Earlier this year i bought myself a decent set of Binoculars Nikon Monarch M7 10x30 ed Glass , They are ideal for walking etc . i am very impressed they are comfortable easy on the eye and a joy to use .
Recently while looking at Facebook marketplace i found a large set of vintage Hilkinson 15x80 local to me for £30 and thought id give them a try for astronomy and long range viewing
Stuck them on a old cheap camera tripod . Wow these are so Good . spotted ships 17+ miles away from my house with ease , again these are easy on the eye having a 5mm exit pupil helps .
i then thought what would a modern similar set be like compared to the old Hilkinsons . So got a set of Opticron 20x80 ( similar to celestron etc clones ) these get a great write up . The image was good and clear but they have many Negative points that's why you see so many for sale used
focus wheel was far too stiff , The Ocular hinge again far too stiff but what was worst was the rubber eye cups . These are massive lumps badly designed. when fully out they interfere with the bridge of your nose . even when folded down they are no better and make viewing a torture as you cannot get comfortable viewing experience . so these cheap Chinese have been returned and i have happily gone back to the old vintage Hilkinsons