Binoculars

[teekaygee]

I have an old pair of binoculars that used to belong to my grandfather, and although I use them at home, at about 2 lbs I find they are just heavy enough that I don't tend to take them with me when I go birding (instead I tend to use my camera's zoom lens to get a better look at birds that are too far away.)
I'd really like to decent a decent pair of bins that I will use when I go out. I've read lots on on the web about things like power, eye relief and all that, but I'd really like to hear some first-hand impressions. oh yeah, I don't want to break the bank on them either, as I'm saving up for a new lens for my camera.

so here's my question...what binoculars do you use? And what do you like or dislike about them?

Terri

[JeffOver]

Hi Terri,
I use tasco binoculars. It has a good magnification and range for birds--8X40mm. Here are the rest of the details--most of which I don't understand. 350FT/1000YDS. 106M/1000M. Anyway, I've had them for several years now, and they've worked pretty well. They have a red coating on the outside of the lens to help against glare. Probably the best part about it for me was that they were only $60.00 at Walmart. I'm not sure if they still sell them though. However, I'm sure the more expensive binoculars are better quality. The question is whether the difference in quality is worth the difference in price. Hope this helps!
Jeff

[Dave]

Hi Terri,

I use a pair of Bushnell Elite 10 x 43. I used to own a pair that of Bushnell 8 x 42 that I picked up at London Drugs for about $100 (We won't mention the price of the Elites - I don't quite remember how to justify the cost). I am very happy with the Elites for 3 main reasons:

1. In dark/poor lighting - like at dusk - they let in a lot of light. I was watching owls at dusk and it seemed like daylight looking through them...that's worth a few dollars right there.

2. the 10x power is the magnification, the other ones were 8x power....I thought that the 10x power would take a lot of getting used to when trying to find a bird in the tree (since everything is closer) but I don't seem to have too much trouble locating the bird. The 10x is really nice when comparing beak shape or other finer details. It is also nice when looking at Sandpipers or other farther away birds.

3. The eye relief is awesome. I used to come home from fullday birding trips with tired or sore eyes. Not any more.

There are some useful websites on line as well. If you want to meet in the field sometime and tryout various binos, let me know. Cheam Wetlands would be ideal (I live next to it )

Hope this helps somewhat.

Dave

[Gord]

A cheap pair of binoculars are better than none at all!

However, I would stay away from the compact binos. While small and light, the narrow field of view makes it difficult to locate your subject. The cheaper cost and size is not worth the frustration in the field. That's my thought on those guys.

I would certainly look at something in the range of 8 - 10 magnification as Jeff and Dave suggested. Im a big fan of 10 x 50 myself. They have made huge advances in bringing down the weight and size. I had a pair of Bushnell Legends (Legacy) in 10 x 50 when I bought my first pair about 18 years ago. What monsters! A pair of new 8 x 42 might be a nice compromise between size and functionality.

The Backyard Birding stores in Chilliwack and Abbotsford sell binoculars and probably will allow you to step outside to test them in natural light. Something difficult to do in London Drugs!

Good luck! Let us know how you make out and if there's more questions that come up.

[cwjury]

Hi - Binoculars are about glass- the better the glass the more money you spend. Better glass means sharper images- more light- better colour. Good binoculars will have coating that prevent glare and fogging, as well as being waterproof. In my opinion any binocular under $150 are not going to cut it. Most people who spend to little, will be back a few years later to buy another pair. For Birding I prefer no less than 10X and in fact right now I have been trying out a 12.5X43 elites ( They are awsome- but very expensive). Also very important is how close they focus- inexpensive binoculars usually focus at 15'+. While the better binoculars will focus down to 6-8'. Compact Binoculars are nice and light, but their lenses just don't let in enough light. (Although for travelling they can be handy) Another consideration when buying binoculars is the weight, if they are really light, it means they are cast and poorer quality. While binoculars that are a little heavier are machined from solid stock- making them much more precise. (Also will cost more).

Over the last 15 years I have purchased 6 pairs of binoculars- I wish the stores I had bought from, would of had some knowledge. I would of purchased a better pair to start with- those 6 pairs cost over a $1000. I could of bought a real good pair for that money, and would still be using them.

