Both the Spotting Scopes Forum & The Binoculars forum are extremely busy forums with many subforums dedicated to the major optics manufacturers. Lots of different opinions are exchanged within the Binoculars Forum and lots of advice sought and dished out. However I think that it is only when you see many different binouclars together and are able to try them out are you able to make a purchasing decision that is right for you.
I would think that increasingly birders are buying binoculars not just from the the main High Street shops but increasingly from Optics Events out in the field. There is never any mention of any of these events other than Birdfair at Rutland on Birdforum. I'm sure that the reason is down to one of perceived advertising of specific brands on BF.
Optics events are listed in two of the major British birding magazines and wondered if there was any kind of demand from the binocular buying public to know where such events are being held around the country and having them listed here on Birdforum. Why only have it restricted to the UK? I'm sure there will be US birders who would be interested in seeing where and when the next Optics Event nearest to them is taking place.
With this in mind I have started this thread
Further to my post above I know that Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at Potteric Carr are holding a 'Spring Watch' Event on Sunday 6th June 2010 where they will be selling a range of binoculars near the entrance of the the reserve.
The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will be holding an event Sunday 19th June at the Idle Valley Field Study Centre near Retford, Notts. This is part of the huge gravel pit complex that includes Lound.
Notts Wildlife Trust will be selling a range of binoculars and telescopes from the Field Study Centre 10:00 till 4:00pm