Binoculars....

[Harv]

...is anyone on here into such things?
I want a decent set (pair?) but know jackdoodoo about them.
What is a good make,size, set-up for watching wildlife etc?

[S Barker]

Payback time  

Big or Small ?

Cheap or expensive ??

Heavy or light ??

You can go for very high magnification but at your age a steady hand is a rare thing so unless you use a tripod all you would see would be a blur.

Some people will tell you that the Chinese knockoffs are good value but in reality it has to be Japanese or German optics.

[Mark H]

..for dogging, I am led to believe that small light binoculars are best. Apparently, the police are now wise to the old "yes, Officer, I do a bit of stargazing with these..." so it is best to be able to hide them.

I'd have thought you would be better off with a small infra red nightscope personally.

[xlrik]

Harv
know fuck all about them but the RSPB sanctuary is a stones throw from my back garden - if you are up in the area visiting family then head for Dearne Valley Business Centre - because the RSPBers are always drifting around a new shop specializing in such apparatus has just opened - all the feathered fanciers swear by the place - cheap but good!

Personally not the type of tits I am into looking at!

Rik

[Harv]

 :good:...cheers Rik
Have found them on the web and dispatched Sarah's dad up there....he gets there free on the train from Chap being an OAP!
Will have them when we meet next..... hopefully will show you a short toed eagle or golden oriel

[Mark H]

Camel toe more like..

[Harv]

..for dogging, I am led to believe that small light binoculars are best

...or better still .....using a web cam stuck to a camper window....

[S Barker]

...or better still .....using a web cam stuck to a camper window....

On the outside looking in or inside looking out ?

[gingerchin]

why would you want a close up off this..........................

[The enthusiast]

Hi there

With Bino's you get what you pay for to a large extent, but some makes box above their weight.

Stay away from cheap stuff and go for the top stuff if you can afford it. Nikon and Opticron make good mid range Bins from about ?250 , but be aware they also have their names on cheap ranges that are not so good.

Top of the range stuff from Nikon and Opticron can rival the top makes of Leica and Swarovski without the ?1100 -?1600 price tag ( yes I'm serious , they do go to astronomical prices!! )

The difference in image clarity,  brightness and quality of construction is where the price difference comes in . If you can get to a good optics shop you will see what I mean.

However the difference between a Mid priced good set of Bins like the Nikon Monarch 10 X 42 or similar (?250 -?600) and the top Leica or swarovski 10 X 42's,( )   are not as vast as the difference between the ?100 Bins ( or less) and the Mid priced Bins !

which is like night and day.

Yes a good pair of Binoculars are expensive , but they will last a lifetime if looked after, they are more robust in the field and if you want to move them on or trade up then you will still get good money for them.

It will of course also allow you to see much more detail and for much longer in poor light too .

The other thing to consider is what magnification? Bigger is not always best . 8 X magnification is generally accepted to be the best compromise between ease of use and size for general all round use . Much brighter image than a 10 X  mag and easier to aquire what you want to see. 8 X 32 are more compact but narrower field of view and 10X 50's much Bigger and a bit heavier and slightly darker image, more shake too. Best all round are 8 X 42 or 8X 40's in my opinion, unless you want to star gaze that is with a tripod! .

I looked very closely at all sorts and for what its worth I thought that the Opticron ?200+ models were very impressive and boxed above their weight, optically and construction wise most people in the know spoke highly of them.

Take a look on Ebay as there are loads of top bins on there going for reasonable money compared to buying new. I bought a pair of Leicas second hand , perfect condition and saved a bundle . If yer budget is under ?100 have a look for the old Carl Zeiss Jena Bins , they look old fashioned but well made and their lenses are outstanding.

Have a look at Sherwoods( Google it)  web site. They are a top Optics supplier, their site is very informative and they are very helpful sorts for advice.

Good luck and above all go and try a bucket load of them and compare if you can.

Cheers

[The Prodded Dog]

Instead of buying binoculars why don't you just move closer???
The Prodded Dog

[S Barker]

These look good !

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/10-x-80-BLC-BINOCULARs-KRIEGSMARINE-ORIGINAL-TRIPOD-/320719038019?pt=UK_Antiques_Marine_RL&hash=item4aac582643

[gingerchin]

Instead of buying binoculars why don't you just move closer???
The Prodded Dog
[/quote

Close enough for Mart ?

[Dwarf]

Steiner are a good reliable make (German) I can vouch for the ranger pro 8x56, not because I'm into all that but Ive just been given a pair that have gone through the rigors and tests before purchase and the compare and contrast with all the other makes on the market and come out tops

http://www.steiner.de/en/binoculars/hunting/ranger-pro-8x56.php