So in order to improve my birding I would like to invest in some Binos.
I don't wan't a rediculously expensive pair, but I don't want a rubbish pair either.
Can any of you fellow birders recommend any brands or places I could get value for money binos?
What do you guys use?
Look forward to your feedback.
Devster
Devster,
Got a pair of these recently
http://bushnell.com/all-products/binoculars/powerview/10x-42mm-w-ap-camo
for $100 us delivered on ebay and was very pleased with the
quality and performance.
Thanks Rick, you are the only one on this site that was able to give me some feedback.
I thought there'd be more out there willing to help
I can't help you much here Devster. I have a pair of binos I bought at an auction when Adam was just a boy. No idea who they were made by or the magnification but they work really well and are very clear. To be honest I rarely use them and they are probably twice the weight of the ones Rick is recommending.
Samford Valley Qld.
Thanks anyway Reflex
It must be now at least six years that I had bought a pair of binoculars from an old friend for $300.
It's a Zeiss 8x30 that's some 45 years old. The optics are still perfect and it feels like it should. Meaning it's built tough.
IT is small and compact and it does the job perfectly for me for what I need. Sure I could get bigger binoculars, but I have a big lens that is more important for my hobby and always comes with me. The small bins fit nicely on my neck or in my pack.
Incidentally, a couple of friends have let me use their Swarovskis and man, they are just INSANELY good!
Hey Devstar
Picking binos is a tough one! Its very much a personal choice - I would suggest going to a few stores and trying some different pairs to get a feel for them. The pair that Rick suggests look like they will do the job!
There is a bit of general info here: http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/Bird-Watching-Equipment
Remember the larger you get (10x 50s or the like) means that you will see things further away but they will be heavier and any wobbles will be exagerated. Ensure they come with a comfy neck strap as you will be looking up a lot! 8x 42s or 10x 42s tend to be the more popular options for birders for 'every day' birding.
I have an old pair of nikons that have served me well (and I cant remember the magnification on them - and loaned them to a friend) but I am upgrading too. Leica and Swarovski have a great rep and I think are more on the expensive end. For everyday use I have heard great things about Olympus and we use them in the Discovery Centre.
Cheers
Holly
I must have been typing when you posted! I just had a look at a couple of Zeiss pairs too and they look good, my credit card could get a work out soon!
I totally agree, for everyday, throw in the backpack so you are never without them, smaller is much better.
Here you go Devster some bino's for you on E-bay..
(Ps ..Might be an idea to sit down before you look at this in case you fall down).
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/SWAROVSKI-OPTIK-EL-RANGE-10x42-RANGE-FINDING-BINOCULARS-70020-GREEN-10x-ZOOM-NEW-/141637712118?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20fa43f8f6
Samford Valley Qld.
I bought a pair for $50 in the bargain bin at Dick Smith Electronics about 5 or 6 years ago, 10X50, sadly they were broken accidentally late last year, very good viewing and durable for the price. Don't know if they still have them as DSE has been revamped in the last year or so...
I think you should go for the Reflex choice Devster, what's a lazy 3k between friends
Thanks for the laugh Reflex & Rick
They are actuall $4k aussie
I do agree I would like something small, light and compact.
At this stage as I am also using my lens, I think the more expensive brands like Zeiss or Swarovskis are out of my league.
If I was just birdwatching only then these guys would probably be a must.
Thanks heaps for your input guys it has helped a lot.
One more thimg I see you can get Focus Free Lenses. Are these worth getting or not really?
Thanks again guys
Devster
Devster, tried a pair of the focus free and didn't like them at all.
I think from memory the biggest problem was that you have no control over what they focus on.
I have 3 pairs , a pair of tasco mini 8x25 in the boat there just "ok" a pair of nikon sports ar 10x25 in the car there a bit better and my favorites a pair of Zeiss 8x30 and like Canonguys they are pushing 50 years old and mine look that old but the lenses are sill crystal clear and you can just feel the quality when you hold them, I know they will still be around long after I'm gone .
A mate who is into horse raceing has picked up some real gems at garage sales including a pair of mint vintage Yashica 7x50 for $20
I've been looking at getting some Binoculars, have a look at this link it may help
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/bbimages/lb/2013/autumn/bins/Binocular_review_full_spreadsheet.pdf
There are quite a few considerations when buying some binoc's. I found it quite a learning curve.
Thanks Goggles