I've always been a big fan of compact binoculars. No, a
compact binocular will never replace a full-size or even a mid-size
binocular when it comes to performance, but
compact binoculars are such sweethearts when it comes to portability. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to own and use every premium grade compact on the market and I have yet to find one that scores number one in every optical category or every mechanical category.
One I must mention, though, that stands heads and shoulders above the rest when it comes to handling qualities (ergonomics) is the
Zeiss Victory Compact 8x20. I would like to kiss the person that designed the body on this binocular - must have had me in mind when it was on the drawing board. I've been using the
Zeiss Victory for awhile, now, and just can't put it down.
First, the Victory compact does away with the double hinge system used in other premium compact binoculars. This, in itself, is a huge leap forward in design for those of us who typically use a binocular one-handed. No matter how careful you are with a double-hinged folding compact, it always seems to have folded in on itself at the most inopportune times. Not so with the Zeiss Victory - you open it and it stays open the way a bino should. I also love the way the body on the Zeiss compact is slightly arched. It fits my hand like a glove and the focusing knob has been positioned perfectly to be under the tip of my index finger - no fumbling or searching to find it. Only caveat, here, is that this feature was designed for right handers. If you are left-handed, you can still use the bino, but it will not be as comfortable.