IMHO any unit over pocket size is markedly improved
In carry comfort using a harness system. Those shirt pocket
size have their use as well but give up a lot

What is the difference between the Vortex Diamondback HD and the Diamondback Roof Prism?

I believe it's the quality of the glass. go to httpspticsmag.com for a good article on the different types of prisms. both of the vortex diamondbacks have roof prisms as do the monoculars. not sure why the post came out that way but it should say optics mag.

Maven is also worthwhile checking out.

I went with the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x32 because it was under $200. Thank you all so much for the help!!

https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...0601935/m/7470052594

I got a pair of Stiners a little while ago. Brand Spanking new, great price, and a great guy to do business with.

(Can't go wrong with the S/F Classifieds! )

I bought a pair of Nikon Monarchs a couple years ago, for hiking. But I felt they were just too heavy for carrying around all day, and actually using them for just minutes.

So I recently purchased a pair of Nikon ProStaff 10x42. Lighter, more compact. And only about $140. Cheap enough to experiment with.

Well, the ProStaff is now just a backup or to loan out. I have gone back to the Monarchs. I have been eyeing these Zeiss compacts, though. Only $288:

https://smile.amazon.com/Zeiss...b9-81a4-dc28e6d374b3

quote:

Originally posted by ridgerat:
I bought a pair of Nikon Monarchs a couple years ago, for hiking. But I felt they were just too heavy for carrying around all day, and actually using them for just minutes.

So I recently purchased a pair of Nikon ProStaff 10x42. Lighter, more compact. And only about $140. Cheap enough to experiment with.

Well, the ProStaff is now just a backup or to loan out. I have gone back to the Monarchs. I have been eyeing these Zeiss compacts, though. Only $288:

https://smile.amazon.com/Zeiss...b9-81a4-dc28e6d374b3

How common are fakes in the binocular industry?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25580...ftz1b-4aAjw8EALw_wcB


The Vortex binoculars came today and are very clear. They are smaller than the Monarch 8x42 ATB I own, but it's hard to feel the 6 oz difference.

I just got a pair of these for my birthday in December. They're a true compact binocular.

https://www.rei.com/product/74...=&redirect-pup=false

I have plenty of "compact" binoculars that are not, but wanted a true compact pair. I'm happy with these so far.

For hiking and mostly daytime use, I recommend something like the Nikon Travelite. Very light and compact. The 8x25 version is what I would get.

If not the Nikons, look at other reverse porro prism designs. The Pentax Papilio is another great compact bino I also recommend.

I've had a pair of these for 30 years. Blows away any other compact bino I've tried.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/e...cfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

FYSA...the problem with high end glass, once you look through it and see what you have been missing in fine details, everything else absolutely SUCKS by comparison. Beware!! Nearly 20 years I looked through an 88mm Kowa spotting scope with fluorite lens at an NRA High Power event at Camp Perry, OH and you could see the bullet trail through the air all the way to the target 300 yards down range. Could not see it with the naked eye. The highest end Nikon HD binoculars are on par with the Swavorski's as far as image quality go. For something inexpensive and packable, the Vortex Diamondback HD's aren't a bad option in the $200-$300 range, but like I said if you look through high end glass you will see what you have been missing.

I bought the Vortex Diamondback HD 10x32 and a Nikon Trailblazer ATB 10x25. The Vortex has a better picture, but the Nikon isn't bad.

The Nikon is 6 oz lighter and packs down smaller. How do you all balance weight vs the picture for hikes? We've all heard oz=pounds.