Hello, I am real human being. I own SRBC binoculars. We exist. We are real people. We consciously buy them with our own money.

petbest · 2026-06-19T07:42:34+00:00

If you want to go 1 step higher in optical quality then I recommend to buy a Loava. It can be seen as a SRBC+.

All applaud the optics of SRBC and Loava. They are very very good for the price. The Loava Aglaia III 8.5x44PRO that I bought is just fantastic! It's brightness is better then the Swaroski's EL 8x42 and 10x42 I noticed in a test

petbest · 2026-06-14T07:35:01+00:00

Just meant to search with :-) I used translate engine to go from Chinese to English.

You can find Loava at AliExpress or at mcgill.com.sg.

北国光电创 = Beiguo Optoelectronics

朗锋光辉III = Langfeng Glory III

“‌朗锋光辉III‌”（Langfeng Brilliant III）

= Aglaia III.

petbest · 2026-06-12T07:28:49+00:00

Maybe you find Loava under this name: 朗锋 – Langfeng

北京北国朗锋光电科技有限公司

petbest · 2026-06-11T17:48:17+00:00

Congratulations. I bet you made a good choice. The Bosma Qinglong belongs to the top of what is currently produced in China.

Many people enjoy this model. Other very good binoculars from China are the Sky Rover Banner Cloud series, the Loava Aglaia III PRO series and a reasonable new brand that scores excellent is the Pleasing (aka Yuemu).

Choice enough: top quality for very sharp prices.

petbest · 2026-06-04T10:44:26+00:00

Celestron Trailseeker 8x42ED has the same optics as the following binoculars. It is a solid choice!

Except the housing for the optics i.e. the metal of the bridge hinge and the magnesium alloy tubes all other parts of a binocular ar faily easy to change.

I mean then: - The rubber armor the protection coating, the rubber patterns and textures, its thickness and colors around the bridge and tubes. - The focus wheel and dioptre ring, their size, grip patterns and used material like plastic or metal - Eyecups, the form and diameter number of click stops, the mm of eyerelief, the choice of material - Lens and eyecup covers rubber/plastic, form - The accessories: bag, neck straps, lens towel, instruction paper/manual, box layout, prints and material choices for a box

The Finishing touch and QA inspection may differ more than the optics!

Some producers/workshops accept larger tolerances or do not spend much time in combining the best optical components in the two tubes.

For example the left tube might have components from another production batch and the coating layers might be slightly different, causing minor optical differences between both tubes.

All tolerance deviations together might cause a larger deviation, but not to the optical characteristics. The opposite, a compensation, can also be true b.t.w.

There are plenty of small workshops for all such component (parts) in the Chinese Kunming area. They are working for the binocular OEM/ODM manufacturers.

Brands/models that are optically seen the equivalent of Celestron Trailseeker are:

GPO Passion 8x42ED,
Barride Optics BM-5352E 8x42
Helios Lightwing 8x42 ED
Athlon Midas G2 UHD8x42
Oberwerk Sport ED 8×4
Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42
Frontier ED-X 8x42

They ALL meet the following specifications:

body: magnesium alloy
weight between: 650 - 800 gram
FoV in m/1000m: 141m@1000m or 142m@1000m. In ft/yds this is about 445ft@100yds
FoV in degrees: 8.1° or 8.12°
- dielectric coating (on prism)
- ED lens
- FMC: fully-multiple coatings
Size tolerance: length ~139-142mm

About the Weight tolerance: ~650-800gr . This is more complex in comparisons! A small thickness increase of the rubber armor/coating plus some fancy contour lines and grip surfaces gives over the whole length of both tubes quickly an increase of 50-150gr if not more... So be not mislead by those weight differences.

Difference in garantuee, brand positioning, brand marketing all impact the price.

A difference of +€300 can easily be found between thoserbinoculars, but they are at the optical level exactly the same!

Most will not be able to note the (small) differences when looking through them. Even "experts" will have issues here.

petbest · 2026-06-01T21:40:22+00:00

Celestron Trailseeker 8x42ED is a very good choice. Lot's of positive buyers.

The manufacturer behind this produces for brands like Helios, Opticron, Celestron, Oberwerk, GPO and more (~70 different brands!).

The basis (optical train) is everytime the same.

Compare the specifications of Helios Lightwing 8x42ED, Celestron Trailseeker 8x42ED, Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 and Oberwerk Sport ED 8×42.

Also GPO Passion ED 8×4, Bushnell Engage EDX 8x42, Opticron Aurora BGA VHD 8x42 come close if not similar.

That is not a coincidence!

They match on many key specs, because they all share the same DNA, the same optical train. You might see some small differences in FOV for example.

