Binocular Advice

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andrewf
andrewf's picture
Binocular Advice

I'm about to buy a new pair of binos, I've decided the pair I want I just can't decide whether to go for the 10x42or the 8x42 model. I use 10x42's with a feild of view of 330ft @ 1000 yards at the moment and I like them but occasionally it's hard to find something quickly through them.

These are the two I'm choosing between:

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/eagle-optics/ranger-ed-8x42-binocular

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/eagle-optics/ranger-ed-10x42-binocular

They're about $400 in Aus, those links just have more info.

Am I better off getting the 10x with a wider feild of view or is an extra 18ft @ 1000 yards not going to help? I'll be using them in open forest through to wetlands and I need to be able to identify small leg bands.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers

pacman
pacman's picture

sorry but I cannot help

btw, I like your avatar (?Yellow-tufted Honeyeater)

Peter

GeorgeP
GeorgeP's picture

If you go to the 'old' BOCA website, you'll find an excellent article that outlines what to consider when buying a pair of bins.The article is located in the lower RH corner of the web page, under the title Most Downloaded Files. I found it very useful and decided on a pair of Nikon Monarch 8x42. They are ideal for my eyes in terms of image brightness and clarity. I would highly recommend them. I hope this helps.

http://boca.org.au/ 

Cheers,

George
Melbourne, VIC

clif2
clif2's picture

I have read somewhere recently that the Nikon models that GeorgeP mentioned were good as well as some Pentax ones. The Zeiss ones were supposed to be brilliant but about 3x more expensive than the Nikons if I recall correctly, I am sorry I don't have the link to where I read about these and will see If I can find it again. I would be interested to know what you decide upon, as I am thinking of getting a pair for my Girlfriend as she refuses to let me get her a camera, so the same questions you are asking would help my decision as well.

Regards

               Shane

clif2
clif2's picture

AndrewF, I just found a listing for a Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Binoculars 7430. they are factory refurbished and have a 90 day warranty as well as nikons $10 no fault policy. $279 au. I have not heard of the store before but they do have a number of things for sale on their website and use paypal etc.    http://www.thatsverynice.com.au/shop/Binoculars/NIKON-MONARCH-ATB-8X42-BINOCULARS-7430-W-CASE?utm_source=getprice&utm_medium=cpc. Have a look and make up your own mind, hope this helps you out a little.

Regards

               Shane

andrewf
andrewf's picture

Thanks for the tips. I borrowed a pair of 8x and compared them with the 10x on the weekend and I ended up ordering the 10x. Those Nikons do look like a good buy. One day if I can manage to save up that much money again I might get a pair to keep in the car.

clif2
clif2's picture

Andrew I have just ordered a pair of the Nikon Monarchs that I mentioned, I will let you know how they go, they are for my girlfriend who won't use a camera that I have offered so we will share these.

Regards

               Shane

Ozmartin
Ozmartin's picture

I recall the eagle optics bins getting good ratings for the money when I was researching a couple of years ago. There was a Bin survey and testing done by Cornell Uni but this would now be  out  of date, but was very good as it gave some background to the assessments. You could try googling it. I settled for a pair of Nikon Monarchs 8x42s which I have been happy with. The 8x will probably get you a little wider field of view and may be a little lighter. Check how close they will focus to as a lot of birding in forest situations can end up with the bird quite close. if you are doing more long distance stuff out in open areas as you indicate then the 10x would be very useful. If you wear glasses check the suitability as well as some are better than others. I bought mine on the net from the US as this made them more affordable.

regards

ian

clif2
clif2's picture

Andrewf my binoculars arrived today the Nikon Monarch 8x42 and I sat on my back veranda and watched 2 Rainbow Lorikeets and a Noisy Miner in a tree about 25 mtrs away, the clarity and brightness of them really surprised me, as it was a rainy day up here today and the birds were in a dark part of the tree. It had me wondering how sharp they were as I don't think if I took a photo it would have as much detail as the bins do.

Regards

               Shane

andrewf
andrewf's picture

I gave the new binos a quick test run at Yellingbo on the weekend while we we're doing some planting. I was very impressed with them. Really clear, nice weight and feel in the hands, super close focus distance. 10x wasn't a problem in terms of field of view or having the shakes either. Couldn't be more happy with them really.

Considering the price difference between them and some of the more expensive brands they're pretty amazing value.

clif2
clif2's picture

I agree, I can't see why I would spend $1700 or so when these suit me just fine and perform very well.

Regards

               Shane

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