Binoculars

[mnoble485]

I tried to find a previous thread about this but was unsuccessful. The Mrs. and I are spending more time at our daughter and son in laws mountain cabin in Maggie Valley, N.C. than in Florida. I want to get some binoculars for bird watching, turkey spotting ... I’m not looking for Dura Ace level but don’t mind a little extra $$ if it is really worth it. Brand and model numbers would be appreciated as the are all over the place in cost and specs.

Thanks guys,

Mike

[Paul Jacobs]

I have not bought binoculars since the 1980's so I can't recommend current models. This is a good simple article on general principles of binoculars - https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wi...se-binoculars/

I have one pair of 10 x 40 binoculars which I use if I want to see clearly and another 10 x 25, also excellent and much easier to carry but less good if the light is dim.

[j44ke]

The Nikon Monarch 5 line is a pretty solid binocular. Reasonably bright, low distortion with good coatings, and the prices are reasonable. You can go with a more general purpose focal length like the 8x42 for birds in trees around the yard in good light, or you can go with the higher magnification 10x42 for better "reach" to see birds seated more distantly or flying overhead or out in a body of water. Advantage to the 8x binocs is that they have a wider field of view, so a bit easier to actually find the bird with the binoculars, which is good when looking at small birds who move quickly like finches and warblers. The advantage to the 10x binocs is that you can see more detail and see farther away, which is good for looking at ducks and hawks and shorebirds.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...monarch_5.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...monarch_5.html

You can also move up to the Nikon Monarch 7 line (both , which increases the quality of glass used in the binoculars and fully coats all lens surfaces. This translates into improved illumination of the object you are looking at - the higher quality the glass and the better the coatings the less light is absorbed or blocked by reflections or the glass itself so more light reaches your eye and you can see the bird better.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Binocular.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...rch_7_ATB.html

One of my favorites is the Leica Trinovid 10x25 simply because it is small & light with very good optical quality. They are Leica's older lens formula (Trinovid lenses are what Paul's binocs have inside them, now replaced by the Ultravid lenses) but they are still an excellent binocular. Disadvantages will be that they have the narrower field of view of a 10x binocular and with the 25mm exit lens they lose a bit of light transmission oomph. But they are very well made, excellent lenses and nice around the neck (not heavy) with high powered focal length.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Binocular.html

The Leica Ultravids in the same configuration as above (10x25) are noticeably brighter, probably equal to standard sized binoculars but about $200 more than the Trinovid.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...lar_Black.html

At around $1000, I'd recommend the Zeiss Conquest binoculars. I've had these binoculars myself, and I like them very much. Even brighter than the Leica Ultravids above, really smooth operating focus and terrifically clear, contrasty lenses used inside. Again, available in 8x and 10x focal lengths.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Binocular.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...Binocular.html

And for nearly $3000, get a pair of Leica Noctivid 10x42 binoculars. Yes they really are that good.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...binocular.html

BTW, Paul - Leica has reintroduced your binoculars! If you need a refresh...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...lar_black.html

[Peter Polack]

I needed a pair for work. I didn't want to pay a lot and get too involved in the tech of it.

I watched craigslist and found a guy selling some of his father's collection, which he used for birding. I think he had six pair for sale.

Keeping the post bike related: I rode my bike 20+ miles to the meet up point!

Anyway, the son knew the in's and out's of binoculars and after telling him my needs and trying them, I picked out a pair of Eagle Optics Rangers 8 x 42. It has all the adjustments I need for focus and alignment, whatever, and work well with my bifocals. $60 and I couldn't be happier.

[j44ke]

I needed a pair for work. I didn't want to pay a lot and get too involved in the tech of it.

I watched craigslist and found a guy selling some of his father's collection, which he used for birding. I think he had six pair for sale.

Keeping the post bike related: I rode my bike 20+ miles to the meet up point!

Anyway, the son knew the in's and out's of binoculars and after telling him my needs and trying them, I picked out a pair of Eagle Optics Rangers 8 x 42. It has all the adjustments I need for focus and alignment, whatever, and work well with my bifocals. $60 and I couldn't be happier.

