sell called the Yosemites. Very nice binoculars. I have a couple of the Leupolds for my kids and more recently I bought one of the Kowas for myself.

Offline RobinHoodlum

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2019, 07:37:22 AM »
Ditto what Bobcat said. Been very happy with my Yosemites for glassing alpine (goats, bears, bucks). Obviously not the binos for spending hours trying to pick a hillside apart in unfavorable light. But good balance of weight, size, cost - for me at least. Also, because they were so cheap, leave them in my truck all the time (out of sight) for duck scouting and other incidental needs

Offline WapitiTalk1

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2019, 07:53:44 AM »
I've had these for a season or two.. Really like the clarity, pretty good low light capability, focus quickly, and they are pretty darn compact (fit nicely in an S4 Gear Lockdown bino case). 

https://binocularadvisor.com/zeiss-terra-ed-10x42-review/
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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2019, 08:02:49 AM »
For around $100 the Leupold Yosemite is a good value. It is a porro prism rather than a roof prism binocular. For the same money porro prism models will outperform a roof prism optically.

I've had a 6x30 Yosemite for many years. It's my "truck" bino but often gets taken in the field when higher magnification isn't necessary. Light and bright.
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Offline Jerry malbeck

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2019, 07:31:11 AM »
I have a like new pair of Leica 10x25 BCA clear as a bell, Sharmimiging ETC.They are Leicas.Anyway asking 300.00 come with case.Amazing what you can see with this small lightweight glass. I can send pics if you would like. I used them for Coyote calling and I like to travel light.My calling partner went with a Leica rangefinding bino so I no longer need these. E.Mail is                      jmalbeck@yahoo.com  best way to contact me.
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Offline Randonee

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2019, 08:17:38 AM »
I have a pair of these from Cabela’s.  They are the Intensity 8x25.  They also offer a 10x25. If you decide to go lower end, I think they are pretty darn good.  For me, I’d go 8x rather than 10x for this size of bino. 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/hunting/optics/binoculars/pc/104791680/c/104752080/sc/104217480/cabelas-intensity-compact-binoculars/2317805.uts?slotId=8

Offline jrebel

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Re: Compact/Lightweight Binocular
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2019, 10:39:25 AM »
I have the zeise mentioned above and love them.  My next set of compact lightweight binos will be the swarovski companions.  Very nice glass and super compact. 

https://www.sportsmans.com/scouting/compact-binoculars-monoculars/swarovski-cl-companion-compact-binoculars/p/1496692?gclid=CjwKCAjwlovtBRBrEiwAG3XJ-wUFVcThMEJKEQ_MV0bkRFyKYRcY-xvlz41JYcjSljxgFIkItIhcfxoCjygQAvD_BwE

 


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