Binoculars

[270man]

Watchmaker (and all binocular devotees),

I re-read your original evaluation from last year and noted that I came to the same conclusion. My wife has a Leica 10X-42mm Trinovid and I followed that purchase with a Pentac DCF-WP 10X-42mm glass. After that I helped a friend purchase his first good binocular and chose the Nikon Monarch 10X-42mm. Both the Pentax and the Nikon are lighter than the Leica and I am unable to tell any perceivable difference in optical quality.

When I completed my original evaluation, I decided that there were 3 binoculars that provided the best value for the money. The Pentax DCF-WP and the Nikon Monarch were two of them. I added the Bushnell Legend 10X-42mm to the group but have never personally tried one of those.

All 3 of my choices are available for around $300. One real test of quality is how they hold up in the field. So far, all of the binoculars I've purchased (including the Nikon bought for my friend) are holding up well. Time will tell. The Leica should be expected to last but if I were starting over, I would buy one of the aforementioned types in preference to the Leicas.

270man