Looking to buy binoculars - suggestions / advice please

deadl0ck

Hi all,
My mother wants to get a set of Binoculars for my Dad for his birthday.
They like to travel around Ireland when they get a chance, and he likes to look at nature, so she's looking for a set for looking at nature in general.
She's willing to spend up to a Max of €200, but would like a pretty compact set that's not too bulky.
My Dad is 69, so nothing too fancy and simple to use would be great.
Also - more rugged/waterproff ones would be preferable.
Can anyone suggest a good set for 200 or less either in a store around Dublin, or online ?

I have been looking at PixMania and Amazon and come up with this one and this one so far.

Thanks !!

jmkennedyie

Quite a few tips on previous threads if you search this forum for binoculars.

While compact bins are more convenient, they let in less light so are not as good. I have a 10 x 50 for years and am very happy with it. 8 x 40ish might be a nice compromise size.

One online shop to consider is Birdwatch Ireland... http://shop.birdwatchireland.ie. I bought my scope there and could not fault the service. They have a Countryman MC 8 x 42 for 210 Euro that might do the job. Give em a call to see if they have it in stock.

boneless

I can echo the above. Opticron Countryman 8x42 are a great starter pair. The optics are tops for the affordable price. i had a pair as my stand-by bins for a few years. Highly recommend them.

John Griffin

I would support what the lads above have said, birdwatch Ireland won't do you wrong. I've seen so many people robbed when it comes to Binos and end up with usless junk like the stuff you were looking at, its a mine field!! Personally i use Leica ultravid 7x42, leica are a bit expensive but Opticron are good. Most important thing is that you don't buy high magnification. 7or 8 x is loads and you must have about 40-50 objective to draw light and to get a good field of view. Opticron are your best bet.

deadl0ck

Thanks for all the advice

dogmatix

What about a monocular? Thats what I use - they are much more compact then binoculars.

The downside is they don't have anything like the magnification power of binoculars.

I use a monocular because for some reason I can never focus my eyes through a binocular so I thought - why bother forking out money for two lenses when you will only ever use one?

Note - I said Monocular - not Monocle, so no jokes about goose stepping.

Occidental

I'd wander into town and visit a few camera stores. They're happily let you try a few pairs outside, so you can get an idea of what you're getting for your money. Generally the higher the quality, the more light they will draw in, giving you higher clarity and a richer view. I'd agree with what's been said about size and magnification, 8x40 area should be as much as you need.

gerky

Sorry to be hijacking this thread but I didn't think it was worth starting a new one.

I thinking of getting a new pair of bins but I'm half thinking of getting a scope instead.
One thing that would make me think of getting a scope is the magnification, I do like having the choice of high magnification.

So any opinions, do you favour a scope over bins or vice versa.

John Griffin

gerky wrote: »

Sorry to be hijacking this thread but I didn't think it was worth starting a new one.

I thinking of getting a new pair of bins but I'm half thinking of getting a scope instead.
One thing that would make me think of getting a scope is the magnification, I do like having the choice of high magnification.

So any opinions, do you favour a scope over bins or vice versa.

You need both really, Bino's for mobility and for searching and a scope for a closer look. You will need to buy a good tripod also. Again opticron do a reasonable scope.

boneless

As above... The Opticron scope is available through the BWI link above. If you are willing to spend a lot though check out the Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss scopes. Mid price range scopes are Kowa and Optholyte.

It is very important though to get a tripod to match the type of scope you get and also to suit your own needs and preferences. Manfrotto make a range of tripods to suit most.

paddyenglishman

i dont know what the rules are for posting advice but i got an excellent Swarovski scope secondhand from a Dublin camera shop down clarendon St .
Its magnification is brilliant but takes some getting used to to find stuff. Tripods a must . brilliant rigged up with a digiscope and a nikon coolpix.

jmkennedyie

gerky wrote: »

So any opinions, do you favour a scope over bins or vice versa.

