Next step from Olympus DPS-1 10x50?

[Alan White]

My trusty Olympus 10x50 DPS-1 have now been outgrown and I want better optics after 7 years of use.

What is the next sesnible price point to step up to in Porro Prism Binoculars?
£150 - £200 or higher to get a notable improvement?
The Penta S Series WP look like a sesnible step, but step far enough?
My heart fancies what were the LUnt 10x50 now APM but its a lot of money that the wallet does not hold presently.
But I have a birthday next month and can hint and be hopeful after all.

Your thoughts please if you will, not on my optimism on birthday presents.

[Knighty2112]

I got some Pentax SP 20x60mm WP Binoculars about three months back and their working great. Tend to use these more than any of my other binos. Also use them for checking out for any worth while sunspots before I lug out any scope to view them with. Created some home made solar filters to puton the end of them. Views are very good through them, so well worth it.

Edited August 27, 2021 by Knighty2112

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

You may not need to spend quite as much for a "notable improvement"...

I bought Opticron Adventurer T WP 10x50 to replace my Olympus DPS-I 10x50. The difference is actually more than "notable", it's blinkin' obvious! A much brighter view and more detail evident when pointing at the moon for instance. After Steve Tonkin recommended them I decided to try these and I'm glad I did. Also the bag is better, the strap is better and they have fixed objective caps. 

Steve Tonkin's review

Edited August 27, 2021 by ScouseSpaceCadet

[Ricochet]

If the Pentax SP WP is in budget at £169 can you stretch to £200 for a second hand Lunt (assuming it is still really available)?

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=177330

I've got the 16x70 Helios Lightquest and based on those I'd buy the Lunts in a heartbeat if I was looking for a 10x50.

[BinocularSky]

@ScouseSpaceCadet has mentioned my recommendation of the Opticron T WP - astonishingly good value, and waterproof! However, the Lunt/APM/LightQuest 10x50 is noticeably brighter - but over-budget. Another contender is the Nikon Action Extreme which, I think, just falls within your budget.

[Alan White]

On 30/08/2021 at 10:17, BinocularSky said:

@ScouseSpaceCadet has mentioned my recommendation of the Opticron T WP - astonishingly good value, and waterproof! However, the Lunt/APM/LightQuest 10x50 is noticeably brighter - but over-budget. Another contender is the Nikon Action Extreme which, I think, just falls within your budget.

Thanks Steve, how does the Pentax compare to the Nikon in this price bracket?

[BinocularSky]

On 31/08/2021 at 22:10, Alan White said:

Thanks Steve, how does the Pentax compare to the Nikon in this price bracket?

The Pentax is lighter and has a much smaller field of view, although the size of the very sharp sweet spot is about the same. The Pentax also has locking focus, which can be useful. Review at https://binocularsky.com/binoc_reviews.php