Hi
I am just getting into birding and need recommendations for a first set of bins in the $200 range.
I seem to be drawn to raptors at the moment, so I am not sure as to 8 x 42 or 10x42 or otherwise. Secondary is looking at birds on my wooded 2 acre property.
While I can't afford to spend much over $200 at the moment, I don't want to throw $$$ away, if nothing in this range is any good.
Any recommendations are appreciated, also links to a good deal as well
Thanks
Richard
Richard,
For $200 you can't get a good roof prism binocular, only something that may sort of look like a good roof prism binocular. But you can get a very good view from a Porro prism style. I'd recommend going for the view now, and as you can afford it later, stepping into the nice style and convenience features of roofs. The Nikon Action EX is an example of what $150 or so can accomplish. Leupold sells a nice one too.
Ron
I'd stay with 8 x 42 for a 1st binocular. They are more versatile, are brighter and have wider fields of view, and have better depth of field (That's the part of the view in front of and behind the object you are focused on. This is important when you are looking for a bird that is in a "brushy" area.) than 10 x 42's.
There are quite a few good 8 x42 binoculars in your price range. I can recommend the Vortex Diamondback 8 x 42. It is a roof prism. I have one that I use as my "car" binocular. It is very well constructed and is surprisingly good optically. It is being upgraded. It will still be priced in your range. See www.cameralandny.com for more details on it. You can find them at a good price now. http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/...diamondback8x42 (Specs given are for 8x although magnification is stated as 10x)
Bushnell makes good ones in both Porro Prism and Roof Prism in the $200.00 category. Nikon has excellent Porro Prism binoculars in this price range. And there are others.
Eagle Optics has a good website that you can search using your price category. www.eagleoptics.com.
Bob