I think bins are a must - scope is optional. Sure scope has higher mag but if unexpected bird passing by then you'll never find & focus on it. Bins much more agile, practical and convenient. Scope ideal for seawatching, or staking out a particular site.

gerky

jmkennedyie wrote: »

I think bins are a must - scope is optional. Sure scope has higher mag but if unexpected bird passing by then you'll never find & focus on it. Bins much more agile, practical and convenient. Scope ideal for seawatching, or staking out a particular site.

This is kinda the angle I'm coming at this from, I already have bins but they really are due for retirement and have seen better days, so until I can afford both I think I'm edging towards a new pair of bins.

Seeing as I'm here another question, are zoom bins as bad as people say, I've only had experiance with a cheap pair.

Thanks for the information.

meathstevie

Personally I'd buy Zeiss, Swarovski or Leica. Not over here though, go and have a look at a couple of American websites style opticsplanet or cabelas etc, etc... . After shipping and duty you could end up clutching a Zeiss for the price of something very mediocre over here.

boneless

gerky wrote: »

This is kinda the angle I'm coming at this from, I already have bins but they really are due for retirement and have seen better days, so until I can afford both I think I'm edging towards a new pair of bins.

Seeing as I'm here another question, are zoom bins as bad as people say, I've only had experiance with a cheap pair.

Thanks for the information.

I personally would avoid zoom binoculars. I tried out a few pairs over the years and unless you had a huge objective lens end they were useless. Then if they had, 70mm +, you couldn't hold them steady at all. Stick to the fixed glasses I think.

I might actually sticky this thread... trade info on the hardware!!

gerky

Thanks all for the help.

John Griffin

gerky wrote: »

This is kinda the angle I'm coming at this from, I already have bins but they really are due for retirement and have seen better days, so until I can afford both I think I'm edging towards a new pair of bins.

Seeing as I'm here another question, are zoom bins as bad as people say, I've only had experiance with a cheap pair.

Thanks for the information.

Stay away from zoom binoculars, they are only another gimmick to catch the unwary buyer.

Cheap binos can actually damage your eyes by causing eye strain. Spend as much as you can possibly afford on them or go to the credit union. A good pair will last a lifetime. Try looking through a pair of Leica ultravid 7x42 and you will see what i mean.

I had a good pair of Swarovski 8x30 that i get from work, but as soon as i tried the Leica it was like somebody switched the lights on. I now own the Leica's after a long battle trying to get the job to let me trade up, i love the health and safety card, works everytime:):D.

So try the best and see what you can afford after that.

Hackman

I was offered a pair of Bushnell 8x40 (could be 8x42) binoculars for 40 euro. Is this worth it?

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this type of advice.

boneless

Hackman wrote: »

I was offered a pair of Bushnell 8x40 (could be 8x42) binoculars for 40 euro. Is this worth it?

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this type of advice.

It all depends on age and condition Hackman. If they are new or a recent model I would say yes. Are they porro or roof prisms do you know?

Let me have some more information and we will tell you all to the best of our ability!!

Hackman

boneless wrote: »

It all depends on age and condition Hackman. If they are new or a recent model I would say yes. Are they porro or roof prisms do you know?

Let me have some more information and we will tell you all to the best of our ability!!

About 5 years old I was told. He said porro prisms. What are they? How do they differ from roof ones? I'm not well up so any help is welcome. Thanks.

boneless

€40 sounds about just okay to me for the Bushnells. Try them out first though, to see if they suit you.

Roof prism binoculars are the new sleek in-line look. Porro are the older bulky type, the more traditional type.

Let us know how you get on. Happy watching!!!!

Potency

Hello. I couldn't think of anywhere else to ask this so this is probably the best place . Sorry if I made a mistake

I was looking to buy a pair of binoculars, so I was thinking ebay. I probably won't be using them for bird watching though, I'm kind of getting them just to have a pair. I won't be spending too much, well not a lot at all... probably around €50? I came across this pair of Bushnells... they're zoom, which from just looking at this thread seems to be terrible (why is this?) I was thinking it would be great to be able to see something and then zoom into it but maybe i'm living in the movies :rolleyes:. ANd also they're 10-90x80, which seems to be an incredible zoom and makes me wonder if they're legitimate! Here's the link anyway, they work out around 55 i think. Any feedback/advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

boneless

Potency wrote: »

