Hi all,
I am looking to invest in a pair of binoculars but beeing a complete novice I would like some advice and suggestions from those of you with the relevant experience.
As for price I dont have an unlimited budget but would like something that will last so quality and value for money are important.
I look forward to any comments/suggestions
Many thanks in advance
Darren
Can I politely suggest you look at the post below yours.
Hi Nightwalker,
Binocular buyers usually start with a versatile all purpose glass, maybe 7- 8 power and with 30-35mm ocular lenses, for a compact package that can serve in any situation, birding, sports, travel etc.
Your choices in that space are vast, from low cost Leupold Yosemites and Nikon Action Extremes at the low end to the Leica Ultravids and Zeiss FLs at the top. The Nikon Monarch line is a good mid price glass and many of the contributors here on BF have found the ZenRay range excellent value.
Do note that ratings are of limited use, binoculars are like glasses, each person has different eyes and what works for you may not work for the next person. There is no substitute for looking through the various binoculars with your own eyes before making a choice.
In general, binoculars tend to last for a very long time with any reasonable degree of care. In fact, getting loved to death with obsessive cleaning that destroys the lens coatings is probably the biggest risk for binoculars apart from damaging drops. So there are lots of bargains in the used binocular world, but as someone who just wants a good quality glass that works well, you're best served buying new.
Please keep us posted on your eventual choice and the reasons behind it.