Binoculars for Birding (Page 2): Here is my thinking .... for everyday treks out and about I use 10X32 - why? because they are relatively small/light and are only a minor hiderance.

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Binoculars for Birding

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Dec 9, 2018 16:17:50 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

globetrekker wrote:

Hello Hogs, br br I want to upgrade the binocular... (show quote)

Here is my thinking .... for everyday treks out and about I use 10X32 - why? because they are relatively small/light and are only a minor hiderance. ANYTHING larger becomes a major hinderance - for ME ! I also have a pair of Nikon Action 12X50's for serious work with tripod adapter - but where I am NOT carrying them around for any distance. I guess it comes down to how much weight/size hinderance you are willing to put up with and for what distances !

If I were not carrying camera gear, I guess I would be willing to carry larger binocs. - but as of now - NO.

..

Dec 9, 2018 17:06:07 #

JoeN Loc: East Texas

Several years ago I bought a Pentax 10x50 PFC WP II and I have been very pleased with them. I bought them at a Cabelas and I think I paid less than $200. I wanted 7x50 binoculars but they didn’t have any at the time, at least none in my price range. If you’re looking at a large exit pupil, it’s hard to beat 7x50 and it’s a little easier to hold them steady compared to higher magnification.

Dec 9, 2018 17:53:35 #

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

I have several sets for me and my wife. I really like my Nikon ProStaff 12X25. About $150. They come in at about 9.5 ounces and are compact enough for my vest pocket. I have no issues with the higher than recommended mag power.
I also have a Vortex 12X50 Diamondback for darker situations, but they are heavier/larger (2 lbs) so not used as much as the Nikon. About $250, may be discontinued. Can also be tripod mounted with the correct adapter.
Also is a Weaver 8X25 that is also small and pocketable. Bought used a while back for $100.

The money spent on better optics gets you waterproof, anti-fogging, sharpness, eye-relief and color accuracy (reduced chromatic aberration) to name a few of the the main parameters. None of my binos are real expensive but I am satisfied with each of them.

Dec 9, 2018 19:08:43 #

Dossile

The difference in price is usually due to features like weather sealing and lens coatings that enhance low light viewing and color acuity. Optics for good light are generally pretty decent with anything over $100 by a good manufacturer. I bought a pair of Leupald Mojave 10X42 on sale for birding and wildlife spotting. Excellent low light, adjustable for glasses, adjustable optics and set for my vision, weather sealed. Look at BH, adorama, Cabelas, Midwayusa, Optics Planet, Impact guns. I am not a hunter but like to kill paper and have good experiences with these retailers.

Dec 9, 2018 20:00:45 #

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

globetrekker wrote:

Great, will check that out. Thank you.

Just re-read your post.
The last time I checked, the most popular birding binoculars were 8 X 42.
They produce a bright image with sufficient magnification without being overly heavy.
I own two pairs of 8 X 42 binoculars that I have been using for birding since the mid 80s.
They are no longer made and cost ~$600 each, so I can't recommend them for you.
$350 should get you a good pair of mid-range birding binoculars.
If you wear glasses, as I do, pay attention to exit pupil size and eye relief to be sure you can use them while wearing you glasses.

Dec 9, 2018 21:19:10 #

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

TomV wrote:

...The money spent on better optics gets you waterproof, anti-fogging, sharpness, eye-relief and color accuracy (reduced chromatic aberration) to name a few of the the main parameters. None of my binos are real expensive but I am satisfied with each of them.

Very useful, thanks. What do you mean by eye relief?

Dec 9, 2018 21:28:16 #

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Ahh, OK, googled eye relief. I wear glasses, so I guess I should be shooting for eye relief of least 16 mm, and preferably more, right? Got that from this:

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/education/eye_relief.html

Thanks for all the useful info, folks.

Dec 9, 2018 21:28:40 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

imagemeister wrote:

Here is my thinking .... for everyday treks out an... (show quote)

Since this is a Photography forum I am assuming you will be carrying photo gear in addition to the "birding" binocs - which is the reason for my above comments. If you are not carrying photo gear, the sky is the limit for large size IMO.

..

Dec 9, 2018 23:11:57 #

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

rwilson1942 wrote:

https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide

I see a post like this or get a question like this a couple of times a month, and this website is my answer as well.

Dec 10, 2018 05:42:15 #

Ollieboy

I have a pair of Bushnell Legend Ed glass 10x42 and love them. Has all the bells and whistles and reasonably priced. Exceptional clarity. Who new Bushnell was capable of such quality. ( Bushnell is usually considered as low end.)

Dec 10, 2018 05:57:11 #

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

You just need a brighter image. 10x 32 gives a relative brightness of 3.2 Move to a decent pair of 8x 40 and you'll get a much brighter image. I got a deal on a top spec Pentax pair about 2 years back and very pleased with them. Look at what this site has to say. Excellent advice for binoculars or scopes (sister site).

http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-brands.php

Dec 10, 2018 07:36:42 #

ad9mac

I have a pair of Vortex Viper 8x32. Really nice. Also my favorite Nikon Superior E 8x32. I personally like Porro Prism binocs, easier for me to handle. They've fallen out of favor.
One thing that's a must IMO is a wide field. 400' @ 1000 yds min.
Don't think the Nikons are made anymore. The Cadillac of porros.
If I was buying today I'd look real hard at stabilized.
Canon stabilized or Vortex Viper 8 power.

Dec 10, 2018 07:58:16 #

NewEnglandPhotoguy Loc: Chelmsford, MA

Check out the Bushnell 10x50 Powerview. I've used them for years and they are very, very reasonable at under $100.00.

Dec 10, 2018 11:10:18 #

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

globetrekker wrote:

Hello Hogs, br br I want to upgrade the binocular... (show quote)

Actually Pentax makes a great series of binoculars that are weather proof and very durable.
I have had mine for about 20 years now and are with me in the car every day and do a great job, rugged and still work like new.
There are many good ones out there but look at Pentax as well.

Dec 10, 2018 12:45:02 #

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I have owned Canon binoculars and really like the IS or Image Stability that is built into these binocs. My first pair was the 10x30 IS binocs but they have been replaced by the version 2 of this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1149460-REG/canon_9525b002_10x30_is_2_binoculars.html

Now I have the 10x42 L IS WP binocs. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373459-USA/Canon_0155B002_10x42_L_IS_WP.html
These are wonderful, but large and heavy. I may buy another set of the 10x30 because they were much lighter and easier to carry for birding. But the 10x42 by Canon are very high end and have great optics and the IS is awesome. I still carry them when I'm taking pictures of birds, but they are large and heavy. Guess I already said that.

One thing I can say about the IS is that when you push the button you would not believe the difference it makes when looking at something in the distance. They hold so steady that it's like night and day.

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