Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Terry Green on July 24, 2021, 09:16:00 PM

Title: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 24, 2021, 09:16:00 PM
I was going through some of the stuff Dad left me and I can't figure out why he would have a 16 x 32 pair of binoculars?  You can't keep these things still enough with that high of magnification.

Anyone hunt with that high a power? Or, now what this high mag would be good for?
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 24, 2021, 09:39:13 PM
I guess I need to add that he always used 8 power, as do I here in the east as you don't really need more that that as you can't see no where near as far as out west.  8 power is the norm.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: 1Arrow1Kill on July 24, 2021, 10:10:14 PM
I like a higher magnification for looking at critters way out in fields from inside my Jeep.  I can brace them against the door and window frame holding them still enough.  The 32 size might be small enough to store safely in glove box or in a small area to keep them out of sight from thieves, but within quick easy reach when needed.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 24, 2021, 10:23:03 PM
So, do you use 16 power? I have some 10 power for out west and they are enough, took them to New Zealand as well.  My dad never hunted over fields, just woods. 
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: 1Arrow1Kill on July 24, 2021, 10:37:45 PM
Not 16, but 12 power.  I hunt the woods too in Michigan and use 8 X 42 Leupold Cascades, but the higher power pair in my Jeep is used while riding around to look at things in open areas that catch my attention.  Thought maybe your Father might have used the 16 X 32s for something similar other than for hunting.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Gdpolk on July 24, 2021, 10:58:41 PM
Perhaps for use at the range to see little bullet holes?  I don't know.  My only pair is some 8x32s with high quality glass.  I've never felt the need for more except when sighting in a 17hmr at 200 yards at the range.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: mj seratt on July 25, 2021, 02:35:14 AM
Terry, do they have a tripod attachment?  If so, they could be used like a spotting scope.  I have a pair of 12 power, and can't hold them steady.  If you use them very long, they'll pull your eyes out and stomp on them.  I got these in Viet Nam for a few bucks is the only reason I got them.

Murray
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: smokin joe on July 25, 2021, 07:48:05 AM
Look on the bottom of them and see if they have the ability to be mounted on a tripod. If they do, they are meant to be used like a spotting scope and they would be great for that.

Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Etter on July 25, 2021, 08:24:17 AM
I went from 10x to 12x to see developing acorns in the upper canopy.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 25, 2021, 10:19:43 AM
My Dad never had a mounting scope, I'll check and see if there is a tripod mount.
I hunted with my Dad all my life, the only binos he used were from the 70s, I got those too.  After I was old enough to hunt, he didn't hunt without me. If he was glassing fields or roads, he would have told me what he saw, we were tight and worked together for 35 years. These look brand new and like they have never been used.

Thanks for the replys guys.  :campfire:
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Mike Malvaini on July 25, 2021, 10:57:47 AM
I can't imagine how shaky those must be.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: durp on July 25, 2021, 11:06:02 AM
Your dad may have done a good deed and bought them off someone who needed the cash...not needing them himself just helping someone out :dunno:
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 25, 2021, 11:09:51 AM
Your dad may have done a good deed and bought them off someone who needed the cash...not needing them himself just helping someone out :dunno:

Yes, now THAT is possible. That was my Dad.  :campfire:
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: McDave on July 25, 2021, 02:15:07 PM
During the ‘50’s when I grew up in the open country of Nevada and Arizona, a pair of Zeiss 15x60 binoculars mounted on a tripod was a popular alternative to a spotting scope.  The optics were superb, and you could use them for a lot longer than a spotting scope without eye strain, since you could keep both eyes open and relaxed.  After I grew up and had the money to afford such things, I bought a pair for myself and used them for many years for all kinds of things.  Then one day I wanted a fancy camera I couldn’t justify buying otherwise, so I sold the binoculars and bought the camera.  The camera is long gone, but I still kick myself for selling those binoculars, especially since they don't make them anymore.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Orion on July 25, 2021, 02:23:23 PM
I dunno, but that's an awfully small objective lens for such high magnification. Are you sure the numbers are correct? Did you try looking through them?
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 25, 2021, 03:34:59 PM
Yes, I'm sure the numbers are correct as they are printed on the top, can't miss it.  Yes. I have TRIED to look them, but you can't hold them still enough.  And there is no tripod mount.

They are basically useless around here.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Squirrel Hunter on July 25, 2021, 03:47:37 PM
You can get a tripod adapter that screws into the front of the Bino, or you strap a little block of wood under the hinge and screw the tripod into that. Still only useful for wide open spaces like the west, but great for mule deer or javelina 
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: ozy clint on July 26, 2021, 06:29:04 AM
kind of a weird configuration. the exit pupil on them will be very small.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Joey Ward on July 27, 2021, 11:20:15 AM
Wear a hat with a sturdy brim.....most ball caps will work. Now pinch the binos against the hat brim. Will steady things up enough to glass with.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Wheels2 on July 27, 2021, 03:35:00 PM
Objective lense size vs magnification can cause issues with light transmission.  I suspect these are not good for periods of low light.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 27, 2021, 08:49:25 PM
Wear a hat with a sturdy brim.....most ball caps will work. Now pinch the binos against the hat brim. Will steady things up enough to glass with.

Ah, will try that tomorrow Joey, thanks.
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: mj seratt on July 28, 2021, 01:37:46 AM
Terry, another good tip is to grasp the binocs closer to the eye pieces.  Then just push your fingers into your bones over the eyes.  This goes a long way to steady them up, if you're not wearing a cap with a rigged brim.

Murray
Title: Re: 16 x 32 Binos?
Post by: Terry Green on July 28, 2021, 05:43:06 PM
Yep, I'll try that also.  Thanks