Binocular advice needed
Oct 21, 2016 09:36:56 #
canon 10 power image stabilized. But as a bird photographer, I do not carry binocks, just the camera and a big lens. You do not have enough time to look through binocks and then grab a camera, they move too fast.
good luck. Bill
good luck. Bill
Oct 21, 2016 09:44:22 #
REVIEWS
Nearly all of these binoculars will do an excellent job of revealing detail on distant birds. Keep in mind that price is usually a good indicator of durability, longevity, and overall quality. Though the budget binoculars (less than $100) all scored well, it would be unfair to expect them to take rough use or last as long as the more expensive instruments.
A number of binoculars were just plain hard to put down once we had them in hand for testing. These were the binoculars that we would be tempted to buy if we were shopping in the less than $500 category. We included these in our Favorites list.
Several other models had far more quality than one would expect for the price. We included these in our Best Buy list. As mentioned, the prices listed are ballpark figures and should be used for comparison only. The street price varies and is almost always less than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Individual Reviews
Alpen
Model: 8×42 MSRP: $400 Rating: 3.2
Model: 10×42 MSRP: $400 Rating: 3.3
Comments: Alpen is a relatively new company and not as well known in the birding community as some older names, but based on the excellent binoculars they sent for testing, this should change. Everything a birder could ask for at this price range is here. The 8×42 was definitely one of those hard to put down models and easily made our Favorites list for its beautiful design and user-friendly feel.
Audubon
Model: Audubon 8×40 MSRP: $70 Rating: 3.2
Model: Audubon Intrepid 8×40 WP MSRP: $149 Rating: 2.8
Comments: Audubon is to be commended for bringing these quite usable budget binoculars to the birding community. If nothing else, these instruments demonstrate that quality optical performance can be obtained with a Porro prism for a good price. Are they as durable or pleasing to use as the more expensive stuff? Certainly not. As is typical for Porro prisms in this price range, there were some inconsistencies in the focusing. One of our testers noticed that they focused with less effort in one direction than the other, and a check of the specifications sheet will show that they don’t focus as closely as the more expensive models. Still, if you know anyone who is sitting at home and not birding until they can afford a usable binocular, get them out in the field with one of these.
Brunton
Model: 8×32 MSRP: $424 Rating: 3.3
Model: 7×42 MSRP: $444 Rating: 2.5
Comments: Our testers did not care for the non-removable flip-open eyepiece covers, or the interactive case designed to be used in the field, because this much protection is overkill for birding and just too much to mess with in the field. Still, if you really need the protection, they are good features, and make a reasonable tradeoff for lack of handling quality. The 8×32 without the case was everything you could ask for in a birding glass, and at a reasonable price. It performed well in every category and is recommended as an all-around glass. The heavier 7×42 was a bit bulky and did not win any friends with its clumsy diopter adjustment, though once set, it wouldn’t be much of a factor.
Canon
Model: IS 8×25 MSRP: $430 Rating: 3.0
Comments: This instrument incorporates Canon’s image-stabilization technology. Although the features and performance do not qualify it as the best choice for all-around birding binoculars, the image stabilization makes it a wonderful option for those whose age or physical limitations make it difficult to hold binoculars steady. And for anyone, the image stabilization is just plain fun to use.
Celestron
Model: Noble 8×32 MSRP: $430 Rating: 3.7
Model: 8×42 MSRP: $445 Rating: 3.8
Comments: Celestron is a name synonymous with amateur astronomy and has long been a major force in that market. Based on the performance of the Noble we received for testing, they are serious about the birding market. Both models were an absolute joy to pick up and use–I had to fight with my testers to return them. Each model easily made our Favorites list and Best Buy list.
Eagle Optics
Model: Ranger Platinum 8×42 MSRP: $379 Rating: 3.8
Model: Triumph 8×42 MSRP: $89 Rating: 3.2
Comments: These are excellent instruments sold by one of the top birding optics dealers in the country. The Ranger Platinum made both our Favorites list and our Best Buy list. It is really a wonderful glass to use in the field, and backed with an excellent warranty from Eagle Optics.