Hello. I couldn't think of anywhere else to ask this so this is probably the best place . Sorry if I made a mistake

I was looking to buy a pair of binoculars, so I was thinking ebay. I probably won't be using them for bird watching though, I'm kind of getting them just to have a pair. I won't be spending too much, well not a lot at all... probably around €50? I came across this pair of Bushnells... they're zoom, which from just looking at this thread seems to be terrible (why is this?) I was thinking it would be great to be able to see something and then zoom into it but maybe i'm living in the movies :rolleyes:. ANd also they're 10-90x80, which seems to be an incredible zoom and makes me wonder if they're legitimate! Here's the link anyway, they work out around 55 i think. Any feedback/advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

As is mentioned above, stay clear of the zooms. They are grand on the lower magnifications but they lose depth and clarity on the high end of the scale. You would be better trying a pair before buying to be honest... drop into a stockist and have a look at what is on offer and what price ranges are.

Sorry to be of no more help than this but it is possibly the soundest advice.

Good luck!!

Potency

Thank you, it's still good advice :P. At least I'm not wasting €50 on them now! I'll have a look around anyway for a nice pair, Thanks!

MB Lacey

I've had 3 pairs of opticrons.

I started off with the above mentioned 8 x 40 Countryman opticrons with great field of view.

One day I was looking at something on kippure bog (piece of sphagnum moss or something!) and left my binocs down on the grass.
When I picked them up they were full of water (bogs are full of water duh) and it never really dried up.

So my huge advice when buying a pair pf binoculars would be to pay the bit extra and get a waterproof pair.

The next pair I got were 8 x 42 Opticron Verano's (I tried loads of pairs at the shop and these seemed the best image wise and getting light wise - not too expensive either - I bought them whilst in England and saved a fortune)
However, months on and I still haven't taken them out becuase I also bought a small pair - Opticron's Taiga's 10 x 25 which have been brilliant. I end up taking them everywhere with me because they've a great image and are light enough to carry in your bag/pocket without noticing their weight.

In a nutshell - go for opticron if you're on a budget- they're pretty good and not too expensive.

Also - you're best trying different binocs in the shop before you buy - step outside, focus on a spot and just look at that same spot (preferably far away!) with different binoculars and whichever binoculars give you the most light, sharpness and detail of that spot - go for them.

Also make sure the binoculars aren't heavy.

Hope this helps.

boneless

Opticron are a good budget choice. You can also buy them from the Birdwatch Ireland on-line shop.

cfitz

I know this is an old thread, but might as well keep all the information on one topic together. I've to get some binoculars for wildlife watching in Africa and India. I've a very tight budget but would like something decent and durable.

Do these look like good value?
http://www.jackson-sports.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=6683

Thanks!

gerky

cfitz wrote: »

I know this is an old thread, but might as well keep all the information on one topic together. I've to get some binoculars for wildlife watching in Africa and India. I've a very tight budget but would like something decent and durable.

Do these look like good value?
http://www.jackson-sports.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=6683

Thanks!

Have you a rough idea what your price limit would be?

Those binoculars probably aren't going to be that suitable for your needs.

cfitz

gerky wrote: »

Have you a rough idea what your price limit would be?

Those binoculars probably aren't going to be that suitable for your needs.

Well they're more expensive than I'd originally budgeted...

I'm not overly concerned with seeing birds (if that makes a difference). Also, I certainly hope that I get to see some wildlife with the naked eye rather than always relying on binoculars.

How much do you think I need to spend?

gerky

cfitz wrote: »

How much do you think I need to spend?

That's not really a safe question to ask in regards binoculars:D
Even good low priced bins can go in to hundreds but it all comes down to finding a balance between what you need the binoculars to do and what you can stretch to budget wise.

Would these be stretching your budget too much,
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~6087~categoryid~164.html

I don't think there's anyone doing them cheaper than there, the only thing with Morris photo is that orders from Ireland have to be made over the phone.

