Cameras and Lenses
Binocular surprise need advice please
Hi everyone
New to forum but read many threads !
So hello and heres hoping for some reassurance on binoculars
Recently visited optics demo at Bempton RSPB lodge near home in UK and tried Leica ,Swarovski,RSPB and various Japanese badged roof prisms 8 x 42 10 x 42 8.5 x 42 and some 32's objective
Viewed late season birds on cliffs and long distance foot paths/people/buildings Day was windy but mainly sunny
Had a low cost 10 x 30 UCF Porro Praktica with me and to be frank other than ultimate brightness and slight long distance resolve couldnt seem to find the huge cost difference jump (especially against the v high cost models i tried) Demo chap recommended Nikon SE Porro and Swarovski EL as the "ones" and 10 x 42 Swarovski seemed v bright
Help !
Did i not test these very well or is the difference in vision gain minimal as cost increases
Also though not fashionable/waterproof or costly the Praktica compacts seem fine in normal light (better than Nikon Travelite i tried) Sorry to ramble but was fascinated doing comparisons How do the Nikon SE models compare (didnt get to test those as none available) and finally are Praktica another "old" type company who have simply "died" out with the emergence of Japanese products was there optical quality rated at one time ?
Thanks
richt
Dear richt,
There are many threads in this forum about binoculars. The consensus is that you have to try the binoculars, yourself, as what works for many may not work for you. Many forum members love the Nikon 8x32 SE. Others, including me, find it difficult to use. Wearers of eyeglasses seem to have difficulties with blackouts.
Certainly, the higher cost binoculars provide better images, but the extra expense returns a comparatively marginal return. You should be looking for field of view, edge sharpness, contrast, brightness and ergonomic suitability.
Personally, ten power is too unstable for me, but many use that power.
Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood 
Must admit that I prefer the 8x for my normal birding though I often cart around a scope as well.
I agree that what constitutes the best pair for one person isn't necessarily the best for evreyone else. A lot depends on the feel of the design.
On a bright day the differences between many brands is neglible to my non-perfect eyesight. However on dull cloudy days and on an evening the differences are more marked.
Best advice is to keep comparing brands and styles until you find one that suits you best.