Author Topic: NGC Quality Binoculars  (Read 5260 times)

Offline giusto

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #30 on: December 28, 2019, 08:54:33 AM »
Hello Chris,

Wondering if you have made a choice yet? I wasn't even in the market but now find myself thinking this is a good idea :)

I like John U's suggestion.

I surveyed for many years and the best optics ( remember when surveyors actually had to look through the instrument)  were always Leica, hands down the best but pricey... Carl Ziess was a distant second.

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Offline boatdetective

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #31 on: December 28, 2019, 08:55:57 AM »
Bratman and Lannis make some good points here.  Roof prisms are sexy and slim, but pricy. You can trade some size by going for porro prisms while still retaining quality optics. If you know what you want, you might consider used (not much to screw up on binos). I see a lot of Zeiss 7x50s on EBay for reasonable prices. 
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Offline bratman2

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #32 on: December 28, 2019, 10:31:09 AM »
Yea, thank you for the nod boatdetective! I too had the opportunity years ago to view through a Steiner "Admiral", I believe that is what it was called. It was 7x50 and blue rubber armored.  Coworker swore that I had nothing in my collection that could touch it! My collection was smaller back then, but I had a 8x50 Zeiss and a 8x56 Docter Optics Nobilem. He left with his feelings hurt in poor light performance. But to be fair both of those binoculars cost more at that time than the Steiner did, if my memory serves me correctly. Many people would be surprised to know what my opinion of the Zeiss was after many viewing sessions side by side. I sold the Zeiss 8x50 and I still have the Docter 8x56. I have a Nikon SE 10x42 and it is a very nice piece of glass. But I don't think it would serve her best being she preferred the size of the 7x35. With the EII and SE you get optical performance that rivals the top binoculars in the world in a 30-32mm body. Very wide field of view and a comfortable body to hold for extended periods. Trade offs are you drop them from a considerable distance they are probably in need of repair. They are not water proof, probably could withstand a drizzle. They are not as slim and small as roof prisms binoculars. Truthfully, for what it sounds like she wants and need I would stick with my recommendation regardless of price.
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Offline ozarquebus

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #33 on: December 28, 2019, 11:05:20 AM »
The width and breadth of knowledge on this forum is very fine. Every time I think I am approaching 'expert' status on any NGC topic, ie:  stereos, batteries, optics, mathematics, electronics....I discover I am still a toddler.
 I am only really an expert at figuring out a bargain basement way of doing things barely acceptably half fast.
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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #33 on: December 28, 2019, 11:05:20 AM »

Offline fossil

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #34 on: December 28, 2019, 12:01:47 PM »
Marine Glasses like the Steiner Admiral or the Steiner Commander are different from glasses made for hunting, bird watching and so on. The anti-reflective coating of the lenses are different, furthermore the glasses very often have to cope with an awful lot of light (especially blue light). For these reasons all of the big brands have specialised glasses for a lot of different uses.

In our German forums (hunting and so on) the Nikon SE - glasses are highly regarded in their price field. I had never the opportunity to try one.
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Offline bratman2

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #35 on: December 28, 2019, 02:36:07 PM »
You are exactly correct Fossil! Docter makes a Navidoc that when compared to it's 7x50 brethren performs poorly in low light situations because the coatings are design around water work and reducing glare. I didn't know that at the time of the comparison but do now. I didn't mean that as a dig against the Steiner. I know that they have been rating pretty good in the hunting community the past decade or so. I don't think they have made big inroads in the astronomy or birdwatching community.

The Nikon SE 10x42 I have is awesome in my opinion, especially for it's size. It just works and I consider comparable to the Docters quality wise in a porro binocular. I would love to get a SE 12x50 to compare to my Docter 12x50. Or just to have as I am a sucker for good glass.  Most of my work is under the night sky. I have a 5" Takahashi FS128 fluorite telescope and a Celestron C11 CF telescope. Generally when it is set up and I have company over I will take a couple of pairs of binoculars out. That way everyone has something to do while waiting their turn at the eyepiece. I have had some people that for some odd reason didn't want to let the binoculars go after a few minutes gazing the milky way, lol! Usually I have my Docter 8x56, 12x50 and a 10x50 out for viewing.

