Is it possible to buy a decent pair of binoculars for about 250 UK pounds.
I have been looking at some of the other threads and most of the products recommended are way out of our range.
We are looking for something around the 8 x 40-50, my wife is small and wears glasses, so weight and size are probably important and from what I have been reading perhaps eye-relief (don't really know what this means).
I would be very grateful for any and all advice, I appreciate that we need to try any binoculars before we buy but it would be nice to have some starting points.
Thanks
Colin
more than possible Colin
second hand is probably the best way to go
might be an idea to ring/look at websites for In Focus, Cley Spy, Focalpoint etc as they have good second hand stock
the number of decent bins is too high to go into individual pairs but generally price is a good indicator.....hence a sec hand pair at 250 is much better than a new pair.
There are many good bins at that price.
If you check Warehouseexpress they are selling Nikon Sporter1 8x36 for £99 RRP £199. Many BF members use them and rate them very highly.
Opticron have bins at that price that are excellent e.g the Roof Prism Verano's 260-300 and the little Travellers 8x32 which weigh about 450g. in-focus's DELTA SL 8x42 bins £260 are very good .
There are some Switft porro prisms 8.5x44 820 & 820ED
To be honest if you pop down to your dealer and try out stuff from Opticron, Swift & Bushnell you won't go far wrong. Also as I say own brand stuff like In-focus delta or Ace Optics (at Bath/Bristol) Avian range are considered highly in some quarters.
Just try them and see what you think. Bear in mind that Porro prism bins will generally outperform roof prisms at this price BUT will not be as rugged e.g. roofs have better waterproofing