Cameras and Lenses
Best Bins For Me
I have just recently began to dabble in the world of birding. After next week, the binoculars I've been using courtesy of the Ohio Northern University Biology department will be taken away from me. I'm giving serious thought to buying my own mid-range pair of binoculars. I realize a trend around here is to try the binoculars before I make a purchase - I intend to do this. I'm just looking at a jump off point.
I'm looking for a pair that:
Roof-prism
Nitrogen Purged
Waterproof
Very good optics
Less than $450
I've read a lot of good things, and a few bad things about the 8x42 Nikon Monarchs. Also I've read some good things about the Pentax 8x43 DCF SP.
I asking for some opinions on these bins and perhaps a few suggestions as to some other bins.
Thanks
-adam
Hi Adam I see this is your first post, so may I welcome you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators at Bird Forum
I'm sure there'll be someone along soon to advise you
D
[QUOTE=ARauckhorst;882152]I have just recently began to dabble in the world of birding. After next week, the binoculars I've been using courtesy of the Ohio Northern University Biology department will be taken away from me. I'm giving serious thought to buying my own mid-range pair of binoculars. I realize a trend around here is to try the binoculars before I make a purchase - I intend to do this. I'm just looking at a jump off point.
I'm looking for a pair that:
Roof-prism
Nitrogen Purged
Waterproof
Very good optics
Less than $450
I've read a lot of good things, and a few bad things about the 8x42 Nikon Monarchs. Also I've read some good things about the Pentax 8x43 DCF SP.
I asking for some opinions on these bins and perhaps a few suggestions as to some other bins.
Thanks
-adam[/QUOTE]
And welcome from me too, Adam!!
We have three pairs of binoculars in our family; I gave a Dollond & Aitcheson 10x9 to my husband as a wedding gift, 43 years ago, and they are still going strong!
I have a pair of Opticron and a pair of Leica; the latter were expensive, but I can use them wearing my specs, which is really useful when you want to catch sight of something quickly.
As you say, trying them out is the way to go - take every opportunity to beg/borrow/commandeer them so that you can get the "feel" of the pair in your hands, and the weight too.
At present the German supermarket is offering Bresser binocs for £49 - what a snip for what are considered to be quality gear. Do you have Lidl in the States?
Happy hunting and here's to a lifetime of pleasure using whatever you decide to buy!