I would guess in my decades of collecting binoculars I have had between 50-75 total. I probably have 12 right now.

Lannis, was that Cory Suddarth that went through your B&L binoculars. He has cleaned and collimated several for me over the years! There isn't but a couple or three in the US that work on binoculars anymore. So many are disposable now.
« Last Edit: December 28, 2019, 02:41:51 PM by bratman2 »
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Offline Lannis

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #36 on: December 28, 2019, 03:18:32 PM »
Lannis, was that Cory Suddarth that went through your B&L binoculars. He has cleaned and collimated several for me over the years! There isn't but a couple or three in the US that work on binoculars anymore. So many are disposable now.

Yes it was.   He's done a good job for me at a price I consider reasonable, although I haven't tried anyone else ....

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Offline boatdetective

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #37 on: December 28, 2019, 04:52:55 PM »
I would heartily agree that this forum has been an unfailing resource to me. The problem (and it's not a little one) is that the same crew will provide you with shameless justification to buy more gadgets. Example: Bratman now has me researching Docter binoculars for which I have no need whatsoever.

RE the Nikon glass- absolutely agree. They have quite a range of products that all represent excellent value. Sadly, I've sold off just about all my Nikon camera gear for the Olympus system.
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Offline Lannis

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #38 on: December 28, 2019, 05:01:21 PM »
I forgot that these were for the wife.

My wife does not like my B&L Navy 7x50s because they are pretty heavy.

She LOVES her Nikon "Monarch" 8x42 - light and handy and very clear.

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Online bad Chad

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #39 on: December 28, 2019, 05:05:22 PM »
Kind of fun to learn about binocs.  Just like most anything worth having, a whole world exists.  Just like speakers, amps, watches, radios, and on and on!   It's seems always to be about how far one wants to go down the rabbit whole!
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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #40 on: December 28, 2019, 05:06:03 PM »
Not the best optics out there...but the Celestron lines are pretty good for the money....we use these for birding and hiking and exploring...Good value (IMHO) :thumb: :cool:





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Offline bratman2

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #41 on: December 28, 2019, 09:49:06 PM »
I am here for you boatdetective, lol!
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Offline ccoli

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #42 on: December 28, 2019, 10:39:58 PM »
No I have not opened up my wallet, yet. Realized that I can't order them until after some travel we have planned.
I certainly am grateful for all the expertise and recommendations given. I'm also glad I gave you guys something to chat about during the long winter. I never expected this thread would exceed 1 page.
I doubt I will go with used one's from eBay as I will never know enough to avoid the imitations and or damaged goods. I am a seasonede Bay user and would gladly take suggestions if one of you binocular geeks watches this stuff on a regular basis.

Hello Chris,

Wondering if you have made a choice yet? I wasn't even in the market but now find myself thinking this is a good idea :)

I like John U's suggestion.

I surveyed for many years and the best optics ( remember when surveyors actually had to look through the instrument)  were always Leica, hands down the best but pricey... Carl Ziess was a distant second.
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Online bad Chad

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #43 on: December 28, 2019, 11:47:50 PM »
You might be over thinking it?   There just binoculars,  however often you/her think you’ll use them, in reality it will be one quarter of that. 
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Offline fossil

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #44 on: December 29, 2019, 01:21:17 AM »
I collect Docter binoculars so you can be assured I already knew they have been sold. I still stick by my first recommendation and don't recommend them. See how that works, I am not recommending my favorite binoculars because I feel that what he wants would be best served with something else. A Nikon E or SE in 8x30 or 8x32 in excellent condition is my number one pick for what the OP claims his wife will most likely use them for. If you are lucky you can still find a new one from Japan ccoli! Go to Ebay and search ccoli. To get the optical performance of those two binoculars in a roof prism binocular that so many are recommending you would have to spend a pretty penny! Many people are recommending large binoculars, roof prism hunting binoculars, this is not what the lady is doing. Sounds like he wants to purchase her a high end general use binocular that she can view birds from, maybe an occasional sporting event. I have a rare, bought in near new condition, Docter Classic 8x30 porro prism that I guarantee she would love. Problem is they are rare, lol! Like hen teeth!