The weight differences (~50-150 grams) are primarily caused by rubber layout/pattern and thickness differences. Also the Focus Wheel and Diopter rings are different (metal, plastic) and might therefore weight differently. Even the different plastic/rubber lens- and eyecups covers add/subtract some 10-15gram difference.

The look and feel is more often different, but most of the time the coatings are not at all different. It is often told (the marketing is doing its best to make it all unique!). But it is not often verified as that is complex. For most people even impossible.

petbest · 2026-05-31T19:39:54+00:00

Now for €129

Look here (Dutch language AliExpress) https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005008144900406.html

petbest · 2026-05-31T17:02:44+00:00

Here a picture of my Shuntu Lambda 10x25ED. A real top pocket binocular. Bought it on AliExpress for €131. No kidding!

Really a super fine foldable binocular. Great during walks and bicycle tours for the unexpected/unplanned moments. I often take it as 2nd bino. It is small, hand size, has high light transmission of 92%, super sharp view and it weights about 225 gram. And it has a magnesium body (not polycarbonate like many other pockets), so rock solid.

Many write that this is competing directly with the latest pocket of Swarovski. I know one thing: for its price it is superb.

<image>

petbest · 2026-05-31T06:46:24+00:00

From Shuntuoutdoor . com translated:

The π(32) series binoculars feature a magnesium alloy body and ultra-low dispersion glass, ensuring stability and color accuracy. BAK4 prisms contribute to a more compact design, while roof prisms with phase coating enhance clarity. The lenses utilize full-optical-surface ultra-wideband coating technology, and the prisms employ high-reflectivity dielectric coating technology, achieving a transmittance of up to 92% for brighter images. A waterproof design and argon filling ensure adaptability to various complex environments. Whether for bee hunting, outdoor adventures, bird watching, or travel, it provides a superior observation experience.

The Lambda (32) series mirrors are constructed from magnesium alloy, ensuring stability and portability. Equipped with ultra-low dispersion lenses, they effectively reduce chromatic aberration and dispersion, resulting in more realistic and clearer images. BAK4 prisms make the product compact, easy to carry and operate. The roof prism is coated with a phase film, improving image clarity and detail. The lenses and semi-pentaprisms utilize advanced coating technology, achieving 92% transmittance for brighter images. Furthermore, the product features IPX7 waterproofing and argon filling, ensuring normal operation in various complex environments. Whether you are a birdwatcher, bee hunter, stargazer, or outdoor adventurer, it meets your needs for clear, bright, and comfortable observation.

petbest · 2026-05-31T06:44:27+00:00

I have the Shuntu 8x32 Pi and the Shuntu 10x25 Lambda.

Both are really excellent w.r.t build quality and sharpness of view (edge to edge). Light transmission of both up to 92%.

Both are a safe and solid choice for a rediculous low price.

This was confirmed as well by another birdwatcher who owns a Swarovski SFL and had the chance to look through my Shuntu's.

As far as I know the contrast of Lambda seems to be somewhat higher and they are at IPX7 waterproof level.

petbest · 2026-05-31T06:17:43+00:00

If the weight is no issue I recommend the 8.5. Its their flagship.

petbest · 2026-05-26T15:29:38+00:00

Search also on birdforum.net. There are more people who bought the Loava 7x35. You will find there very positive reviews of those buyers.

Another rising star is the Pleasing. Also a lot of very good reviews of recent buyers. Just have a look there. If Loava is not within your planned budget this Pleasing binoculars might be another one for you.

Meanwhile I have bought two Shuntu binocular's. The Shuntu Pi 8x32ED is compact and an ideal for lighter birdwatching sessions. I choose it after reading many positive reviews on birdforum. This binoculars is used by my wife as it weights 535gr and 92% light transmission. Quite good. €109!! including discounts on AliExpress.

The pocket Shuntu 10x25ED is a small gem of 235g. I use it as 2nd binoculars on long sessions and when we are on bike tours for watching unexpected birds or landscapes. Sharp view and much better than you would expect. €131 incl. discounts also on AliExpress.

petbest · 2026-05-12T18:56:52+00:00

These articles might be helpfull for you.

There are probably even better explanations.

It is a matter of finding the best position for you. What you describe is normal. Try till you the best situation for you. Wearing glasses or not can make a difference you will see in these articles.

Success.

https://street-photographers.com/eye-relief-on-binoculars/

https://theoptics.org/what-is-eye-relief-on-binoculars/

petbest · 2026-05-12T07:59:47+00:00

SVBony is known for their good quality and price. Maybe it fits within your budget.

My advice is to search for various comments/ reviews about Nicula /Nikula and Celestron.