Eagle Optics was the home brand of good quality fair priced (though definitely not $60 new!) binoculars that were popular with birdwatchers for those reasons. They are no longer in business. Redstart Birding is a company founded by a couple birdwatchers, including one of the original employees of Eagle Optics. You can find some of their suggestions, based on the Eagle Optics models, here: https://redstartbirding.com/blogs/ne...ics-binoculars - along with general information on binoculars (and other optics) here: https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/b...tics-guide.php

[Mabouya]

1) A while back when I was buying a pair for my sister I found this to be quite helpful:

https://www.birdwatching.com/optics/binoculars1.html

2) You probably want to get a roof prism design instead of a Porro prism model.

3) Be sure you think about how much power and light are appropriate for your planned use. Other than buying a junky pair to begin with, this is where it's easiest to mess up and get the wrong thing.

Good Luck

[Paul Jacobs]

BTW, Paul - Leica has reintroduced your binoculars! If you need a refresh...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...lar_black.html

Thank you Jorn, I was interested to see that. They cost me £80 in the 1960's with money from my grandfather, thanks to a 20% discount which my father somehow negotiated. The new ones are £1400 in the UK but I can't see my 50 year old ones wearing out any time soon. As you said in an earlier post (in the Better vision from cycling thread), "You'll never regret spending a lot of money on binoculars if you are a birdwatcher."

[guido]

I'm a real fan of the ultegra (105?) level solution:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1



8x42 is definitely the power to get.

I had Swarovski and Swift sets over the years and have looked through friends Leica and Zeiss instruments, but I'm continually knocked out by the quality these Bushnells. You can get two pairs for less than the price of one of the big name sets. Not having to share a single set increases the pleasure immensely.

[Paul Jacobs]

While we are talking about binoculars, I get really irritated by the cinema film convention of putting a double circle mask around a scene to indicate that it is being viewed through binoculars. Correctly set up binoculars give a circular view not one constricted in the centre, which is the part of the field of view one should be most interested in.

[jclay]

I tried to find a previous thread about this but was unsuccessful. The Mrs. and I are spending more time at our daughter and son in laws mountain cabin in Maggie Valley, N.C. than in Florida. I want to get some binoculars for bird watching, turkey spotting ... I’m not looking for Dura Ace level but don’t mind a little extra $$ if it is really worth it. Brand and model numbers would be appreciated as the are all over the place in cost and specs.

Thanks guys,

Mike

Others are probably more knowledgeable, but what comes to my mind:

• Pocket portable vs larger units which live on a window sill or strapped to your chest has to be determined first.
• 8x is often considered the best compromise between magnification and stability but I think that perspective may tend towards birders in the field, standing, often without body/arm/hand bracing; I find 10x to be stable enough but I'm not a real birder, tromping through the woods and am usually able to brace against something...deck rail, tree, car, arm rests if I'm sitting in a chair.
• You're in the Smokies so I'll guess that your objectives are most often in heavily shaded areas; if that's the case I'd go 8x42 or 10x50 for the added light gathering capability, if you want full size, but 8x32 and 10x42 are certainly not junk.
• In pocket portable I'm not sure. I wanted pocket portable for the only pair I ever bought (as oppose to inherited) and got 8x20 Leica maybe 15 years ago. They're excellent and now about twice what I paid but they're quite sensitive to placement over each eye and I see that 8x25mm units are available in that size range (and maybe more finicky wrt eye alignment). I also find that I don't carry them on my person nearly as often as I thought I would so be realistic in that decision! At least 95% of my looking is off a porch or near a car so larger units would have suited, cost less or for the same money performed better. Very occasionally they're in the bag on my front rack but maybe more in the future, as I slow down and look around on rides.
• Roof prism units greatly outnumber porros these days so while it's my understanding that porros have some inherent optical advantages the manufacturing focus on roofs may make those a better bet. There is certainly a lot more to choose from in roofs.
• There is something about the objective/ocular ratio and the projected image size that's relevant but I forget the details, though sensitivity to eye placement is one of them.

I suggest you try'em in person first if at all possible. That's particularly important at the lower price points....if you're going full size Leica or similar you wouldn't need to but you'll pay through the nose. Good luck with your shopping!

[mnoble485]

Thank you guys for the advise. A few replies for everyone:
Jorn, the first link was at my max expenditure so the others were nixed. Remember I’m a retired, fixed income consumer now.

