Which binoculars

[HOGEPH]

I'm after a top end pair for hunting. The smart money appears to be on Swarovski, but any other suggestions? Probably 8x42 magnification.

[jjones]

Carl Zeiss is worth considering also.

[rhinochopig]

Hunting what?

A spotting scope might be a better choice.

[toasty]

Go for a nice pair of L series Canon binoculars.

If they're anything like the camera lenses they should be good optics and near bulletproof.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Image-Stabilising-Wa...

[Impasse]

[Easternlight]

I find all the top end bins are hard to fault optically. But you need to try them as they all have a different "feel" And if you wear glasses you will find you won't get a full field of view with some.
Don't rule out getting 32's even if you need low light performance as modern Hd optics are very bright and they are much lighter to carry about for long periods.
I'm using Lieca ultravid 8x32 at the moment and can't fault them.

[Ali Chappussy]

Something I can comment on that I know more than squat about.

In my opinion, the Swarovski EL range of bins are the best. I'd love to own a pair but can't justify the expenditure to 'er indoors. Having said that, the equivalent Leica's are very good. I find with bins that brand loyalty plays a big part in their selection.

Whatever you buy, the old adage that you get what you pay for definitely applies to binoculars!

[markmullen]

Leica are good, my dad has a pair and they're lovely to use.

[matchmaker]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[IvanSTi]

Try to find yourself a set of WW2 Barr and Stroud horizon binoculars (Or newer equivalents if you can find them), Navy ones are the best. No pissing about focusing, just point and look, amazing binoculars. Not the lightest, but extremely rugged and durable. Plus you can look into the sun with them


For Example

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Barr-And-Stroud-British-...

Edited by IvanSTi on Thursday 23 July 13:53

[HOGEPH]

They look a bit too big for lugging around when stalking deer...

[IvanSTi]

They're not that bad really, I'd never go back to a regular set.

[EggsBenedict]

do they do that thing you see on the war films with your field of vision?

[soad]

Attach a laser pointer to the bottom for a great prank on someone across the street...

[HOGEPH]

EggsBenedict said:

do they do that thing you see on the war films with your field of vision?

I keep seeing Banthas.

[LarryLamb]

Looking a possibly getting a pair of these when they are released in a week or so:

Canon 10 x 30 IS II

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/bi...

Has anyone got the current/previous version and any comments? Are they good?

[Studio117]

Make sure you get the leather strap. Nilon seems to chafe a bit for my tastes.

[rohrl]

I've had a pair of Carl Zeiss 8x30s since I was about 11 or 12 and they're very good quality. Also totally serviceable and rebuildable.

Edited by rohrl on Wednesday 12th August 18:46