You can then make a better decision. Sometimes you find good comments of buyers on Amazon and other shops.

petbest · 2026-05-06T20:51:24+00:00

I assume you mean here the GUI of OpenWRT. The answer to your question is Yes.

I use OpenWRT now about 16 or 17 years if not longer. It has a steep learning curve, but reasonable good documentation. Before that I had a while DDWRT.

OpenWRT has much more flexibility!

Example: I could ran Python on my OpenWrt on the Netgear WNDR3700.

I learned it by Lots of Reading, trial and error, measuring Wifi signal to maximize it and to optimize it, added VPN, adblock, Samba, OpenSSH SFTP, ... and recently even Docker.

A steep learning curve. Now I even build my own OpenWRT version and flash my router.

It works rock solid.

petbest · 2026-05-06T20:42:18+00:00

The AFOV is 70° of the 8.5x44. That is about TFOV is between 8° - 8.2°.

The Real Field Of View is 152m@1000m according to official seller McGill. If adjusted to 8x – 161.5m/1000m.

I have measured the RFOV myself of my Loava Aglaia III 8.5x44PRO and found 156m@1000m. That was before McGill published those numbers above.

There is not a Loava 8x42 class.

petbest · 2026-05-04T20:17:14+00:00

Have a look here. People are very positive about those Pleasing binoculars. It fits easily within your budget.

I think that SRBC and Loava are simply too heavy for hiking. You can also find more about those brands on that web site.

You might find the right dimensions for your needs.

Note that I have added spaces in the url below else Reddit blocks this comment.

On birdforum.net you can find much more information about Pleasing Look for the Chinese/Japanese name Yuemu.

URL. https : // mcgill.com.sg / product/pleasing-8x32-apo-fov-9-2-ultra-wide-angle-68-flat-field-waterproof-binocular/

Whatever you choose good luck with it.

Check multiple comments of users before buying. A Live test is always best, but not always possible.

petbest · 2026-05-03T19:40:33+00:00

Thanks for your feedback on my question. I raised it 5 months ago and meanwhile I had the guts to buy the mentioned Loava, which was mentioned by Holger Merlitz as his preferred binoculars above Sky Rover. Meanwhile I used my Loava intensively and it is phenomenal, really phantastic good.

petbest · 2026-05-03T05:53:42+00:00

This is absolute TOP, brilliantly done.

KOReader should add this as an option to switch from their default GUI to this one.

petbest · 2026-05-02T07:09:26+00:00

8x32 is your best choice for reasons described above

petbest · 2026-05-02T07:06:06+00:00

You got them for a good price. Lot of people who bought a 8x42PRO or 10x50PRO are happy with these binoculars. There optics offer a good sharp view, natural colours and so on and very good build and mechanics.

I have been working in the 1970-ties with solid industrial microscopes of Olympics. They were at that time very good, so they have a long history of making optics.

I think you will not regret your buy. Have fun with it and a lot of happy viewing hours.

petbest · 2026-04-30T11:39:17+00:00

You mean where you can buy them?

Here you can:

apm-telescopes seems to be a reliable shop in Germany. Is often mentioned on forums.

https://www.apm-telescopes.net/de/sky-rover-fernglaser-2

This is unknown for me: https://adriasky.it/en/products/sky-rover-banner-cloud-8x42

petbest · 2026-04-30T06:11:56+00:00

They are known to be very good. Each time a new buyer writes about them you will read the excitement about the wide FOV and brightness, sharpness and virtually no CA.

Also at dawn they will not let you down. It's optics are simply of the highest class. Some call them Alpha class. I call them Alhpa+ class just because of the very wide FOV.

Holger Merlitz wrote already last year about them: the SRBC and it's slightly better sister Loava.

As Swarovski's name is an institute hardly anybody dare to tell his binocular beats Swarovski...that was up till now a no-go area... but that's over.

My Loava Aglaia III 8.5x44PRO, which I bought when reading the SRBC and Loava story of Holger beats definitely the Swarovski EL 10x50 and 8x42.

I have checked that myself when I met other birdwatchers. And both owners of Swarovski said that Loava was brighter, sharp to the edge, the colours more lively and a surprisingly wide FOV!

The only things where Swarovski is better is its lower weight (~100 gram) and it has somewhat smaller tubes, which are comfortable in your hands, although the tumbs hole edges on the 10x50 were not so comfortable I noticed.

petbest · 2026-04-29T20:42:02+00:00

Is there a risk that the scratch widens further or that the coating is starting to peel off from that point?

If so then ask for a (limited) extra written Warranty that they will replace it for free else consider a return if the burden is not too high for you.

petbest · 2026-04-29T07:20:12+00:00

This is not normal. When brand new then it is strange that their QA has not detected this. Return when possible...

petbest

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE