What if.....?

[Charic]

If Rolls Royce or Heineken were to build binoculars in 10x50 format, what would do you think their specifications for glass type, coatings ect would be, and is there anything out there in todays market right now at sensible UK prices  < £120 that would be most suitable.

I'm looking at the Strathspey Marine,  Nikon Action EX, Olympus (what does DPS-I mean ?) but mainly interested in the Marines, although IF may be something to overcome in Daylight use ?

Its such a mine field and hard to decide.

[Damo636]

> £120 I would look no further than this.....

http://www.microglobe.co.uk/pentax-10x50-pcf-wp-ii-water-proof-porro-prism-binocular-p-2603.html

[SteveNickolls]

That is a very good price for some great binoculars.

Cheers,

Steve

[BinocularSky]

That is a very good price for some great binoculars.

If they actually have any in stock...

Worth checking directly with the vendor when you see too-good-to-be-true prices like this. One lot (not Microglobe"!) tend to reply with weasel-word responses like "they will be shipped directly from the importer" when they don't want to admit that they don't have any in stock but want your order anyway.

[SteveNickolls]

Didn't Monty Python do something like that with their famous 'Cheese shop' sketch?

Cheers,

Steve

[Charic]

If Rolls Royce or Heineken were to build binoculars in 10x50 format, what would do you think their specifications for glass type, coatings ect would be, and is there anything out there in todays market right now at sensible UK prices  < £120 that would be most suitable.

I'm looking at the Strathspey Marine,  Nikon Action EX, Olympus (what does DPS-I mean ?) but mainly interested in the Marines, although IF may be something to overcome in Daylight use ?

Its such a mine field and hard to decide.

Deluxe Porro Standard.

[Charic]

Damo636.........I ordered the PCF WP II's. now the waiting game starts ?

I looked long and hard at several binoculars including Fujinon FMT, Nikon SX, Helios Naturesport, Strathspey Marine, TS-Marine, Oberwerk, Nikon Action EX, but in the end, have settled on the Pentax 10x50. 

I like my old 7x50's, but their nearly 30 Yrs old now.  I checked them out this week, and they  need a slight clean and lube maybe. Several screws had come loose internally, but not enough to allow anything to rattle about, but a  dusting & clean inside and around the optics, and some new grease wont go amiss.

My Revelation 15x70's are no good (IMHO) Described as great value!, but that doesn't bring with it great quality? Too much play in the bridge ( I have managed to adjust them, but the rubber grommet has ripped?) These Bins require mounting for stability ( to be expected ) They  don't provide any detail on Jupiter and its difficult to see the shape of Saturn! Didn't have that problem with my Stellar 20x80's if memory serves me!

The 10x50's will see dual use rather than just Astronomy, and the 10x magnification will be just fine for its aviation use, whereas the 15x is just too heavy to hand hold steady for my needs.

If RR had built binoculars, maybe they would have been a match or better than the Fujinon FMT-SX ?

[Charic]

If they actually have any in stock...

Worth checking directly with the vendor when you see too-good-to-be-true prices like this. One lot (not Microglobe"!) tend to reply with weasel-word responses like "they will be shipped directly from the importer" when they don't want to admit that they don't have any in stock but want your order anyway.

Dear Valuable Customer...... item Pentax 10x50 PCF WP II Water Proof Porro Prism Binocular MFG 65808* is out of stock with all suppliers.

Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme (EX) Waterproof Binoculars will be my alternative. 

[mattbee]

Dear Valuable Customer...... item Pentax 10x50 PCF WP II Water Proof Porro Prism Binocular MFG 65808* is out of stock with all suppliers.

It continues:

We have suggested some alternative similar to the specification which is more compact and better optics. Kindly review it and let us know about your kind decision.

Yet the listing is still there on the site. Dodgy practice and dodgier English - think I'll give them a miss.

[Charic]

mattbee....... looks like you had the same problem too,  and its just occurred to me, that parallel import may be the reason for the cheaper Microglobe prices, although that's something I would expect from an ice cream vendor from Tenerife rather than a VAT registered business based in London? 

Parallel or 'grey import' does not necessarily mean a lower standard,  Its probably the same genuine article, only without the guarantee of a UK / European warranty scheme that exceeds 12 Months  from the supplier.

