Dear all,
I am considering investing in a pair of binoculars for my birdwatching hobby.
I found Barska 10x50 X-Trail Binoculars on the Ozscopes.com.au website. Based on the specs, it looks like a nice toy to have. More importantly the price goes well with my budget too.
I wonder if anyone here has used or is using them. What's your opinion of the binoculars?
Cheers,
Chai
Sorry Chai, I don't know anything about that brand so I can't comment on them. I would say but to stick to a brand you know you can trust unless you have compared them with others by looking through them. Otherwise my only advise is to work out what you can afford to spend on a pair and buy the best you can afford.
See Yez
Trev
Hello,
Buying binoculars is, in my opinion, something you need to do in a shop.
Test the binoculars for ease of handling, how they lie in your hand, grip etc. Do you reach the wheels easily?
Then check if it is easy to focus long distance and coordinate the two eyes.
Test if the focus remains stable when you change distance and roll up to something close. It is essential that the binoculars stay in focus, when you run them back and forward.
Also check how close an object you can still get in focus. 2 m is very good, 4-5 m acceptable, anything further is not desirable.
This test can be done in most shops, airports etc, but not if you purchase on the net. You may end up with a pair of unhandy, uncoordinated binoculars, which will cost you too much time and trouble in the field.
Also be aware that to pairs of binoculars may, although the same brand and make, not be identical. You should go for the exact individual pair of binoculars you are happy with after testing them. I cannot recommend testing a pair in a shop and subsequently order apparently identical ones on the internet, unless you go far up in price.
Kind regards
Laura
Thanks, bushanwater. Thanks, Laura.
I think now I have some ideas how to go about it.
I will keep you posted. Thanks.
Chai