They are quite good and should be suitable for your needs but if you can't stretch to them post back and I'll try and find something cheaper.

cfitz

gerky wrote: »

That's not really a safe question to ask in regards binoculars:D
Even good low priced bins can go in to hundreds but it all comes down to finding a balance between what you need the binoculars to do and what you can stretch to budget wise.

Would these be stretching your budget too much,
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~6087~categoryid~164.html

I don't think there's anyone doing them cheaper than there, the only thing with Morris photo is that orders from Ireland have to be made over the phone.

They are quite good and should be suitable for your needs but if you can't stretch to them post back and I'll try and find something cheaper.

They'd be 95 pounds when you add the postage, so I think that'd definitely be at the upper end of my budget. My max budget was 50 EUR! Thanks for the help, appreciate it.

gerky

cfitz wrote: »

They'd be 95 pounds when you add the postage, so I think that'd definitely be at the upper end of my budget. My max budget was 50 EUR! Thanks for the help, appreciate it.

50 is very tight for a reasonable pair, maybe one of the following but keep in mind that these aren't sealed units so make sure and keep them dry to avoid moisture getting in.
The first are still 69 pound so probably still too expensive, the second are a little over 42 pound.
http://www.alanaecology.com/acatalog/Opticron_Vega_II_Binoculars_8_x_40.html
http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?pName=bushnell-8x40-birder-natureview-porro-prim-binoculars-118401&cName=bushnell-binoculars-bushnell-natureview-binoculars

These aren't going to be the easiest on the eyes for long periods of use so take breaks regularly when using them.
I've never bought of these companies so can't vouch as to how good they are or what the delivery prices are.

Another option may be to go to a place that sells second hand gear, some photography shops sell bins second hand so you could get a bargain.

Or someone else here may have a suggestion.

boneless

The Bushnell pair above are not too bad for a statrt-up pair. But as is stated above, take rests from the viewing every few minutes.

gzoladz

John Griffin wrote: »

Stay away from zoom binoculars, they are only another gimmick to catch the unwary buyer.

Disagree! You just trade in some features, the main one being field of view.

As you zoom in, the image does get darker and it is more difficult to keep the binocs steady, but that is the same with any high magnification pair.

One the flip side, they are much more versatile and a lot of fun.

I have a Nikon Eagleview and just love it.

Have to admit though that I dont find the Nikon Action 10-22x50 or the Zhumell 9-27x50 good.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

When it comes to bins: Light, definition, and field of view are critical. I would never recommend Zooms.

Mark#1

Hi. Like many have said, may as well post here rather than start a new thread.

I need a pair of binoculars for whalewatching. So far I've read that anything over 8x magnification will be difficult to keep steady on a boat, and that the bigger the front lens is over 40mm, the better (more light will be let in).

I'm assuming I'll need them to be waterproof (should I expect WP bins to float?), anti-fogging and light-weight?

No budget as such, but prices seem to be around €200 or so, or over €1000, and I'm not spending €1000 . . .

Based on my reading & assumptions, the bins I'm listing below seem to fit my requirements. Are there any on my list that I shouldn't even consider for any reason, or are there others I should be looking at instead? I'm not tied to this seller - they're just one I found while browsing.

http://www.parkcameras.com/2275/Nikon-8x40-CF-Action-EX-Binoculars.html

http://www.parkcameras.com/2276/Nikon-7x50-CF-Action-EX-Binoculars.html

http://www.parkcameras.com/11851/Pentax-8x40-PCF-WP-II.html

http://www.parkcameras.com/13819/Kenko-Ultraview-7-x-50-SP.html


I may also look at a spotting scope for land-based watching, but I haven't started researching those yet.


Thanks for any replies,

Mark

magicbastarder

bear in mind that binoculars with a 50mm objective lens will gather over one and a half times as much light as a pair with 40mm objectives - not too important in broad daylight, but might make a difference if it's very overcast.

Mark#1

I hear you.

Haven't found a pair of 8x50 around the €200 mark yet. Would I notice a major difference between 7x and 8x if I were to decide on a 7x50 pair?