I will check the Nikon serial numbers on arrival, and if Nikon says NO-GO! then I'll maybe ask for my money back from the vendor. I just hope all the seals are intact on the carton upon its arrival.

My reason for the rejection would be that Nikon offers a 10 Year limited warranty to the original purchaser on their sport optics. Microglobe may only have 1 Year return to base warranty.This is probably basic cover on mechanical breakdown.  Not sure If I dropped them onto concrete, they would just replace them, but it would be nice to know that if in 7 Years time, the left objective got blurred for some reason, Nikon could or would fix it?

I'll have 7 Days in which to return, unused, if this is the case. I mentioned Tenerife, as I have been caught out before, buying a lens for a Nikon camera. I got stung in the deal (part exchange + cash ) for the newer lens. There was no actual warranty card in the box? so they produced one for me? that's when the bells started ringing, but not being a local or Spanish speaking, things were going sour for me, and  what happens after the Year is out. Its not everyday that the lens would be in use, but you need that assurance. I was able to get some of my money back, less the original lens, and purchased the same lens elsewhere, with what appeared to be a genuine warranty. However on return to UK, the warranty was valid for Egypt? Happily though, I did move that lens on, got all my money back (and some) and got a replacement lens with a 'genuine' Nikon  UK/European warranty.

Caveat emptor.

[mattbee]

mattbee....... looks like you had the same problem too,  and its just occurred to me, that parallel import may be the reason for the cheaper Microglobe prices, although that's something I would expect from an ice cream vendor from Tenerife rather than a VAT registered business based in London? 

Parallel or 'grey import' does not necessarily mean a lower standard,  Its probably the same genuine article, only without the guarantee of a UK / European warranty scheme that exceeds 12 Months  from the supplier.

I will check the Nikon serial numbers on arrival, and if Nikon says NO-GO! then I'll maybe ask for my money back from the vendor. I just hope all the seals are intact on the carton upon its arrival.

My reason for the rejection would be that Nikon offers a 10 Year limited warranty to the original purchaser on their sport optics. Microglobe may only have 1 Year return to base warranty.This is probably basic cover on mechanical breakdown.  Not sure If I dropped them onto concrete, they would just replace them, but it would be nice to know that if in 7 Years time, the left objective got blurred for some reason, Nikon could or would fix it?

I'll have 7 Days in which to return, unused, if this is the case. I mentioned Tenerife, as I have been caught out before, buying a lens for a Nikon camera. I got stung in the deal (part exchange + cash ) for the newer lens. There was no actual warranty card in the box? so they produced one for me? that's when the bells started ringing, but not being a local or Spanish speaking, things were going sour for me, and  what happens after the Year is out. Its not everyday that the lens would be in use, but you need that assurance. I was able to get some of my money back, less the original lens, and purchased the same lens elsewhere, with what appeared to be a genuine warranty. However on return to UK, the warranty was valid for Egypt? Happily though, I did move that lens on, got all my money back (and some) and got a replacement lens with a 'genuine' Nikon  UK/European warranty.

Caveat emptor.

I see there are two entries for the  Nikon 10x50 Action EX: one at around £125 inc shipping, quite competitive and says 'UK sourced stock', so hopefully, there'd be the full Nikon guarantee with those. Another, refers to Nikon 10x50 Action EX 'Waterproof' (the same binoculars?). These don't mention 'UK sourced stock', are around £20 cheaper  and are, like the Pentax bins, 'temporarily' out of stock. As you say, more likely a grey import, although cynic that I am, I'm wondering if they just advertise these to reel in customers for the items they really can supply. Good luck with your purchase - do let us know how it turns out!

[Charic]

.........So My Nikon 10 Power, Wide Angle, 10x50  Action Extreme  (EX) All Terrain Binocular, Rugged waterproof , Fog-proof construction, 25-Year Limited warranty (Binocular NO_FAULT POLICY- Replacement/Repair) embossed,  Model #7245  has arrived?

Quite a title for a just a pair of Nikon 10x50's.

There was no seal on the box, and a slight tear where someone has opened the box at some stage to either check the quality before dispatch (  or probably to remove the warranty card!)

I'm used to  Nikon Cameras and lenses and their formal looking warranty tickets, and there isn't one inside this box? There is however a white piece of paper with the warranty address detail changes ( Now Los Angeles!), but it looks pretty poor. There is no warranty/guarantee certificate.

