My original binoculars were big 10x50 porros, and the image bounced like mad. Finding a binocular with a steady image became of the utmost importance. Thus I started to take notice of how much image shake there was in each pair I have looked at for possible purchase.
Now the problem (there is always a problem with me). I see tremor in every binocular I have looked at. Light to heavy, 7x to 10x, long, short, porro, roof. Sure, some shake less than others, but I see it in all of them.
I am finding heavier binoculars, 27-28 ounces, shake less for me but I would much rather carry something lighter, for the sake of my back. The 20-22 ounce binocualrs that I really like are kind of jiggly, not real large shakes like the old 10x50s, just quick minute, though constant, vibration.
Is this something that others ignore, or am I particularly sensative, or is that a trade off other's make for smaller binoculars, or am I going to have to carry a heavier binocular?
I have looked at Canon IS today, but don't want the hassle of batteries.
Thanks.
[QUOTE=RobConnel]My original binoculars were big 10x50 porros, and the image bounced like mad. Finding a binocular with a steady image became of the utmost importance. Thus I started to take notice of how much image shake there was in each pair I have looked at for possible purchase.
Now the problem (there is always a problem with me). I see tremor in every binocular I have looked at. Light to heavy, 7x to 10x, long, short, porro, roof. Sure, some shake less than others, but I see it in all of them.
I am finding heavier binoculars, 27-28 ounces, shake less for me but I would much rather carry something lighter, for the sake of my back. The 20-22 ounce binocualrs that I really like are kind of jiggly, not real large shakes like the old 10x50s, just quick minute, though constant, vibration.
Is this something that others ignore, or am I particularly sensative, or is that a trade off other's make for smaller binoculars, or am I going to have to carry a heavier binocular?
I have looked at Canon IS today, but don't want the hassle of batteries.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]
Rob,
Since the tremor is our problem, the choice of binoculars does not seem to make a large difference. Lower magnifications, of course, make it less troublesome, which is one reason my binocular choice was a 7x pair. There does seem to be some variation based on weight, although it is not much of a variation in my hands.
I've often wondered whether an individual's choice of magnification is related to the personal amount of tremor, or if our tolerance for tremor simply varies. Since nothing is generally simple, both are probably at work.
Tremor would actually be fairly easy to quantify if someone was so inclined. You could simply attach a hand held laser pointer to the binocular and measure the motion of the spot it produces.
I feel that tremor is one of the main limiting factors in how much detail is visible. The detail certainly improves markedly if you mount binoculars on a tripod.
I recently made the jump to Canon 12x36 IS IIs, and I am amazed on the difference in the views with a steady 12x image. It is simply not the same Scarlet Tanager I see in our Serviceberry at 12x when compared to the 7x view.
You comment about the "hassle" of batteries puzzles. A pair of lithium AAs lasts a very long time, and a spare pair weighs less than 2 ounces. I find they are well worth the effort required to change batteries once in a while. I will keep my 7x42s for those dreary wet days, but on most days the 12x36s will be in hand, and their 3mm exit pupil is all that is required.
Clear skies, Alan
Thanks for the input Alan. Do you find the Canon IS easy to use? Is getting the system going and on the bird easy to adjust to?
I have strongly considered a 7x and would be very inclined to use one except that there does not seem to be a model available in my price range. I want better than the Discoverer but from there none of any repute are found until $1000 plus.
If anybody knows any store who might still have a Zeiss 7x42 BGAT or ClassiC for sale, please, let me know.