I could go on for a while about more differences- but this was a quick overview. Anyone is welcome to come into my stores and try out the different binoculars- or pick my brain some more. ( I'am usually in my chilliwack store fri/sat)

Thanks
Cliff Jury
Backyard Birding Stores
Abbotsford and Chilliwack

[JeffOver]

Merry Christmas all!

I'm looking for some opinions on a pair of Bushnell Legacy Zoom binoculars. I'm not well educated on binos, so I'm not sure if this was a wise buy.

I did some shopping today and picked up a pair of these binoculars for about $200.00 at London Drugs.

The neat feature is that it has an adjustable zoom from 10 to 22x by 50mm. I tried them out at home and was able to identify a pair of mallards flying over the back field, something I'd never be able to do with my old 8 x 42's. In this way, it's kind of a nice compromise between a regular pair of binos and a scope. Of course, it's obviously not as stable as a scope.

Other details:
Focus System: Center
Prism System: Porro
Eye relief: 14mm (is that considered good?)
Exit Pupil: 5.0@10x/2.3@22x
Coating: Fully Multi
Weatherproof

Weight: 34.2 oz--this is the feature that makes me wonder if I should return them. At just over 2 pounds, they are noticeably heavier than my old ones.

There was a pair of regular 10x by 50s there as well, but I didn't compare the weight because I was quite enamored by the zoom option on this pair.

I have looked at previous discussions on this thread, and so I'm trying to follow the experts' advice (meaning 10x by 43s or 50s, minimum price of $150). However, my upper price limit is about $300 max, so that limits the number of binos I'm looking at (i.e. elites are out of the question! ).

If anyone has any comments, please post them. Any opinions on other binoculars, such as Bushnell EX Excursions (also at London Drugs), is welcome.

Also, if anyone from the bird store wants to send me info on binos they have between $150-$300, they can do so via the personal messaging service. Otherwise, I may come down next week to take a look.

Jeff Overduin

[Gord]

Jeff, I would wonder how often the zoom feature would be useful or if would make the extra weight worthwhile. Weight does add up especially on longer outings. You have some good reasoning behind it though in regards to no scope etc.

From my experience with zoom binoculars, the field of view narrows considerably as you zoom. Also, as you've noticed, stability does come into play and is worth considering when trying to see something that's shaky. At 22x it will be very tough even in nice bright conditions and I would suggest that 22x would not be that useful. I always hesitate with zoom binoculars myself for birding especially when most of birding takes place close enough for 10x or 8x. The lost quality for the more rare times a higher X is used might be noticed a little for the more regular day-to-day birding.

A 2 in 1 is always great to consider, but often these deals sort of make both qualities not work as well as they would on their own. But the reality of getting both separately is something Ive had to deal with so compensations can be made. If you have a chance to use them in the field, put them through their paces and see how they feel to you.

I use Celestron Nobles 10x50 and have been very happy with them for the last few years. They're not that heavy but are just above average in weight I think. I also mention this as I happen to know that the Wild Bird Store has some and I think the sale price might be in the budget you've set. I understand that Celestron has discontinued this model just like they did the Elites last year about this time and are now quite cheap compared to their regular price of over $500. (I have nothing to gain by this promotion...on the same note, Walmart has batteries on sale. Great to power all those toys the kids got that need em) ;D ;D ;D

Eye relief is how much you have to look through. More is better naturally. 14mm is probably about average. The Nobles are 20mm. The little compact binos are really small in the eye relief department thus the reason why it sometimes seems like you're looking through soda straws taped together.

Good luck with your shopping!

[Wetlander]

I've got a pair of celestron regals...
but more importantly... get a harness!!! I've had a huge improvement in endurance and less neck pain. And the harness provides just a hint of tension when you raise them to your eyes so they provide a bit more stability.

[JeffOver]

Thanks Gord, Kevin, and Cliff! I appreciate the help very much.

[Gord]

Most welcome, Jeff!

I see I made an error when I said Elites on sale last year when it was the Regals I meant.

Kevin, Im really considering one of those harnesses in my future too. Right now I carry mine over the neck and under one arm but isnt always comfortable.

[Wetlander]

the beauty of the harness is, it is hands free and keeps your glasses close to your chest for an easy up to the eyes. Amazing the lower back strain it takes off by distributing weight more equally. The same rig would work with cameras as well. With both, I slip my kodak over one shoulder and under the harness strap.