This now presents a problem! UK Warranty is normally for 10 Years, The box says 25-Years and microglobe state on their site 1 Year warranty. The other  yellow ticket is for a $10 coupon when you register your optics at NikonSportOptics.com? There is also a product guide and the instruction manual. I therefore assume these optics were for the USA market and are more than likely parallel/ grey imports due to the UK/EU warranty card missing. After-all, I am buying from a UK VAT registered business!

They feel and look ok externally,  with a slight green tinge to the objective glass.  I feel the  insides could have been better finished ( observing through the objective lens )  there appears to be scratches or maybe its just manufacturing filing on what appears to be an alloy construction (difficult to say what it is or where due to the prisms and how the light path flows, but its some metal structure and I can observe the back end of some screw holes, I would have better blackened these areas if I was the manufacturer building these optics. There also appears to be some white blobs, I can see two in each barrel. They appear to be some type of adhesive, and it still looks wet or greasy, its hard to describe, but looks messy, especially if this has been applied by a machine?

The exit pupil is narrower by 2.1mm from my 7x50's  But I still prefer the 7x50, because there's less messing around getting your eye on axis. I noticed that I had to set the eye-cups on the 10x50 out to their maximum in order to get the correct eye relief, but the EP is tighter. During the Daylight, I could obviously detect that 10x over 7x bought the objects nearer, and Unfortunately tonight , its overcast in NE Scotland,  but looking down the street, the optics fare well against the 7x50s with the present light pollution. I'll need to test them side by side from a better, more darker site, and to test them proper during the Day at distant objects. 

I suppose at present, I will keep these binoculars. If they turn out to be genuine and exactly the same in comparison with a shop bought pair, I`ll be a happier bunny, but obviously without the 10 Year warranty.  I've had the 7x50's for almost 30 Years, so I should be able to take care of the Nikon's. If they turn out to be lemons in comparison, then it will be too late to do anything, except be more cautious next time?

....Also noted the blue box that this Nikon arrived in. I thought most Nikon hardware arrives in the Gold coloured boxes like their lenses, I suppose it depends on what market your buying from?

[FLO]

Dear Valuable Customer...... item Pentax 10x50 PCF WP II Water Proof Porro Prism Binocular MFG 65808* is out of stock with all suppliers.

Ooooohh no they are not! (said in pantomime voice)  

They are readily available today from pretty-much all officially appointed Pentax-UK dealers. 

[acey]

£120 Buy It Now on eBay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/171355050443?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0

[dannybgoode]

I used that seller for my Nikon Aculon A211 10x50's and they were excellent.  On my doorstep next day.

Worth seeing if they have any in stock - were only £80 and are very nice indeed.

[Charic]

Ive used the 10x50s during the Day and they work, but I need to be more accurate with the inter pupillary distance, and the eye relief on these optics. Once the IPD is set to get the best alignment, they feel tight across the face ? and I need the eyecups fully raised. These Nikons feel less comfortable than using my 7x50s. I'm going to keep them a little longer, but if the need arises, there's always ebay. The other problem I have, is that there are no specialist dealers local, so despite all the advice of try before you buy, or my desire to drive great distances, I 'll mention again to those that follow, try them before you buy them, if you can. Will save you a heap of issues!

[Charic]

The Nikons have gone to a new home, the purchaser is very happy with them, and a fair price too (my loss?) Now I'm back to viewing the Pentax 10x50 (49mm?) PCF WP II.

Pentax states......."PENTAX uses exclusively high-index BaK4 prisms; made of very pure Barium glass."  Would this be nearer to Schott AG optical quality glass?

I'm near the end of my search for new binoculars? (If only!) Still want to check out the Strathspey Marines (about an hours drive to view these optics)  but the 'IF' is  putting me off due to my terrestrial requirements for the 10x50s when not observing the Stars.

These two remaining optics  are from a list of  William Optics ED, Opticron Imagic, Ostara Elinor, Helios Fieldmaster.

[Charic]

Seems its much easier to pick a samsung tab 3 8.0" than it is to select the right pair of binoculars, so I did!

The binoculars (my choice now, probably ) the opticron imagic in either 42 or 50mm Objectives,  they may come before or possibly at Christmas being only 5 Months away, which also gives me some time to maybe catch up with some practical shopping and hands on with some binoculars in-store, next time I'm on a road trip . FLO has been very helpful so far with regards to my needs/requirements (Thanks Martin) 

These will solely be for low power, wide angle views, especially  for when the nights get dark  again, in a few Months time? 

