Hi everyone,
I am going to choose some new bins. I live a long way from any bino shops so need to narrow choice down before the long drive, especially as two nearest shops don't sell same choices - so I need to work out which one to visit.
Firstly, I wear glasses
Secondly, budget is around £250 max
Thirdly, I have briefly tried two of the three I'm looking at, but not side by side (like I said, the shop that sells one, doesn't sell the other)
As a professional photographer I carry a lot of camera equipment so I don't want anything too big or heavy as having my camera around my neck with a long lens is often more than enough on it's own.
So, my choices are narrowed to:
Used Leica Ultravid 10x25 BCA - reasoning, will fit pocket rather than around neck and not get in way of camera, but can I really use a 25mm bino for bird watching? (price £229)
Minox 8x42 BL (price £259)
RSPB 8.5x42 WPG (tried these yesturday and was really impressed but wished I could have compared to the Minox) (price £239)
Would be happy to receive opinions on the above and alternative suggestions if you have bins that you really rate!
Thanks in advance for help.
Hello and welcome to the forum. I have not tried the binoculars you mention, but really like my 8 x 42 Vortex Vipers, which meet the requirements you list. They have been very well received by most reviewers. Here are some links to reviews and surveys that I have found useful in researching binoculars:
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics.html
There are a number of excellent articles on this page. In particular, check out the Midpriced Binocular Roundup link with the accompanying chart, as well as the "Binocular Picks for Every Price Range" chart.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=2735
http://www.eagleoptics.com/buying_guide.asp?cid=4
The above are links to Eagle Optics (a very well respected American optics dealer) recommendations and staff picks for birding binoculars in various price ranges.
There are also various sites with out of date information. I would take their recommendations with a grain of salt because they do not include consideration of more recent models, but they have some good info:
http://www.betterviewdesired.com/index.php
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Public.../Age_Binos.html
Cheers,
Jim
Choices, choices and so many opinions will be forthcoming.
Firstly take your time, get it right and you'll be hooked, and if not you still have glasses that will last a lifetime. Continue your research and list the favourites
See if you can make it to somewhere you can compare in the field (even £250) is a lot to spend so again take your time.
Review carefully what you anticipate you will do with them, frequency of use, type of activity etc. Whats good for a out and out birder may not be so good for someone who's primary interest is walking with nature observing a secondary activity.
If you are going for 'pocketability' avoid higher magnification, eg 10x25..... generallly poorer light gathering, narrower field of view (thus difficulty in finding object) and often shorter relief for glasses wearers.
Unless lucky with a bargain, the premium brands are out of reach because I would avoid the 25mm or under bins.
I would suggest the 36mm objective with a 7 or 8x mag from the likes of Vortex, Pentax, Minox, Nikon.. why, because the smaller size makes them much more 'carriable' (sounds like a bushism) and these brands have models within your price range.
I have swarovski EL's, Leica BN's, RSPB?, Helios AM6's, and they all serve a purpose, but I am currently looking for a pair of 7/8x36 to put in my glovebox, and have just come back from checking out the vortex and Minox range of stuff and both are impressive.
In short there are plenty of bins within your budget that will ensure you dont regret buying them.