Well I thought so you know that. I did this remark because obviously other Wildguzzisti apart from the OP share the idea that binoculars are fascinating. And your experience with the Docters is good so that others perhaps would like to take a closer look at them. It would be a pity if they couldn´t find them because Docter itself today makes LED - lenses for cars and such stuff.

Another addition: For birdwatching it is important that the colours the glasses show are true. This also must be considered, as they can be altered by the coating of the lenses. If we talk about Steiner and the demand of the OP´s wife a Safari should be clearly superior to e.g. a Commander (my own Steiner is a Safari). Of course, the nonplusultra would be the Peregrine 10x42...
« Last Edit: December 29, 2019, 01:50:39 AM by fossil »
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Offline kirby1923

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #45 on: December 29, 2019, 09:26:37 AM »
Years back when I was a teen I shot competition 1000 yd open sight. Later I started shooting prairie dogs (a real problem on the ranch) and acquired a collection of optics such as spotting scopes range finders,(mostly surplus WWII)
and had a good pair of Navy 23s.

I've over the years been fond of the Nikon products and still carry in the bike travel kit an aculon 7X35, (Nikon), that has come in handy at times. Like duct tape I don't leave home w/out them.

:-)
« Last Edit: December 29, 2019, 09:35:09 AM by kirby1923 »
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Offline bratman2

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #46 on: December 29, 2019, 03:39:30 PM »
Honestly I have not followed it much lately Fossil. I knew Noblex purchased Docter but when I first looked it seemed all the same stuff was available. Except for the Nobilem, I think the last of them ended around 2014-2015. Of course a new in the box one can be found here or there. I am much shocked to see what the new Noblex binoculars sell for. You state they still make them in the old plant with the same help? Wow, they sure dropped the prices to near Chinese binocular prices. But I know nothing of them. Except they are way cheaper than I have ever seen a Docter. If Docter would have just spent a few bucks advertising there is no telling what they may might could have done business wise. Oh well!
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Offline fossil

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #47 on: December 30, 2019, 02:48:59 AM »
Their history in short can be found here: https://www.noblex-germany.com/index.php/en/about-us/history . One of the few examples of a successful outcome for a eastern Germany company after the Reunification. Partly the new prices result in much further developed production methods.
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Offline jcctx

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #48 on: December 30, 2019, 11:35:01 AM »
Tag on question~~Any advice on monoculars (only have sight in one eye)???

Offline bratman2

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #49 on: December 31, 2019, 04:52:51 PM »
I would probably look into the Vortex Solo. Comes in 4 different versions and fairly reasonably priced.
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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #50 on: January 01, 2020, 12:11:05 AM »
Jcctx, I wound up getting a pair of Vortex Solo 8x25 binoculars monocular ($49) and find them it very nice: solid, with a good grip and a sharp image. [EDIT -- sorry for calling the monocular a "pair of binoculars"!]

But I think binoculars are inherently more stable because of the two-handed grip. You might prefer binoculars for that reason even if you only have one good eye. Maybe you could convert the unused side into a flask!

Moto
« Last Edit: January 01, 2020, 12:44:18 PM by Moto »

Offline jcctx

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #51 on: January 01, 2020, 11:52:24 AM »
Thanks, will take a look.

I have a couple cheap monos and agree on stability but they are super compact and easy to carry! I also have a 10 to 35 high end (for china) bino that I keep on the bar for wild life viewing and double as a spotting scope at the range. Clumsy to carry tho.

