Looking for Binoculars
Feb 23, 2017 16:04:42 #
Feb 23, 2017 17:02:40 #
You must have enough replies by now. But if you know any birders they are very knowledgeable users. I have some Zeiss binocs from 1970 and Nikon from 2002. Both are high end and a pleasure to use but the Nikon ones are noticeably better. Maybe bc they are a newer design. The Nikon went with us on a safari to East Africa. Our guide was impressed with the quality. The other party in our group, a Professor from UI Navy Pier, ask which of the numbers on the made them so good. I said the price😃
Feb 23, 2017 17:15:20 #
Go to B&H and look for the Canon Image Stabilizing Binoculars They can freeze birds in flight as you follow them.
Best I have ever owned. Just make sure you purchase the pair with the angle of view you want.
Best I have ever owned. Just make sure you purchase the pair with the angle of view you want.
Feb 23, 2017 17:44:38 #
The only problem with the Canon IS is that they are very expensive and use batteries. That means one more problem; they are heavy. If money and weight are not an issue for you then go for it. Personally, carrying my SLR, a flash, extra lens and some other basic stuff is more than enough weight. My Vortex weigh about 22 oz. An more than that and something would have to go. As someone said earlier, the stuff you are carrying gains weight during the day.
Feb 23, 2017 19:03:50 #
rjaywallace and I have exchanged private messages and all is good. I probably did not explain the amount of research I had already performed and my concern about buying without being able to try first. Having zero previous experience with binoculars I don't want to make the same mistake I made with my first tripod purchase. This time of the year seems to be the off season for vendors stocking them so that has made the purchase even harder. The volume of replies have also touched on points I had not considered. I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and now I need to sift through all of them.
Thank you,
Neal Bardens
Thank you,
Neal Bardens
Feb 23, 2017 19:12:53 #
londonfire
Loc: NY to NC
I skimmed through some of the posts but if no one has mentioned Steiner give them a look. Not cheap but nothing German made is.
Feb 23, 2017 19:18:08 #
londonfire wrote:
I skimmed through some of the posts but if no one has mentioned Steiner give them a look. Not cheap but nothing German made is.
Iam not looking for cheap. I only want to by one that will last.
Feb 23, 2017 19:31:49 #
NealB wrote:
rjaywallace and I have exchanged private messages ... (show quote)
You have no idea how uplifting it is to know that you and rj were able to settle your differences in private and like gentleman. Thank you for the update.
Feb 23, 2017 19:48:37 #
I have used binocs for over 60 yrs. Have owned several brands. After hundreds of hours glassing for rock chucks and prairie dogs, I have found the Canon image stabilized to be the most usable. They work great on boats, windy days, and especially, shaky hands.
Feb 23, 2017 20:40:07 #
Ksocha wrote:
If memory serves, I bought a Canon binocular years ago from B&H that were stabilized. Beat the heck out of the regular ones.
I have a pair of them. I think they are great!Feb 23, 2017 21:56:35 #
Just make sure you don't purchase the most expensive thinking you will get the best Canon IS, The more expensive is heaver and has less angle of view. So my Canon IS is used in YNP and it provides me sufficient view of Birds fairly close and as stated clear images when IS is enabled. I also use them to spot distant objects the if I am seriously interested in the subject I stop and set up my spotting scope to follow the subject and if it looks like it is headed my way I get out my best long distant lens and wait.
Feb 23, 2017 22:19:38 #
Feb 23, 2017 22:30:02 #
How much is your budget ? I know what you said in your OP, but there are many lesser brands that will likely fit the bill for your use & cost a lot less...
Feb 24, 2017 00:29:19 #
Like many folks here I've got several binocs. My favorite is the canon 10 -40 image stabilized. BUT they are big,heavy, and require batteries. I've got a very small Leica,medium Leopold,medium Burton,Marine Steiner and they all are great glass. For the money I think the Burtons are the best and they are made in the USA. Good luck,lots of great equipment out there to choose from.
Feb 24, 2017 05:43:45 #
I would buy the most you can afford. Good optics is better. If you go cheap, be prepared to suffer for that choice. Bad image quality, scratched lenses, etc.
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