Binocular advice
Discussion
Hi all, couldn't get search to work so I'll throw this to the members. We have moved out of town and there's loads of birds, raptors and wildlife. The kids have expressed an interest an I'm keen too so I'm looking for some OK binos. I think 8x42 as I have read there a good choice for our application and have looked at jessops own and bushnells.
Budget is <£100 as they will only be used around the house and from time to time.
Any sensible views greatly received.
Budget is <£100 as they will only be used around the house and from time to time.
Any sensible views greatly received.
Good size there for looking at wildlife and such but I think you'll struggle to get anything decent for <£100 - RSPB do some of their own brand in both regular and superior spec, the latter being nearer £500 though. Top end is Leica and Swarovski and are simply superb (you'll see various TV presenters using these), but they are knocking on the door of a grand a set.
Can't offer a specific recommendation only to try and find a place that stocks a range and go and try a few pairs out. Difference between good optics and "cheap" is as you'd expect night and day though both in terms of quality of image and ease of use (eye relief, feel, balance, etc)
Can't offer a specific recommendation only to try and find a place that stocks a range and go and try a few pairs out. Difference between good optics and "cheap" is as you'd expect night and day though both in terms of quality of image and ease of use (eye relief, feel, balance, etc)
I tried some of these the other day and was AMAZED at how good they were for the money: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/79048...
Binocs like this would have cost £300 10 years ago.
The second part of the 8x42 measurement is very important. This is the aperture of the big lens on the back and is what really makes a difference to the viewing experience.
EDIT: perhaps move this thread to the camera section?
Binocs like this would have cost £300 10 years ago.
The second part of the 8x42 measurement is very important. This is the aperture of the big lens on the back and is what really makes a difference to the viewing experience.
EDIT: perhaps move this thread to the camera section?
With glass ware, you get what you pay for with good things in life, and a decent pair will last you years. This is 1 dept where buy right first time will do you well.
My suggestion is go to somewhere like In focus (link at bottom) or the bird fairs dotted around the country at this time of year, where you can try them all and find a pair you like.
I have a pair of Opticrons which are mid range in price and about 80% of the performance of my parents Zeiss and Nikon Monarchs (£1000+ a pair) for 20% of the price.
http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/
If you have any questions feel free to ask or drop me a PM.
My suggestion is go to somewhere like In focus (link at bottom) or the bird fairs dotted around the country at this time of year, where you can try them all and find a pair you like.
I have a pair of Opticrons which are mid range in price and about 80% of the performance of my parents Zeiss and Nikon Monarchs (£1000+ a pair) for 20% of the price.
http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/
If you have any questions feel free to ask or drop me a PM.
[quote=Mr Gear]I tried some of these the other day and was AMAZED at how good they were for the money: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/79048...
These were the ones I was considering, many thanks and I may put in camera forum too but worried I'll have to endure the snatch, you tube boy zzz again LOL
These were the ones I was considering, many thanks and I may put in camera forum too but worried I'll have to endure the snatch, you tube boy zzz again LOL
Russell B]r Gear said:
I tried some of these the other day and was AMAZED at how good they were for the money: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/79048...
These were the ones I was considering, many thanks and I may put in camera forum too but worried I'll have to endure the snatch, you tube boy zzz again LOL
You're in the camera forum now anyway!These were the ones I was considering, many thanks and I may put in camera forum too but worried I'll have to endure the snatch, you tube boy zzz again LOL
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff