Hunter Lou 1947 wrote:
I'm in the northern climate (MN). I wish to purchase a pair of binoculars. I've been looking on B&H and they are over whelming to say the least with all the dope they try and spell out. Don't get me wrong it's a lot to understand. I would be willing to spend around a grand for a pair. My main question is the IS one's versus the norm. I also am questioning the fog proof issue. I feel that being in the colder area If I was to use it from a car in colder weather it will be a problem without fog proof lens or gas filled binoculars. My question is would it be wise to spend more money to get the gas filled binoculars or go with one without. I also would like to know about going more than 10x power and say 40 objective lens. Will going more cause problems without stabilized binoculars? Like dealing with B&H but if there is a more reasonable seller where is such. Has anyone had experiences with Amazon on purchases? I enjoy viewing comments from Hedgehog members. Most are right on but then again there are some who just don't want to inform you correctly or want to just have some fun with their answers. Thank you, stay safe and wear those face masks. It just may save your life.
I'm in the northern climate (MN). I wish to purch... (
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Several years ago, my wife and I took a trip to Seattle in order to embark on a cruise to Alaska. All we had at that time was a 7x35 pair of Bausch & Lomb binoculars that were not color corrected. From a previous time of living there, we knew of a place called "Captain's." I see that ownership and location have changed, but they are still in business. Anyway...they had an extensive optical department at that time and spent a lot of time with us as we were shopping for better binoculars for our cruise. We learned a number of things that really helped us as we were shopping. Here are a couple that never seem to get mentioned in these discussions.
First...not all binoculars are constructed with color corrected optics. We learned through instruction and demonstration that having color corrected optics is probably the single most important parameter of a pair of binoculars. Color correction affects both visibility and viewability. Some targets that are invisible through non-CC binoculars become immediately very visible through corrected optics. Non-corrected optics also are very likely to become very fatiguing after only a short time.
Second...the most important numerical specification for binoculars or spotting scopes or the like is a number called "Exit Pupil." This is sort of a "virtual aperture" for the optical system, and almost everything important about that system is driven by this number...field of view, apparent image size, and others. This is a number that can be easily calculated, and is simply the objective lens diameter divided by the magnification. For the 7x50 pair of Fujinon binoculars that I selected, that is simply 50/7, or about 7.1mm. For Exit Pupil, bigger is always better, optically.
Even though we were buying for use on a cruise, the topic of gas-filled never came up. I can't speak to the importance of it, but would seem like one of those "lower order" features...beneficial but maybe not in proportion to the cost.
I did not select IS binoculars. Captain's at that time operated an optical repair department and indicated that the main benefit of IS at that time was to keep their repair techs busy. I've not missed having it in my 7 power binoculars, but can see that there would be some benefit at 10x or more. I also did not buy the version of my binoculars that was available with the built-in compass. The sales guy talked me out of it. If I had it to do over, I would probably overrule him and get the compass. It would be beneficial for storm spotting and some of my other binocular applications. These can apparently also be troublesome, however.
My wife was looking at more compact binoculars. (Mine are full size.) She was looking at a pair of 8x40 color corrected ones, but couldn't convince herself to pull the trigger. By the way...we both found a big difference in the viewability of 8x40 vs. the more common 8x32 models.
While it is easily possible to spend $1000 or more for very good binoculars, it is not a necessity. Mine were just a little over $300, and the ones she was looking at were about $450. (I was very disappointed that she didn't get them so that they would be available for me to borrow occasionally.) Prices have gone up some since then, but not a lot.
The suggestion to visit one or more sporting goods stores is a good one. If you can find someone who sells nautical optics, that might be of benefit also. Have fun shopping.