Firstly.... this is my first posting on bird forums and feel I ought to tip my hat..... hello!!
Me? Well I've been a long time informal birder and nature lover, however I've only just discovered this place - whilst searching the net for some new bins! Hope someone here can advise and guide me as to what would suit my needs and budget.
I've sort of narrowed down two (maybe three) pairs of bins that interest me. Firstly the Kowa BD 8X32 at around £330, and secondly the Opticron Imagic BGA SE again 8x32 and similarly priced. I like the positive (generally) remarks I've read about them thus far but would greatly appreciate comments from the obviously very knowledgable folks here about these two models. They would be for general nature observation and I don't wear glasses.
Thrown into the mix though I have read much about the wonderful view that the Nikon SE 8x32 porros give. £100 more than I'd like to spend ....but I could stretch if they warranted it. Ordinarilly I don't use binoculars in the rain so the lack of waterproofing with the Nikons wouldn't be an issue..however,... next year I'm spending 3 weeks on a Carribbean cruise and worry a little about how humidity would affect the Nikons. Would this be an issue do you think?
Alternatively, do you have something you would recommend over and above my choices?
And finally the more I look at bino's here and elsewhere and read about them, well lets just say I feel an expensive hobby moment coming on.....oh dear...
Thanks one and all.
though the 8x32 is getting more popular, it is not always easy to find models to look at. the Pentax SP 8x32 can be found for as little as 330 dollars here.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...Search&aq=f&oq=
Not sure of the prices in the UK.
The Kowa is probably pretty good if you can check it out.
Hi Richard,
I have just bought a pair of the 8x32 Imagics for £330 inc delivery from South West Optics in Truro (- great service by the way). If you buy a pair and return the receipt to Opticron by 5/9 they will send you a free 2.5x UTA which retails at £99.00! I bought the Imagics as back ups to a pair of 7x42 SLCs and have to say that although not quite as sharp as the Swarovski's they are very close. They also have an excellent 8 degree field of view, which almost matches the SLCs. They look to be very well made, are waterproof to 3 metres and have a 30 year warranty. I think that they are an excellent buy for the money.
Paul