I am new to both birdwatching and binoculars and have done a fair amount of research as to what to buy. I have settled on 8x42...but would greatly appreciate some recomendations as to what 8x42.
Price is sadly a criteria and though I would love to go to a Zeiss FL, a Nikon LX or Premier, or a Leica Ultravid or perhaps a Swarovski EL: I think I would be wise to aim a little lower, being a newby. So apart from cost, my other main issues are to keep the weight down, as I have a partially disabled arm and to keep the eye relief up being a glasses wearer. Also I want a fairly speedy focus knob, not too stiff, but equally not 'too' quick, so making me spend ages using my duff arm trying to find the sweet spot.
Can anyone provide recomendations of new or older models in the mid price range that would foot the bill?
Thanks to all,
Easily the best 8x I have ever tried in the mid-price range were 8x32 RSPB bins at £299.
If I hadn't managed to find a secondhand pair of Leica 8x32s for just a bit more money, these were the ones I'd have gone for. I've tested the two pairs since, side by side, and don't think there's all that much in it to be honest.
In 99% of situations I don't think you'll notice the difference between 32 and 42 objective. I've never wanted bigger bins, and have done quite a lot of early / late birding in poor light. Plus, all things being equal, the 32s will be lighter.
Hope that helps - and sorry it I've just 'muddied the water'. If you've got your heart set on 42s then I'm sure someone will be along soon with a recommendation.
[QUOTE=hornet]
In 99% of situations I don't think you'll notice the difference between 32 and 42 objective. I've never wanted bigger bins, and have done quite a lot of early / late birding in poor light. Plus, all things being equal, the 32s will be lighter.
[/QUOTE]
I agree. I suggest you try to look at Nikon 8x30 E2s: the view will knock you out, they are light and small, and you don't need that heavy 42 glass.