Minox 8x24 bd p reverse-porro-binoculars

 I have had these binoculars since the mid 1990s. They are made of solid aluminium but they are light. They have a life time guarantee.  The optics are superb but modern binoculars have  marginally better light transmission but that is just about all that is better. The resolution,  natural colour and contrast and control of aberrations are brilliant. They compare most favourable to my Minox 8x25 BV roof-prism binoculars as they are easier to focus and have marginally better resolution.

These binoculars have been everywhere with me and they are my favourites. 

In Canada's Gatineau park I was able to observe a Golden Eagle from a long way off as it was being attacked by a Raven. The ranger, that I reported the observation to, insisted that the bird was a Bald Eagle and that Golden Eagles were not present in the park. He was wrong and an article in a magazine later confirmed that a Golden Eagle had been seen by birders in Gatineau park, and it was the first for many years.

In Greece at a dark sky site I was able to observe the 4 Galilean moons of Jupiter easy. Stars were pinpoint. These glasses can be used for astronomy at a push if specialist astronomical binoculars are not available.


I have observed kookaburras in Australia and observed dolphins in the surf from a considerable distance.

In France I have observed Storks, Lammergeiers, Golden Eagles, Red Kites, Black Kites, Hoopoes, and Kingfishers to name but a few. The UK the birder club pointed out some rock sparrows to my wife and me, we got a good observation. The birders were using Swarovski and Leica bins.

In Spain I have observed Imperial Eagles, Storks and Hoopoes.

In Iceland I have observed Corvids and Volcanic geological features.

In the UK, I have observed very many iconic species including Peregrine Falcons, Red Kites, Little Egrets, Avocets, Cuckoos - the list goes on. 

On our next trip to Portugal they will be coming with me, my wife will have to use the Minox 8x25 roof-prism bins! The 8x24s are not waterproof but they are small enough for your hands to protect them. They are suitable for most travel purposes except for penetrating the jungle, when a pair of solid Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski glass would suit you better but at a heavy cost.

They are not advertised much on second hand sites but 99USD would be a great price to pay for a well collimated and good condition pair which nowadays will still be hard to beat. I won't be selling mine and I feel they will last another twenty years or so.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/331897572856?ff3=2&toolid=10044&campid=5338235235&customid=1234&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&item=331897572856&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&ufes_redirect=true

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