floraphile Posted August 16, 2022 Share Posted August 16, 2022 Good morning, All. I have outgrown my Nikon Monarchs 8X42 and I am looking for better bins, as it is now clear (pun possibly intended) to me that they are inadequate for serious birding. I bought Hubby The Non-birder a pair of Zeiss 10X42 Terra EDs a few years back and have been using those and have tried out most of the other available brands at birding events. I have an idea of what I want, but would like some personal reviews. What bins do you all use and are you happy with them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted August 16, 2022 Author Share Posted August 16, 2022 I should clarify that my Monarchs are Monarch 3, not one of the newer models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Spencer Posted August 16, 2022 Share Posted August 16, 2022 (edited) Boy, this is usually a hot topic. My limited thoughts as an owner of Zeiss, Vortex, and Bushnell is that as far as the optics themselves go, there's little difference between each brand's corresponding models in the same class / price range. If you're comfortable with 10x42, stick with that magnification. It's the ergonomics that make most of the difference. If you're used to adjusting focus in a clockwise direction, a CCW brand will drive you nuts. You may find differences in ease of diopter adjustment. One may have lens covers or a case you prefer, or be noticeably lighter, or just feel better in your hands. Beyond that, my only guidance is to stick with brands that offer an unlimited lifetime replacement warranty. Most of the top brands do but double-check your finalists to be sure. Give Hubby the Monarchs and take the Zeiss for yourself! Edited August 16, 2022 by Charlie Spencer 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted August 17, 2022 Author Share Posted August 17, 2022 3 hours ago, Charlie Spencer said: Give Hubby the Monarchs and take the Zeiss for yourself! Pretty much already done that... Now I need to buy him a Canon R5 and a Kowa TSN-883. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanbirds Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 55 minutes ago, floraphile said: Canon R5 No no hey I need that!! Gimme! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted August 17, 2022 Author Share Posted August 17, 2022 15 hours ago, Seanbirds said: No no hey I need that!! Gimme! I'm just waiting for the money tree to start producing. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanbirds Posted August 18, 2022 Share Posted August 18, 2022 9 hours ago, floraphile said: I'm just waiting for the money tree to start producing. Aren't we all... 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Posted August 19, 2022 Share Posted August 19, 2022 On 8/16/2022 at 4:12 PM, Charlie Spencer said: Boy, this is usually a hot topic. It might do better if it was moved to the "General Birding Topics" section. @floraphile? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted August 19, 2022 Author Share Posted August 19, 2022 12 hours ago, Kevin said: It might do better if it was moved to the "General Birding Topics" section. @floraphile? Sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiscalus quiscula Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Primarily using a pair of slowly disintegrating Celestron Granite binoculars. First the strap that held one of the lower caps broke, then one of the eye cups fell off and was lost. It's still usable though, and I'm quite happy with the optical quality. 9x33. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLecy Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 The new Zeiss SFL's are pretty sweet. Lightweight and sharp. More expensive than the Terra HD's, but cheaper than the the Victory SF's (my current pair). I'm tempted... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floraphile Posted August 25, 2022 Author Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) 12 hours ago, DLecy said: More expensive than the Terra HD's The beautiful thing about being an empty-nester is $ can go toward birding and not tuition. Edited August 25, 2022 by floraphile 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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