Hi there,
Your forum is great, and I've gathered a lot of information reading through the posts, but it is a bit of info overload. Can you all help?
I will be living for the next few years in the Amazon jungle in Peru and want to take a set of binoculars with me. I've been there before with cheap Walmart binos my Dad brought down and they were worthless. I'll be primarily studying plants so my eyes will often be on the ground right in front of me, but I'd like to see the howler's, birds, jaguars and life that likes to stay a bit farther from humans. I can hold the 10x's steady just fine, and I will have a tripod for my camera as well but won't take that out with me too often.
I don't have much to spend (I'm looking for around $80 used price, or $200 new).
I don't wear glasses.
I don't mind the weight of something like the Action 10x50, at least I don't THINK I do (hours on trail in the jungle may change that).
Around NYC I've tried out Nikon Action and low end Bushnell binos, all at 10x50 and they look fine to me. Will I need gas filled if I am not planning on dropping them in water or leaving them out in a storm? Any steals in the used market I've never heard of? Other recommendations from others who have spent long periods in humid bush?
Thanks for your time. I'm open to all suggestions
Jose
Now I do not know much but will give my $0.02. For studing plants and maybe insects up close the reverse Pentax Papilio seems like a good choice. Close focus and decent quality, not sure if they are water proof vs resistant, might be important in the jungle enviroment. I am sure more folks will be along to offer siggestions.
A 6x, 7x or 8x would serve you better in the jungle... much wider FOV, better depth of field and better close focus too.
At your price range the lower mags will have a sharper view.
6x32 Leupold Katami
8x25 Nikon Prostaff ATB
6x30 Leupold Yosemite (I'd trust them in the humid jungle)
Don't fall into the magnification trap "I'll see more with highter mag"
If you're in NY go to BH and try them out.
Cheers