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #52 on: January 01, 2020, 11:55:49 AM »
Great idea, Moto.. :boozing: :smiley:
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Offline harley21

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #53 on: May 24, 2022, 11:05:18 AM »
Compact binoculars are so good in quality.
I love binoculars and had a habit of collecting them. Recently bought these Hontry Store 10x25 Compact Binoculars from amazon. and I am already in love with these binoculars. They are very small in size and light in weight, hence they are very easy to carry. I am keeping these binoculars on my belt while traveling. It arrived in a safe and neatly packed box. The foldable design helps to fold the binoculars into the palm size due to their less weight. It can also provide a wider range of long-distance activities. It provides accurate focusing and shock resistance with the help of rubber Armour ergonomic design and steady grip.

Because of the slim and simple design of the binoculars, it provides an anti-skid feature. It also had a carrying case and a neck strap which is easy to carry. The spectacle wearers can also use these binoculars very comfortably. It provides sharp, bright, and contrasting images. It also provides very low light night vision. These binoculars are suitable for adults as well as kids.

Offline Gliderjohn

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #54 on: May 24, 2022, 12:17:48 PM »
IMHO Nikon gives one of the best bangs for the buck and has quite a quality/price spread. I have used a pair of Nikon 10-50 "Action" model for around 15+ years and they have served me well. That said I found this pair of 1930s vintage Zeiss 8x40s at an estate sale for $8.00. Spent about $300 on a professional cleaning, lubing and realignment. At my old house their was a street sign about 1/2 mile away. With the Nikon you could make out the street sign. With the Zeiss you could almost make out the letters on the sign. Both are to heavy for carry around the neck for long.



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« Last Edit: May 24, 2022, 12:18:33 PM by Gliderjohn »
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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #55 on: May 24, 2022, 07:06:35 PM »
Many years ago, my sweetie bought me a pair of Swift Ultra lite 8X42s. They are excellent for bird watching.. they show lots of detail. Probably not too expensive, dunno.
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Online JNMathews

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #56 on: May 25, 2022, 05:59:22 AM »
I did some research years ago on this topic.  The one thing that really struck me was light gathering capability. The human pupil can typically open to about 5mm.  When selecting binoculars, you want the diameter of the objective lens to be at least 5x the power; this ensures good light gathering.  If this ratio works out to 7x, you get even better view, especially when lighting is low, around dusk/dawn. 

I’ve experimented with this and found it seems to be true.  I used a very old Tasco, a Cannon, and 2 pairs of Nikons to test this theory. 

For what it’s worth the new Nikons are excellent and only around $100.

Offline moto

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #57 on: May 25, 2022, 09:47:39 AM »
I did some research years ago on this topic.  The one thing that really struck me was light gathering capability. The human pupil can typically open to about 5mm.  When selecting binoculars, you want the diameter of the objective lens to be at least 5x the power; this ensures good light gathering.  If this ratio works out to 7x, you get even better view, especially when lighting is low, around dusk/dawn. 

Since Guzzi owners tend to be older we should take into account the decrease of pupil size with age, to avoid buying binoculars whose light output would be wasted on us. A clear, concise and I think authoritative discussion: https://binocularbase.com/choose-binoculars-for-older-people/


I'm 70 years old, so my nighttime fully opened pupils should be about 3.2mm. Binoculars with exit diameters larger than that are wasted on me. If I want 8x magnification, I won't benefit from an objective lens more than about 8 x 3.2 = 25.6mm, even at night! Needing lighter, smaller and cheaper binoculars is the only advantage of age that I can think of right now. My USSR-made field binoculars, at 8x30, are just right and are my favorites.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2022, 09:57:23 AM by moto »
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Offline steven c

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #58 on: May 26, 2022, 11:04:35 AM »
My 35 year old Minolta's 8X30 are my favorite and my Nikon 8-20 Zooms I picked up on Ebay for $25 are pretty good, they just are not good at the far end of the zoom.
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Offline John Ulrich

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Re: NGC Quality Binoculars
« Reply #59 on: May 26, 2022, 01:40:04 PM »
When this thread started I bought a Hawke Endurance ED 8x32 for a cruise.  Now hopefully 3 years later the cruise will finally sail.
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