Thread: Vintage Binoculars

I had a good older pair of Zeiss till and unfortunate accident,, but with Bobs help I was convinced to go back to them and I can say my new ones are just as good as my old ones were. they are a little expensive but I see they also make a cheaper line that has more Chinese labor and parts. I use mine daily, I was even thinking of going real high end, but the Zeiss is really all I need. I watch the wildlife out in the fields from on top of tank batteries and star watching at night.. none of this calculations matter as long as the optics re well made with the proper coatings. so never buy cheap and they will work! thanks again Bob Tc

I also enjoy a set of compact Leicas that I picked up about 5 or 6 years ago.

I had a nice set of compact Zeiss that I bought back in the early 80s but a buddy wanted them more than he wanted his mint K38 Masterpiece. I shot Bullseye with that pistol for many years. Got a lot more use out of the K38 than I did the binos so we were both happy.

Originally Posted by BobH

Argue with these guys then

Binoculars: Eye Relief or Birding Binoculars Q&A: Is exit pupil related to eye relief?

Yes, that is the definition of eye relief but the amount of eye relief depends on what design the eye piece is. If you are an eye glass wearer you need a minimum eye relief distance to be able to use the binos wearing glasses. Some binos just do not meet that requirement. Fortunately most do these days. I don't wear eye glasses so it is not that critical for me.

Bob

Well, it's a relationship between the initial lens and the final lens. it's about ease in being able to see the field of view. it's a convenience thing really but I like my definition better-har har.

So yes eye relief will change with the type.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Well, it's a relationship between the initial lens and the final lens. it's about ease in being able to see the field of view. it's a convenience thing really but I like my definition better-har har.

So yes eye relief will change with the type.

Yea, it is the minimum eye relief that is the bug with binos and rifle scopes on hard kicking rifles too. The vintage Nikons I just got work for me with no glasses but if I put my reading glasses on the is no way I can get the eye piece close enough to see the full field of view. The much newer Fujinon bino I have it is no problem either way.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Yea, it is the minimum eye relief that is the bug with binos and rifle scopes on hard kicking rifles too. The vintage Nikons I just got work for me with no glasses but if I put my reading glasses on the is no way I can get the eye piece close enough to see the full field of view. The much newer Fujinon bino I have it is no problem either way.

Bob

Some day try looking through a telescope eyepiece that's 2mm. That's when you appreciate eye relief.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Some day try looking through a telescope eyepiece that's 2mm. That's when you appreciate eye relief.

Yea, there is a big difference in the use an astral telescope is put to and a bino or rifle scope and what limitations you can/have to put up with in each of them. Even in cameras when there is a need for non critical eye placement and long eye relief Nikon made the Da-2 Action Finder specifically for that purpose.

Bob

Question: I have a pair of Empire model 214 binoculars that I have had since elementary school. The rubber eyepieces have dry rotted despite being kept in climate control. Can anyone tell me where and what size replacement eye pieces?? Any help would be appreciated!