I hope this is photography-related enough to be here. I'm searching for a set of binoculars for my wife when we go bird watching. Not heavy but effective. Any recommendations. Thanks.
There is no substitute for stabilized binoculars. Canon makes several sizes. My wife has a favorite birder's 10x Swift set. She frequently borrows mine for the stabilization, image quality and larger magnification. Mine are 18x50. I chose that size after borrowing a set for a walk on along a dike with waterbirds in the bay. See the feather detail of a nearby crane blew me away.
Read the reviews here:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/192388-USA/Canon_4624A002_18x50_IS_Image_Stabilized.html/qa
I would recommend a good set of 8x40. Many people can't hold 10 power steady enough. I would not go with less than a 40mm objective lens. Just like camera lenses bigger is better on than front lens.
dmc
Loc: Montgomery, AL
I agree with bsprague about IS, I have the Canon 15x50. But you need to consider the weight factor because they are heavy compared to non IS binoculars.
Maybe you should check out a "bird watching" website and see what they recommend. Below is one I googled for you !!
https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide
Thanks to those who have contributed thus far. I should add that my wife wears contacts, if that makes any difference. Thanks again.
Go to the National Audubon web site and look at their binocular selection guide.
It's broken down by price and quality.
Most birders I know are most comfortable with 8 power.
8 X 42 being a popular combination of magnification, light gathering and weight.
We just bought a new pair about a month ago: Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD. They are 8X42, waterproof, nitrogen filled, aluminum body, lifetime guarantee even if you are not the original owner. They weigh 23.5 oz. I bought them from Cabela's - free 2 day shipping. We also own a pair of Fujinon 7 X 50 rubber armored that we have used for boating for over 30 years. The Fujinons are a full pound heavier than the Leupolds. Weight can be a pretty important consideration if your going to be carrying them for any length of time. We like the fact that the Leupold is center focus, much lighter and quite clear and sharp. Low light performance is very good and they come with a fabric case and a neck strap. I was salivating for image stabilized bino's but their weight and price was the deal breaker for me.
Vortex seems to be another very attractive choice in what I'll call medium price range. If you want a good, clear image and durability I don't think price should be the first consideration.
bobforman wrote:
I hope this is photography-related enough to be here. I'm searching for a set of binoculars for my wife when we go bird watching. Not heavy but effective. Any recommendations. Thanks.
I didn't see that anyone mentioned making sure that whatever binoculars you select are color corrected. This feature is by no means standard for all binoculars, but makes a giant difference in both usability and visibility.
8x42 is a good standard. I have a very nice 7x50 Fujinon pair which is very good for serious looking, but can get tiring for extended observation in bright sunlight...their image is just too bright.
My binoculars (Nikon 10x50) have an arca-swiss plate attached and I generally use them on a monopod. Very rarely is this an inconvenience having the monopod attached but no worries about the weight. A carbon fiber monopod would be even better although mine isn't. Also makes swapping over to a camera much quicker.
John N
Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK
You need to look here. There are loads of reviews around but this bloke knows what he is talking about. I bought a Pentax 8x 43 and very pleased. I won't try and explain all the details - this site does a much better job than I could ever do. Also has a sister site for spotting scopes.
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/
rwilson1942 wrote:
Go to the National Audubon web site and look at their binocular selection guide.
It's broken down by price and quality.
Most birders I know are most comfortable with 8 power.
8 X 42 being a popular combination of magnification, light gathering and weight.
I’m a birder and I definitely agree with this recommendation. Some people use 7x35s. Very few use 10x50s; they’re too heavy and the field of view too narrow. Here is the link
https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide. I use the Nikon Monarch 8x42s and like them very much.
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