Kowa
Model: Lavender 8×25 MSRP: $270 Rating: 3.3
Model: Silver Grey 10×25 MSRP: $310 Rating: 3.2
Comments: If you are considering a compact for your birding, these are an excellent choice, especially if you wear glasses. Most compacts suffer from mediocre eye relief, but not these. Add in waterproof, twist-up eyecups and beautiful handling and you have a winner. (I loved the lavender color of the 8×25.)
Leupold/Wind River
Model: Pinnacles 8×42 MSRP: $489.99 Rating: 4.0
Model: Olympic 8×42 MSRP: $384.99 Rating: 3.7
Model: Olympic 10×50 MSRP: $449.99 Rating: 3.5
Comments: The Leupold name goes on products assembled here in the United States, whereas the Wind River name is used for products Leupold imports. If you are not familiar with the Leupold name, it has long been a leader in the rifle scope market, and has established a reputation there for durability and exemplary customer service. You are as safe buying products from these people as anyone in the world.All three of these binos scored superbly. The Pinnacles and Olympic both made our Favorites list and Best Buy list. The Pinnacles uses silver-coated roof prisms, whereas the Olympic uses the slightly less light-efficient metallic-coated roof prisms. Both are exceptionally easy to hold and operate. The only concern I had at all was with the eyecup arrangement on the Pinnacles. There was simply no way to adjust the eyecups in the down position to prevent my glasses from touching metal.
Meade
Model: Montana 10×42 MSRP: $445 Rating: 4.0
Comments: Meade, like Celestron, is a major force in the amateur astronomy market, and as the scores indicate, is now also marketing an excellent glass in the Montana. It is loaded with features, the most notable perhaps being the diopter adjustment near the focusing knob. This was probably the easiest diopter adjustment I have ever used. Meade also markets an 8×42 version, which I personally would prefer for birding. The only negative for this fine glass is its somewhat large size and its weight.
Nikon
Model: 8×30 EII MSRP: $460.95 Rating: 4.0
Comments: Anyone who seriously believes that a roof prism is inherently better than a good Porro has not looked through this glass. Even my one tester who does not like Porros had to score this one highly in all categories. To say it made our Favorites list and Best Buy list is an understatement. I consider this glass to be one of the best buys on the binocular market today. I fully intend to buy one myself.No, it is not waterproof, but like its more expensive cousin the Superior E, the body is magnesium and superbly constructed.
Opticron
Model: Country Gentleman 8×42 MSRP: $300 Rating: 3.2
Model:Imagic 8×42 MSRP: $485 Rating: 4.0
Comments: Opticron is much better known in Europe, but deserves serious consideration by birders here in the United States. The Imagic, in particular, was an impressive glass. It has every feature a good birding roof prism can have; it easily made our Favorites list.
Orion
Model: Savannah 8×42 MSRP: $299 Rating: 3.3
Model:Vista 8×42 MSRP: $189 Rating: 3.0
Comments: Orion is another long-time presence in the amateur astronomy market, and specializes in good optics at reasonable prices. These two selections certainly qualify. The Savannah is a well-designed roof prism that is a delight to handle, though I was puzzled by the two-year warranty. The Vista is a Porro prism with a better warranty and is fully qualified to be used for birding.
Pentax
Model: DCF MP 8×28 MSRP: $307 Rating: 3.8
Comments: I fell in love with this 8×28 MP. It is an absolutely marvelous little glass that is bigger than a compact but smaller than an 8×32, and it combines the best features of both. This glass would be a wonderful companion for any birder. It easily makes our Favorites list and Best Buy list.
