Hi Guys,
I am new to birding I have been using a cheep pair of binoculars. I now want to buy a real good pair. I have been to a few shops and look ar a lot of pairs. I am think of getting one of these two. I have only 2K (CAD) to spend.
1. SWAROVSKI OPTIK SLC SERIES 8 x 50
OR
2. Leica ULTRAVID FULL SIZE 8X42 BR
Can anyone out there help me make this decision.
Thanks,
Eric
Hello Eric,
Welcome to BirdForum.
Both of the binoculars you are considering represent top of the line equipment. However, the 8x50 SLC is rather specialized in use and doesn't focus closer than 20 ft. It is also extremely heavy at 40.6 oz. and has a narrow field of view. In my opinion, the 8x30 SLC would be a better choice for general birding if you like the SLC line.
The Ultravid 8x42 BR is a much newer design and close to ideal for general birding. It focuses to 10.2 ft., has a much wider field of view and weighs a lot less. Of the two that's the one I would pick for sure. You might want to also look at the 8x32 BR, which is very compact, focuses even closer, and weighs even less.
The other two top brands are Nikon LX L and Zeiss FL. Again, for general birding I'd recommend that you start out with either an 8x42 or 8x32 configuration.
I'm confident you will get a lot of advise. Just remember to try the equipment before you buy, and make sure the warranty is in effect. It's hard to go wrong with the top models in any of the product lines.
Blue skies,
Ed
I don't look at the high end all that much, but many of us are fans of the 8x32 format, in all price classes. With your goals in mind, Swarovski etc, the 8x30 is a good binocular. You will get many years out of it and not miss any birds someone with an even more expensove pair sees.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4242
the only funny thing is the place of the focus knob. See
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread...=Swarovski+8x30
But I like the weight, very comfortable all day (my bins I use ara all 20-25 oz)
Here is a fancy Leica
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4000
And you can get assorted 8x32s, Minox, Pentax, Nikon, for under 1000.
Also, note that you will need some money eventually for a scope as well. A thousand for a scope and a thousand for the bins should get you going.
(I'm still struggling with my scope, only the tripod is really good).
Oh, and welcome to birding. Get in touch with these folks for local help.
http://weaselhead.org/
I found my first Spotted Towhee in Alberta, and also probably lark sparrow, only I did not know what it was when I flushed it.