I would appreciate any advice on the best binoculars to purchase to watch garden birds that are generally situated between 50-75 feet away from the house.
At the moment I am using a pair of Olympus 8x21 DPCI's, which are OK (very lightweight and small) but I would like something a little stronger. Price range - not sure - around £100-£150 ?
Thanks
Regards
Helen
I would say that a porro prism bin would offer the best value. An 8x40 would give you a decent exit pupil making for comfortable viewing and 8x is not too powerful to hold steady. There are lots of excellent bins at £100 - £150. The Nikon 8x40 Egret is excelent value but there is a lot of distortion towards the edge of the field and they are not very good with eyeglasses. Opticron and Bushnell also produce well reviewed bins in your price range. My mother has a Viking 8x40 which I think is remarkable for the price. It's ugly though. I would recommend looking for one with a wide field of view of at least 130m at 1000m.
You could visting your local specialist optics dealer and trying a few. But do make sure they have a decent range before you visit. Also make sure you try them outside and not in the shop, or at least looking out of an open window. In Focus at Barnes is not too far away, has excellent viewing facilities but I am not sure of their range. Focus Optics near Coventry are not too far. I don't like them but others say good things about them.
I am sure others will mention some bins that they have found to be good. Good luck.
Don't go to a shop "in town". I'd go along to a shop or reserve that has viewing facilities and try a few pairs out. Your local wildlife trust reserve will organise days where you can go and try bins even if it doesn't have a shop in the visitor centre. Bins are a personal thing you need to try.
You may not need stronger magnification a pair of 8*42 will magnify the bird the same as those you are using but will give a brighter image (in theory!)