Thats the theory and thought process so far, now off to play with the new Tab3, no doubt I`ll still be browsing for new optics!

[Charic]

   ......._{oops I've done it again     Changed my mind,  and still  without testing,  which is not the way to go!  Not the advice that's usually given, but  I've just ordered the}  Helios Naturesport-Plus 8x40 WA  _{at their Summer price of} £49 

[Charic]

My  BST Starguider EP`s  are  similar in most respects to the Astro-tech Paradigm`s, Agena Starguider, TS N-ED, Olivion ED, Orion, Photon ED and BST Explorers!

That said, I`m seeing a similar scenario now with some Binoculars, namely Oberwerk Ultra`s, Garret Signature`s, delta Optical, TS Marine`s, William Optics and Orion`s Resolux 10x50`s  to name but a few!

Are these binoculars really so similar, so as to not worry about their quality, and any difference I`m paying is for the branding?

Its been a Year and I`m still undecided in my choice of 10x50`s. I`m visiting London with a view to purchase? I like the idea of some Fujinon FMT-SX 10x50`s, but every time I read the reviews, most of the above are also mentioned as being as good, but also as cheap? You know me by now, tighter than a ducks porthole in water when it comes to getting value for next to nothing, but on this occasion, if the price is right!

[Damo636]

Charic

The BA8 series are very good indeed & bettering them does require considerable outlay. As for the various brands, I'd be very surprised if there were any differences other than in name. I'd probaby run with the cheapest available at the time.

In my experience though, the 10x50 (I've owned the William Optics ED) is definitely not in the same league as the 10x50 Fujinon FMT-SX. The 10x50 Fuji is stunning in every way, a marked step up in performance (and price!)

Good luck on your London trip, I hope you find what you ar looking for.

[Charic]

Damo636...........Cheers. The FMT`s  get the best reviews! 

I have some old Bresser Hunter`s, 7x50,  and they have been great  with many Years of service, but I find the Helios 8x40`s from  Flo`s 2014 Summer sale, even better? Their just stunning for my eyes, Day or Night.  Further reading the specs at FLO, their  Helios10x50`s are showing  the same  specifications, weight size, except the  difference in magnification, and only £79? If the 8x40`s are  so good, surely the 10`s will be  as good?

I have some  Revelation Astro`s, 15x70 but prefer them for daylight terrestrial use. I've also owned the Helios Stellar`s, 20x80,  but way to heavy, and not really what I need these days. 

No, I'm after  10x50s and Oberwerk, Strathspey (both BA8`s) are still  in the frame. As you mention, the cheapest BA8 if I go down that route.

Even the Mrs says I'm crazy, she says I  always whinge and moan about  prices  and brands, looking for the best, at the cheapest price ( who doesn't?)  be it  binoculars,  astro gear or whatever, yet wouldn't  bat an eyelid investing in a  Rolex? I try and explain to her that one Day she`ll get a better return from the watches when I'm no longer here? ..........and when is that she replies, with a slight  smile!

[John]

We have a pair of the Helios Naturesport 8x40's. My son used them for his wildlife trips to Sri Lanka and South Africa. They seem well made and of nice optical quality. They are robust as well because they were not treated too gently on my sons trips but came back unscathed

My son seems to have got the best binos out of the lot of us - my wife and I have charity shop specials for our birding. My wifes are Zeiss though so quite nice, if a little battered.

[Charic]

Cheers John........ your comments always welcome, I have the same, to be precise,  the  Helios Naturesport-plus 8x40WA and presently @  FLO  £69 about £20 dearer than my  purchase price ( it was a Sale!) I'm sure your Sons are the  very same.

It seems daft to me tonight,  to spend £200+  on  some 10x50`s (BA8 or not)  when according to the details on our sponsors site, £79 will get me the Helios 10x50WA. They cant really be any worse than the 8x40`s?

A side by side comparison will dictate  then, if I need both at the same session, or  keep the 8x40s in the car, and the 10x50s next to the Skyliner or vice versa? 

[John]

I don't use binoculars much for astronomy to be honest. I've got an old pair of Japanese 10x50's which are OK for my occasional astro needs.

My experience with FLO is that they choose carefully the lines they carry. If they stock it, it's very likely to be a decent item.