Help choosing binoculars
Jun 2, 2016 10:49:29 #
I'm interested in buying a decent pair of binoculars for general use, birds, maybe star gazing etc.... I don't feel like spending time researching it like I do when buying camera equipment. Ready to spend up to $1000.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
Jun 2, 2016 11:09:28 #
Yes, Canon IS binoculars are spectacular. The model that gets the best reviews by star gazers are the Canon 10x42 L Series IS binoculars. I am saving for those but do have the 10x30 L Series IS binoculars and love them. The only reason I want to step up is because the 10x42 can focus closer and gather more light than the 10x30. But the IS really does work. You can press and release the button and really see them smooth out.
Dds82 wrote:
I'm interested in buying a decent pair of binoculars for general use, birds, maybe star gazing etc.... I don't feel like spending time researching it like I do when buying camera equipment. Ready to spend up to $1000.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
Jun 2, 2016 11:19:22 #
I use 8X25's as a walk around - scouting for photo subjects. They are small and unobtrusive. For serious longer range viewing I use Nikon 12X50's and they have a tripod mounting with a QR so I can use them with my bodypod, monopod or tripod.
Jun 2, 2016 12:19:59 #
This site is aimed a birders but contains good info about what to look for in binoculars:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/finding-the-best-binoculars-for-birding/
Generally speaking, most birders go for something in the 8 X 42 to 10 X 42 range.
Light enough to carry all day, enough magnification to ID birds.
If you wear glasses, don't overlook 'eye relief'.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/finding-the-best-binoculars-for-birding/
Generally speaking, most birders go for something in the 8 X 42 to 10 X 42 range.
Light enough to carry all day, enough magnification to ID birds.
If you wear glasses, don't overlook 'eye relief'.
Jun 2, 2016 12:36:07 #
I've had the Canon 15x50 IS binoculars for many years and since they were a "new invention". I bought them after my brother loaned me a set on a "nature walk". I discovered I could see the feather structure around the eyes of a heron. I didn't know they had feathers there!
I'm old and used a lot of binoculars and never seen anything more stunning. We were at Yellowstone last week. Frequently you spot wildlife when you see others that have spotted it first. Whenever someone does me the favor of pointing it out, I suggest they take a peek with my binoculars. I wait until they have the target in view and then suggest they hold down the IS button. It never fails that they respond with "What are these?" or "I've never seen anything so clear" or "Amazing".
The image you see is glorious! That does not make them flawless. They can be heavy, are not comfortable hanging from your neck for long and the width of the eye cups don't adjust easily. Yet what you see is always thrilling in clarity.
The 15x50's are near your budget on Amazon. The 18x50's were not available when I bought mine. They may be worth the extra!
This is one of a few expensive things I would immediately replace if mine were lost, stolen or broken.
I'm old and used a lot of binoculars and never seen anything more stunning. We were at Yellowstone last week. Frequently you spot wildlife when you see others that have spotted it first. Whenever someone does me the favor of pointing it out, I suggest they take a peek with my binoculars. I wait until they have the target in view and then suggest they hold down the IS button. It never fails that they respond with "What are these?" or "I've never seen anything so clear" or "Amazing".
The image you see is glorious! That does not make them flawless. They can be heavy, are not comfortable hanging from your neck for long and the width of the eye cups don't adjust easily. Yet what you see is always thrilling in clarity.
The 15x50's are near your budget on Amazon. The 18x50's were not available when I bought mine. They may be worth the extra!
This is one of a few expensive things I would immediately replace if mine were lost, stolen or broken.
Jun 2, 2016 16:58:49 #
Jun 2, 2016 17:06:26 #
that link was very useful and decided on the nikon monarch 5 8 by 42........thanks again
rwilson1942 wrote:
This site is aimed a birders but contains good info about what to look for in binoculars:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/finding-the-best-binoculars-for-birding/
Generally speaking, most birders go for something in the 8 X 42 to 10 X 42 range.
Light enough to carry all day, enough magnification to ID birds.
If you wear glasses, don't overlook 'eye relief'.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/finding-the-best-binoculars-for-birding/
Generally speaking, most birders go for something in the 8 X 42 to 10 X 42 range.
Light enough to carry all day, enough magnification to ID birds.
If you wear glasses, don't overlook 'eye relief'.
Jun 2, 2016 17:51:19 #
Dds82 wrote:
I'm interested in buying a decent pair of binoculars for general use, birds, maybe star gazing etc.... I don't feel like spending time researching it like I do when buying camera equipment. Ready to spend up to $1000.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
You have had some good replies regarding IS binoculars. And I know they are really good. I don't have any IS type binoculars, but I do have 8x42 and 10x50 conventional binoculars. For stars, the difference is enormous. I have to mount them on a tripod for stars since I am unable to hold them steady enough. But the difference in light gathering is obvious.
Jun 3, 2016 05:53:54 #
The best general birding binocular is 8x42. 10x42 are better for birds at a long distance, such as ducks,etc. but 10 power is harder to hold still. i personally use Vortex Razor HD 8x42, a great binocular for around $1000. Check that out before buying. I buy from Eagle Optics. Call them, they will help you choose, especially consider eye relief if you wear glasses.
Jun 3, 2016 05:54:32 #
Take a look at this site for the best comprehensive reviews I've yet to find. Interested to know what you get and why as I'm considering replacing my old pair with some new around this price point (£700 here).
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/
Jun 3, 2016 06:34:28 #
alf85
Loc: Northumberland, UK.
I bought a pair of 8x40 Miranda binoculars off Ebay a few years ago, for £15.00 that's about $20.00 US, and they are the best birding binoculars i have ever used.
They are 8x40 wide angle 157mts at 1000mts Coated Optics.
Regards, Alfie.
They are 8x40 wide angle 157mts at 1000mts Coated Optics.
Regards, Alfie.
Jun 3, 2016 07:05:35 #
Dds82 wrote:
I'm interested in buying a decent pair of binoculars for general use, birds, maybe star gazing etc.... I don't feel like spending time researching it like I do when buying camera equipment. Ready to spend up to $1000.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I got Nikon Monarch 3, 8 X 42, a few years ago. No complaints, but they were only $245, and you seem to be looking at the higher end. Let us know what you decide.
Jun 3, 2016 07:21:08 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Dds82 wrote:
I'm interested in buying a decent pair of binoculars for general use, birds, maybe star gazing etc.... I don't feel like spending time researching it like I do when buying camera equipment. Ready to spend up to $1000.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
No need to spend that kind of money, check out Nikon Monarch 5 and 7 series binoculars. I have the Monarch 5 10X40 and my Monarch 7 8X30 are SHARP, SHARP, SHARP. Spend the extra money you just saved on a weekend vacation.
Jun 3, 2016 07:30:26 #
Boentgru
Loc: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Dds82 wrote:
I'm interested in buying a decent pair of binoculars for general use, birds, maybe star gazing etc.... I don't feel like spending time researching it like I do when buying camera equipment. Ready to spend up to $1000.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
I see canon has IS incorporated in their binoculars. Is it as effective as with camera lenses?
Thank you all for your help.
IMHO, the stabization is the most important thing in binoculars, expecially in over 8X versions. I have two different Canon models with IS and both work well. I wouldn't buy another binocualar without that feature.
Jun 3, 2016 07:36:55 #
wj cody
Loc: springfield illinois
that one's easy - check e leitz (leica) for the best glass in the world.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.