Minox 9.5 x 42 BD IF --- Any experiance?

A

ArkansasElkHunter

New member
I almost hate to start another "Which binocular" thread but I posted a while back about Which Binoculars and recieved some great responces. I had decided on the Zeiss Classics 10 x 42 from Cabelas, but got distracted and spent the money on a new sccope. (ziess 6.5 x 20 x 50) Well, Elk season is less than a month away so I've been on the binocular hunt again and have been reading all the reviews and old threads here trying to make a decision.

I read a rewiew on another site about the Minox line. I understand they are a part of Leica. In the review below they are compared to several top names and actually fare quite well by comparison. I was wondering if any one here has tried a pair. For $299 if they are that close to Ziess, then they would be a heck of a deal. I like the Individual focus concept, but I've never used one. Can they actuall be in focus from 100 yds to infinity? Seems like you'd be giving up something or why wouldnt everyone be doing that.

Minox 9.5x42 BD IF review
Minox vs Ziess

I found the Nikon Venture LX 10 x 42 refurbished for $650. They have the 25 year Nikon no hassle warrenty. Any concerns with a refurb that I need to watch out for? Something makes me uneasy about buying a binocular that someone else sent back, especially for $650. Do they polish the glass out and recoat if the previous owner scratched them when cleaning? Most all the birding reviews place them at the top above everything else.

Buster, Feel free to chime in here.

I've also been looking at the Pentax DCF Sp 10 x 42 and the 10 x 50. For $439 and $499 they arn't bad and I really like the way the feel when holding them. The 10 x 50 are supposed to be 30 oz but I can't really tell the difference between them and the 10 x 42's.


I guess I'm down to the Ziess 10 x 42 @$749, the Nikon LX 10 x 42 refurb @ $649, The Pentax 10 x 50 @ $449. Or depending on what Feedback I get, I may try the Minox. I can get them and return them If I don't like them. As always any comments are appreciated.
 
No personal experience with the Minox IF's, but they're getting rave reviews. It's pretty tough to find a decent phase corrected roof prism for under $300.00, so I'd say they're probably a pretty good deal. The only experience I've ever had with IF binoculars was with a pair of Steiner Military Marines that absolutely sucked. I think this had more to do with the optics than the focus system, but it left a pretty bad taste in my mouth.

I'm sure some of the Nikon refurbs are customer returns, but from what I understand, the majority of them are salesman samples. I just bought a pair of 8x32 Venturer/LX's from Doug at Cameraland and I'm here to tell you, there wasn't a mark on them anywhere! The 8x32's are amazing glass. If you decide to go that route (Nikon Venturer/LX's), I'd suggest you call Doug and ask him to hand pick you a pair. He's great to work with.

Another great thing about Nikon is their warranty. Their binos are coverevd under a "No fault" warranty that allows you to return them no questions asked for repair or replacement (their option) for $10.00 plus the cost of return shipping. They carry a 25 year warranty for factory defects that doesn't cost you anything but shipping one way.

The 10x40 Zeiss ClassiC's are fanatastic glass, and in my humble opinion (IMHO), are what all others are judged by. This is simply because they've been around forever and have a stellar reputation. Again, IMHO, they were a pretty good bargain at $699.99, but I'm not sure I'd spend $799.99 on them (Cabelas recently upped their price). I think the Nikon refurbs are better glass for the money. If you want to sepnd $500.00 or less, get the Pentax SP's and never look back.

One other thing, I'd skip the 10x50's and get either an 8x42/43 or 10x42/43. The 10x50's are too bulky and you'll sacrifice FOV.

If you haven't done it already, go over to that other board and do search in the optics section for Mule Deer's (John Barnsness) opinion on the SP's and Nikon Venturer/LX's.....

Take care.
 
Yes, I did. I ordered the 10 x 42 Pentax DCF SP for $439 from Doug. I just could not make peace with the 34.6 oz weight on the Nikons and was a little afraid of the IF on the minox. I like to focus out near cover and look through it and you won't be able to do that with the IF. Now I just hope I'm happy with the pentax and don't regret not getting the Nikons /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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