Does anyone have experience of using large bins for watching sea birds from 50-200m? And how does it compare to using a scope for this purpose?
I have a pair of 8x32SEs and a Mirador 20x60 scope. I prefer using both eyes and want a "nearer" and brighter image.
Thanks
Steve
[QUOTE=swalker]Does anyone have experience of using large bins for watching sea birds from 50-200m? And how does it compare to using a scope for this purpose?
I have a pair of 8x32SEs and a Mirador 20x60 scope. I prefer using both eyes and want a "nearer" and brighter image.
Thanks
Steve[/QUOTE]
Hi Steve,
viewing with both eyes has its own advantages. At the same magnification, for example 15x you will always able to view more details with a binocular comparing to a scope. Human brain manages putting two different pictures together and make much more of this as one might expect. As a rule of thumb some astronomical users estimate viewing with both eyes increases perception of optical information of about 30 percent.
Swarovski SLC 15x56, Leica Duovid 10+15 and Canon IS 15 or 18x50 are all excellent high power binoculars for the distances you want to go for. An interesting insiders' tip could be the Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX which provides excellent performance for the money.
But when it comes to detailled views of a bird a scope shows most of course.
Steve
Thanks Steve, very interesting. Those Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX you mentioned do look good. I have also been looking at the "Binoculars-Observation" on the warehouse express site and wondered what they would be like. My bins (8x32Se) are great but lack the power to really pull the subject in. The scope (Mirador 20x60) pulls it it but the image is not great and I get tired of looking through one eye. If I was into digiscoping it would be no contest and I would get a good scope. But I am quite happy just looking and will try some of these large binos on a tripod or monopod.
Steve