Cameras and Lenses
Help! Choosing ~10 x ~42 class binoculars
[CENTER]Vanguard Endeavour ED 10.5 x 45 v's Bushnell Infinity 10.5 x 45
v's Nikon MonarchX 10.5 x 45 v's Hawke Sport Optics HA3780 Frontier ED 10 X 43 v's Zen-Ray Zen ED2 10 X 43 v's Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10 X 42 v's
Vanguard Spirit ED 10 X 42 v's Alpen Wings ED 10 X 42 v's ????[/CENTER]
Hello all 
I'm new to this site that I've fortuitously stumbled across, and whilst still in the "honeymoon" period would kindly ask for some guidance from you good people, who from the forums I've read, seem impressively learn-ed.
I've had a cursory look through the forums, and while finding some overlap with the above bino's, can't readily find all the answers - please excuse my "noobness" 
if the topic has been done to death elsewhere.
1. I'm looking to plonk down some hard earned on what are probably good value middling binoculars - in an ideal world encompassing:-
- "alpha class" optics,
- lightweight ~600g (~21oz),
- leading FOV and good eye relief (as I wear glasses),
- quality construction /durability,
- low cost ~ closer to $250 or less - there has to be a compelling reason to pay more.
Meanwhile......back in the real world - how close can I get with the above or similar bino's?
I'd really appreciate any guidance and real world comparisons 
Which one is best??
- They will be used mainly for birding in open woodlands which range from brown dry grass in drought to lush green vegetation in flood.
- They also need to be useful as all -rounders, and /or forests etc.
- Typical woodland viewing can range from at your feet to 20m (65ft), 25m (80ft), or 30m (100ft) up a tree, or ~90m (~300ft) across a water body etc.
- They really need to shine in watching raptors -anywhere from 10m (33ft) to 500+m (1640+ft) in conditions ranging from daylight to twighlight, glarey to dull, with rain falling at any time (usually when you are about a k (~1/2 a mile) or more away from shelter!)
Easy really!
I'm currently using an old pair of Gerber Sport 7 x 50 porro's that weigh over ~950g (~34oz) - which is too heavy (especially hanging from your neck all day). They do however have 116m (380ft) FOV @ 1000m (1094yd) and are sharp to ~80%+/-5% (you don't really notice until you look for it), fairly bright and clear, but perhaps lacking some resolution and colour saturation compared to the best. I find the magnification a bit limiting for Id.'ing distant raptors - mainly relying on "jizz". I also find that even with the wideish FOV that Id.'ing "gee-whizits" (tiny birds you've never seen before - but annoyingly won't sit still for longer than a 1/4 sec!) to be still somewhat frustrating 
- perhaps a closer, clearer view in that time would help?
- There seems to be some good deals for the bino's above, and the 10.5 x magnification appeals (I think).
- I'm a little concerned that most only have 15mm (0.6") eye relief (anyone use any of these with glasses?), weights lighter than current bino's, so it's mostly down to optics v's price.
- What real world differences are there between PC-2, PC-3, and dielectric coatings? and are all ED glass in the above bino's created equal?
=> Any real world experience and comparisons with these bino's would be greatly appreciated.
So whaddyareckon folks...........which bino's for me?
Also
2. As paying the exhorbitant prices here in OZ (2-3x) is completely out of the question - how to I go about freight forwarding from a US address?
Can anyone recommend a trustworthy, efficient, reliable and cheap forwarding company?
Many thanks for your patience and help 
Chosun
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Nobody knows you're not a genius until you open your mouth....
Hi, as I've already quoted before, for the mid range the best binos for my understanding are Nikon. But note that with a 10x42 you should be paying far less than with the 10.5x45 you listed and I dare to say you'll not be losing that much, if altogether. I bought mine (10x42) a couple of years ago and to date it still fulfills all I expect from it: lightweight, astounding views (I wear glasses too), color fidelity, sturdy, weathered construction. So considering your ideal description, I'd definitely say that's the closest real world bino you can find.
Bushnell Legend ED