Binoculars
Jun 15, 2020 09:18:34 #
Vortex by far has the best warranty out there, you can run over them with your car and they will replace them. If they have a pair that fits your needs.
Jun 15, 2020 09:25:36 #
One more opinion here... I use 10x42 Nikon Marathon 5s and along with an older set of Olympus 8x35s, I’m set. The Canon IS binos are nice but you’ll feel their weight if on a long hike. Also, spend a little time investigating the issue some people have where the body coating deteriorates.
Jun 15, 2020 10:50:58 #
Jun 15, 2020 13:42:18 #
Najataagihe wrote:
In no particular order: br br For general use, 7X... (show quote)
With respect the power issue depends upon the user and what you want to use the binoculars for. I have used almost nothing but 10X40 Leica binoculars for over 20 years because I hunt in the West and want/need the longer reach of the 10 power. If I was a bird watcher I would also want the 10 power. I am 74 and have never once felt the need for a lower power binocular because of shake.
I have also felt that the money I spent on expensive binoculars was well worth it. I have tried lesser quality binoculars and found that the images were fine starting out but throughout the day (I used them a lot to watch distant hillsides) I would get a headache. So price paid for a better binocular pays off IF you use them a lot. If you are only going to glance through them occasionally for a few minutes then the cheaper Bushnells, Nikons and so on will be just fine. But my recommendation is to check out a Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, Bass Pro Shops etc. as another poster recommended is a great idea. Take them outside, try them out to see how they feel, how you like them and so on.
Dennis
Jun 15, 2020 13:49:37 #
Hunter Lou 1947
Loc: Minnesota
Thank you for your suggestions. I may take them up. Checking out at Cabela's, etc.
Jun 15, 2020 14:24:06 #
2Much
Loc: WA
Image quality and fit/comfort will determine how much you use and enjoy a binocular. Those qualities are similarly important and can't be deciphered from reading specifications, only by time spent actually looking through them. That's particularly true if your vision is less than perfect and/or you'll be wearing glasses. (Eye relief is critical to comfortable use of a binocular, but it's not even measured/specified the same by different manufacturers). Unlike a high quality camera lens, your personal vision and the shape of your face can be factors in the optical quality you experience with a particular binocular.
Research on line, but I suggest comparing your selections in a store that will let you sample them at your leisure, walk outside to try ones you like, and return a purchase if you're not satisfied.
Research on line, but I suggest comparing your selections in a store that will let you sample them at your leisure, walk outside to try ones you like, and return a purchase if you're not satisfied.
Jun 15, 2020 14:39:32 #
Hunter Lou 1947 wrote:
I'm in the northern climate (MN). I wish to purch... (show quote)
If you can try them out that is by far the best.
Sporting/hunting stores have a good selection usually.
I have a 12X50 pair taht are rubber coated and waterproof.
12X is not too much unless you are weak or shaky then it could be a problem.
I have no IS because I do not want to worry about batteries in such a piece of equipment.
Perhaps a 18-25X magnification might be needed.
But go try them out first as this is even more personal than a lens as far as use. How do they work with your eyes, handle etc.?
Jun 15, 2020 15:12:28 #
Interesting timing. I just went through this process. It can drive you crazy with all of the options. I did not really need to spend a lot but would have.
Then I came across these on Amazon. BRESSER Condor Binocular, 10x 42mm
They are not expensive, are well made, gas filled and do what I needed them for. Mostly they did not break the bank.
If they get dropped, broken stolen, I'm not out a bunch. You may find them worth a look.
Then I came across these on Amazon. BRESSER Condor Binocular, 10x 42mm
They are not expensive, are well made, gas filled and do what I needed them for. Mostly they did not break the bank.
If they get dropped, broken stolen, I'm not out a bunch. You may find them worth a look.
Jun 15, 2020 23:23:24 #
AlanD
Loc: TC, MN
I had used a couple of 8x compacts for years. I, too, live in MN and use them mostly for birdwatching. When my daughter became interested in birdwatching, her boyfriend bought her a pair of Bushnell H2O 10x42. I've traded mine for these glasses. They are very light, waterproof, and easy to use -- I love them. You can pick them up for $100-$125, and for general use they can't be beat.
Jun 16, 2020 09:27:28 #
Last auction I got to before the CONVI 19 hit, I pick up a Bausch & Lomb's binoculars . Mark on the binoculars is the following: "Prism Stereo" "30mm Apert." "6 Power" with the binoculars is the original leather case that came with the binoculars. Check the ser.# found out the binoculars were made in 1927. Lens are still good. I pay $21.60 for them.
Jun 17, 2020 16:50:25 #
ntonkin
Loc: western Upper Peninusla of Michigan
I just went through the research to buy my grandson a pair for his birthday. I settled on Nikon phase 7 10x42mm for ~$170 delivered. They were rated by some reviewers to be equivalent to bino's twice the price.
Christmas before last I bought my wife a pair of Canon IS 12 power and she loves them. At the time they were around $850 as I remember. I got the Nikon pair through ebay and the Canon from Amazon. No issues with either. We also have Steiner 10x 40mm and 8x 50mm and Swift 7x35mm all are good equipment. In my opinion, as long as you stay away from the cheap glass, you will be happy. The high end glass is not worth the cost, unless money is no object - - when what the hell, why not? As you probably know, you can pay much more for exactly the same item if you don't search around.
Christmas before last I bought my wife a pair of Canon IS 12 power and she loves them. At the time they were around $850 as I remember. I got the Nikon pair through ebay and the Canon from Amazon. No issues with either. We also have Steiner 10x 40mm and 8x 50mm and Swift 7x35mm all are good equipment. In my opinion, as long as you stay away from the cheap glass, you will be happy. The high end glass is not worth the cost, unless money is no object - - when what the hell, why not? As you probably know, you can pay much more for exactly the same item if you don't search around.
Jun 17, 2020 17:11:14 #
Hunter Lou 1947
Loc: Minnesota
I've decided on the Vortex 10x50 Razor HD. Weather proof and fog proof. But no IS which is not really needed unless going over 12x. Hope we'll like it. Can always send it back within 30 days for money back from B&H. I like the fact that it has a lifetime VIP warranty, no questions asked and it's transferable without a receipt needed. Could not pass up the price of $959.00. Get a $35.95 value Vacuum insulated Water Bottle for hot and cold as a gift. Thanks everyone who gave me suggestions appreciated them all. Have a good day, stay safe and wear those face masks the life you save may be your own. Happy Fathers Day everyone.
Jun 19, 2020 21:48:02 #
Hunter, I'm a birder, just not a very good one but I do know a little about binoculars and would suggest that you call The Bird Watcher'sDigest which has published a birder's digest for many years, and talk with the people in their Redstart Birding Store before you decide on a selection Their telephone number is 833-262-1568 and you can see some of their products at redstartbirding.com. Over the years they have published a number of comparisons of the different models available and they are associated with some of the top birders in the country. One of my favorite manufactures is Vortex and I think that they offer a great product at a reasonable price and they give you a lifetime guarantee, but the people at Redstart will be a better source of information whether you buy from them or someone else and they can be trusted and stock a number of different brands! Good luck! Corky
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