Cameras and Lenses
Considerations for eyeglass use?
As I read the various reviews and posts in these forums and elsewhere, I have become more concerned with proper eye relief. I wear relatively thick eyeglass lenses so, I don't want to mail order good binoculars only to find out I loose a lot of the field of view.
To further complicate things, a post like this one http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=43711 suggests that some manufacturers are more conservative then others in their eye relief measurements.
So after reading the thread posted above, I think I need to look at binoculars with a good Field of View and a good Depth of View. Then I need to figure how to determine if a given pair of binoculars is under or over reporting their effective eye relief.
Someday, I hope to travel to some place that has premium binoculars, even more then one manufacturer 
and make some comparisons.
What insights do you have to share? I appreciate any help you can give to a novice like myself
Hi Sid,
Its difficult to recommend a pair of 'bins' for a spectacle wearer. The optical power of your spectacle lenses will affect the performance of the 'bins'. I have only a small optical correction but was amazed at the performance differences between several makes of 'bins'.
The only way to choose is to get to a demonstration day so you can try severa; types. Or if you can ask other birders if you can have a quick look through theirs. I did this myself before I purchased my latest pair of 'bins', my old ones being no good when wearing my spectacles.
Keith
There does indeed seem to be some variation in how various makers come up with their eye relief figures. I do think you can rely on them to give you a general idea of which models might meet your needs. I have also found that my newer, smaller eye glasses sit closer to my eyes, so I now can get away with less eye relief.
I fear the best way to find out what binoculars work for you, both in terms of eye relief and fit and feel, is to try them for yourself. I know this can be difficult. I live in an area that has very little binocular selection. If you spend some time with a birding group in the field, you can find some examples there, but it might well be worth your time to visit a "birding fair" or large dealer at some distance. It might be fun too.
Clear skies, Alan