Peter, I’m thinking used might be an avenue to explore.

Guy, 105 works for me, thanks for a low cost/good quality suggestion.

Clay, I should have been clearer, I’m not likely to tramp through the woods but more likely to use these on the back deck.

I am a creature of habit when it comes to spending. I picked up my Serotta and my Hampsten used at great value so I’m wondering about exploring the used but not abused market.please keep the suggestions and ideas coming.

Thanks,

Mike

[j44ke]

Thank you guys for the advise. A few replies for everyone:
Jorn, the first link was at my max expenditure so the others were nixed. Remember I’m a retired, fixed income consumer now.

Peter, I’m thinking used might be an avenue to explore.

Guy, 105 works for me, thanks for a low cost/good quality suggestion.

Clay, I should have been clearer, I’m not likely to tramp through the woods but more likely to use these on the back deck.

I am a creature of habit when it comes to spending. I picked up my Serotta and my Hampsten used at great value so I’m wondering about exploring the used but not abused market.please keep the suggestions and ideas coming.

Thanks,

Mike

I checked B&H's used listings, and this Celestron model would be one to consider. Celestron more famously makes star-gazing telescopes, and their binoculars are usually very good. This one is a newer design with better quality glass and lens/prism coatings than you usually see at this price. Also looks like they have a wider field of view than is typical which should make finding the bird easier. I am going to guess - because I know B&H does this - these are floor models retired to the used department for sale, which usually means they may have exterior marks but everything inside is fine. At B&H, all the floor models are behind a counter, so you only get to fondle the merchandise under supervision of sales help.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...noculars.html/

[jclay]

Thank you guys for the advise. A few replies for everyone:
Jorn, the first link was at my max expenditure so the others were nixed. Remember I’m a retired, fixed income consumer now.

Peter, I’m thinking used might be an avenue to explore.

Guy, 105 works for me, thanks for a low cost/good quality suggestion.

Clay, I should have been clearer, I’m not likely to tramp through the woods but more likely to use these on the back deck.

I am a creature of habit when it comes to spending. I picked up my Serotta and my Hampsten used at great value so I’m wondering about exploring the used but not abused market.please keep the suggestions and ideas coming.

Thanks,

Mike

Then I suggest 8x42 as the magnification & objective size to get.....and the Bushnell that Guido posted as well as this Nikon (on sale) would be worth a look: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...binocular.html

[jmgorman]

A couple of years ago I stumbled into a set of Zeiss Dialyt classic C's. On a birding trip last year all the old guys were poking fun at my antiques, but promptly shut up when it was clear they were brighter, easier to use and more robust than the very fancy glass they were carrying. New, my wife picked up a pair from Eagle that she loves, don't recall the specifics, though (an 8x40, I think.)

[mnoble485]

Now your talking my language! I have never had a problem with well handled equipment. The search continues.

Mike

[SpeedyChix]

A fan of our Vortex Razor HD 10x42 binocs. Production location has changed but they continue to have positive reviews.

[twowheels]

I've got a pair of pentax dcf ed 8 x 43 and they are phenomenal. They have been replaced by a newer model. I sold a high end pair of zeiss because these are so good. Look on Amazon, there is a shop in michigan that has a new pair for under $400. That's an insane deal. I paid around $800 for mine 8 years ago. Thank me later.

[jimcav]

Last week I saw a really cool, white bird of prey with black tipped wings just watching me as I did trail maintenance--no idea what it was. Only white raptor type bird I know of is an osprey. Made me wish I carried binoculars in my camelbak.
is this a good for that model, or not a good deal compared to others mentioned above?:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08966SQLQ...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[twowheels]

Here are the pentax:

https://www.amazon.com/Pentax-8x43-D.../dp/B000MILW2U


and a review:

https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.co...3DCFED-124.htm


$400 is an absolutely insane price for a true top shelf bino in image and build quality.

[jimcav]

thank you. after looking at pics online it was probably a northern harrier I saw. I'd only seen an osprey's underside in flight, but it wasn't an osprey, wrong color on top. I bought the pentax you linked! I look fwd to having good glasses when I do my volunteer trail maintenace.