When I started being a bit more of a formal birder about 2 years ago, I went to a specialist shop and took some advice. They said that 8 x binoculars (I think mine are 8x25 opticron) would do fine.
However I am finding that in quite a few cases I amn't getting the detail I need for id and I am wondering if 10 x . .. . (or something else ?) would be a better bet. I tried a pals pair recently and although I don't remember their spec. the image was a class apart. They were very big though and I do want a smaller pair that can go in a rucksack for a day or two witout being a weight/size problem.
If anyone has comments or a pair they'd recomend, I'd be grateful. I wouldn't want to fork out too much, but £100-£150 would be a range I'd consider
Well, some of us claim to see more at 10x, so it could not hurt if you can hold it. The problem comes with very distant birds. In winter I scan ducks and gulls that are far away, before I take out my scope, but I need to rest my elbows on my car.
8,5x is nearly the same as 8x, so I have been pushing for 9x, not much luck.
The weight is an issue too. If it is too light, you can not hold it as steady. 700g is a good weight. If more, you get tired of the weight when walking with bins on neck. I never got the hang of the harnesses, some people like them.
Just bought some Opticron Imagic 8*42 from In-Focus £159 and I am very pleased with them.
I am now looking for some compact bins for my rucksack when I am out walking