Cameras and Lenses
Which binoculars for use in the Amazon?
Hi: I'm new to the group and looking forward to your thoughts. I do have 2 questions I hope the group can help me with. I currently have an Eagleoptics Ranger Platinum class 10x42 set of binoculars. While these have been good to me, we are taking a trip to the Amazon and I wish to purchase another pair and give these to my spouse. And so I wish to upgrade.
Some info to consider for me are that I have had lasik surgery but still wear glasses for reading. I don't use glasses when using binoculars but need to put them back on when looking far distance (the lasik wasn't as good as I'd hoped). I've been birding for about 7 years, enjoy it thoroughly and have had the opportunity to travel extensively on sight-seeing trips and several birding trips. However I'm a novice when it comes to binoculars and scopes.
I don't own a scope and haven't considered them since I'm not much for carrying things around and I'm not in one place long enough. By the time, I'd set it up the bird would be gone. However, is there a light-weight foldup one that I should now consider?
So my 2 questions are: (assume a high budget for purposes of this discussion and have been thinking of swarovski, but there may be others to consider)
1. What binoculars would you recommend?
2. What folding scope would you recommend? Is there an extension I could put on the binoculars instead of the scope?
You probably get this kind of question all the time (hence the need for this website and studies), but I would appreciate your views.
Thanks so much in advance.
-Marcia
Hi Marcia,
On behalf of Admin and the Moderators welcome to Bird Forum 
I wear specatcles too, also being short sighted though I tend to leave them in place when using binoculars.
Sounds like for your trip a fully waterproof pair would be in order. I think amongst the high end ones which to choose is down to personal preference as to design. Various models have been discussed in the Binoculars forum which is well worth a peruse once you have an idea of the models to consider. I recall binos suitable for that environment have been discussed previously as well.
I am fortunate to have use of both Leicas 8x32 Ultravids and Zeiss 8x42FLs. Both are very good indeed. The Zeiss especially have a very bright sharp image and in addition have an optional binocular booster - though I haven't given that a go. The binos themselves produce near scope views so I'd imagine the booster would well and truely do that! It would be far easier than carting around a tripod and scope - though with the booster they may need at least monopod support.
I have copied your post to the Binoculars forum and amended the title as I'm sure it will attract more attention there as regards answers to your query. The 'Say Hello' forum doesn't always attract the attention of the optics users.
See you around