Hello
I have $200 US to spend on some birding binoculars. To be used mostly in the woods. Suggestions?
Thanks
[QUOTE=JAD]Hello
I have $200 US to spend on some birding binoculars. To be used mostly in the woods. Suggestions?
Thanks[/QUOTE]
Busnell Natureview roof prisms - available in 8x42 and 10x42. I use the 10x42, they are light and 'comfy' to use. I'm well pleased for the money - they are definately worth a look..
In this price range you should at least look thru the Porro prism models such as Minolta Activa, Nikon Action EX (both well under $200); slightly over $200 Swift Ultralite Porro, Swift Audubon Porro (best bins, IMO), Audubon Raptors and others.
Porros will have sharper, brighter image and wider field of view than almost any $200 roof prisms. You will notice the difference right away when you bring them to your eyes and compare. The drawback is they are heavier and bulkier than roof prism designs.
Be sure to consider how much eye relief you need. Do you wear glasses while birding? Too little eye relief can make a great binocular impossible to use for someone with deep set eyes or who wears glasses.
I recommend you try as many bins as possible at stores and from friends and fellow birders. In this price range, there is great variation in quality. Some should be sold with free headache medication, others are superior to most $500 roof prisms. If you decide on a model, ask to see 3 pairs and select the ones that have the sharpest image. There is variation in quality even in bins from the same factory.
Marc