Thanks,

Mark

magicbastarder

i don't know for sure, but i suspect there would be little difference.

i've a pair of pentax 7x50s which cost me €100, and there's a noticeable dropoff in image quality around the edge of the field of view.

Mark#1

Can you tell me which model 7x50 those Pentax bins are?

The 8x40 Pentax I listed are £140 - they're "waterproof" (to me this just means that I shouldn't worry too much if they get splashed, and not that I can go snorkelling with them . . .), and are nitrogen-filled so should be fog-free.

There are a few around €200 that seem to match that spec, but I'm guessing if I choose either the Nikon Action EX or the Pentax PCF WP II, I shouldn't be too disappointed? There's only an 8x40 in that Pentax range, but both an 8x40 and a 7x50 in the Nikon Action EX range.

When it comes to a decision between 7x and 8x, I can feel the dark side pulling me toward choosing the slightly higher magnification models, and saying things in my head like "I'm sure I probably wouldn't even notice the difference between the light-collecting ability of 50mm and 40mm front lenses".

I suppose it's only after using whichever pair I choose for a while that I'll really know what I'd like.

FWIW, I've also read since posting here that Opticron could be worth a look too?

http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Opticron_Imagic_TGA_WP_8x42_Binoculars

I wish that scumbag who broke into my car years ago hadn't stolen my Gerber 7x50 bins. There were nice. Ho-hum.


Thanks,

Mark

Mark#1

Got a pair of Nikon Action EX 7x50 from Park Cameras in UK. Just over €180 inc shipping.

Not had them out on a trip yet, but they feel like a high quality pair of bins. Not particularly light, but the strap is maybe 40mm wide, so that should make up for it a bit. Might bring them out on a walk on the coast tomorrow afternoon.


Mark

Mean_Mudda

Thinking about going for these puppies.
Seem powerful and good brand..
Anyone got any tips?

smallgarden

Hiya,Im looking into possibly getting new binoculars for birdwatching.I currently have a promaster 8x45 pair that i got in america a few years ago so cant find model online. I was looking at birdwatch at their Countryman BGA - T Binocular 8X42.Im just wondering if anyone could tell me is there much difference between the two and is it worth getting new ones as old ones are still working

1squidge

I'm selling a pair of nikon monarchs 10x42 if your interested. I cant comment on the countrymans but I have a pair of opticrons bgas in 8x mag and the extra 1x in the nikons comes in handy when seawatching or just looking at longer distances. Although I would have a biased opinion as I'm selling so maybe someone else could give you an unbiased opinion on having two pairs of 8x as opposed too having different magnifications. Ger

smallgarden

hiya could you tell me what the 8x45 stands for.thanks

Connacht

Squidge, why are you selling the Nikon 10 x 42s, if you don't mind me asking. Are they quality ? How do they perform light-wise at dusk ? Any issues ? Am looking for a good pairs of 10 x (I have poor eyesight) and can't afford top brands when new.

1squidge

I'm upgrading and they are a quality bin that is up there with other mid price bins.

Half-cocked

smallgarden wrote: »

hiya could you tell me what the 8x45 stands for.thanks

8x is the magnification. 45mm is the diameter of the objective lenses. The bigger the diameter, the more light gets in and the brighter your image. Larger diameters generally are better in low light. 8x45 is a decent combo. Most birders are happy with 8x42's. 8x56 is best, but you're looking at more expense and weight to carry around. Higher magnifications are useful, but also magnify movement, so if you don't have very steady hands or plan use the bins where you can rest your elbows on something, I wouldn't bother.

A tip: Wear a peaked cap while birding, you can hook your little fingers over the peak while looking through the bins and it steadies up your view quite a bit.

Connacht

Interesting you mention your little fingers. I use my index or middle fingers for the same purpose on my baseball cap - find the little fingers leave too much movement, but then I've 10x50s that weigh a ton.

Scotty #

Lidl had 10x50's for about €20 last week. Don't know if they're still there but they seem to offer them fairly regular. From what I've heard - they're excellent.

John mac

I use Bushnell 10x50 with a insta focus button.

Got them a good few years ago , they were recommended by Simon King on a bbc program. great for nature and star gazing.