Simmons
Model: Aetec 8×40 MSRP: $110 Rating: 3.5
Model: Aetec 10×50 MSRP: $120 Rating: 3.5
Comments: The Aetec models from Simmons incorporate aspheric lens designs and are an example of what can be achieved at a remarkably low price. They scored well in every category, but the close focus of the 10x I tested (23 feet) would disqualify it as an all-around birding glass. The 8x, however, is on our Best Buy list.
Steiner
Model: Merlin 10×42 MSRP: $499 Rating: 2.8
Comments: Steiner is a German company that has established itself as the foremost manufacturer of military optics. The Merlin certainly reflects this heritage. It is a heavily armored, hand-filling glass that certainly gives the impression of rugged durability.
Swift
Model: Audubon 8.5×44 MSRP: $500 Rating: 3.3
Model: Warbler 8×42 MSRP: $490 Rating: 3.0
Comments: Swift is an old and venerated name in the birding world. Both of these products are excellent choices for birding. The Warbler is a handy little roof prism that was a joy to handle. The Audubon 8.5×44 has a reputation for quality and optics that is well deserved. The only thing I would caution buyers about is the published eye relief of 17mm. The eyepieces are recessed down in the eyepiece housings to make the actual eye relief a bit less. At my ideal eye relief of 14 mm, I was unable to see the entire field, although the binocular was still quite usable as is. At this price it is definitely on our Best Buy List.
Thralow
Model: Zhumell 8×42 MSRP: $229 Rating: 2.5
Comments: The Zhumell is imported by Thralow in Duluth, Minnesota, one of my favorite places. The Zhumell was an interesting glass. Optically it was competitive with nearly everything in this price range, but it had a few quirks. The weight at a published 42 ounces means you probably won’t carry this around your neck for long periods. The focusing was excruciatingly slow, and incapable of focusing closer than 17 feet on the instrument I tested. This disqualifies it as an all-around birding glass, but it would still have a place for medium- and long-range viewing where a rugged, durable, and waterproof glass is needed.
Vortex
Model: Vortex Typhoon 8×26 MSRP: $90 Rating: 2.8
Comments: This compact’s best feature is its waterproofing. It is designed to be used as a take-along glass on boating outings or anywhere around water. It is not as good a choice for all-around birding as Eagle Optics’ inexpensive Porro prisms above, but if you need a compact, waterproof glass at a bargain price, this is a good choice.
Weaver
Model: Weaver Grand Slam 10.5×45 MSRP: $499 Rating: 3.3
Comments: This is another established name in the rifle-scope market that has also carried a line of reasonably priced binoculars for years. The Weaver Grand Slam is a phase-corrected glass with all the features you need for birding, though some will wish for an 8x instead of the unusual 10.5x.
Zeiss
Model: Victory 10×25 BT MSRP: $449.99 Rating: 3.5
Model: Diafun 10×30 BMC MSRP: $399.99 Rating: 2.7
Comments: Zeiss is a name that needs no introduction in the birding and binocular world–it is a guarantee of excellent optical performance.
The Victory is an interesting design for a compact. Instead of the usual double hinge system found on many compacts, it features an offset single hinge that folds nicely and allows you to bring the binoculars into action more quickly than double-hinged compacts. It is also a more durable system. Its optics and handling make it a good choice for an all-around birding binocular, if not for the close focus of 18 feet. Still, the quality tempts.
The Diafun 8×30 BMC is a remarkably priced glass considering the Zeiss label it carries. It is manufactured in Hungary, and as expected is optically quite good. However, it scored rather low on focusing for lack of smoothness and inconsistencies in the effort required, and the polymer body did not feel as comfortable in the hand as other models. But that same polymer construction makes it an exceptionally light glass for a 10×30 at 16 ounces. If weight is a factor for you, this is a worthwhile tradeoff. Personally, I rate this an excellent value, considering the label. It’s just too hard to pass up a genuine Zeiss at this price.
Nearly all of these binoculars will do an excellent job of revealing detail on distant birds. Keep in mind that price is usually a good indicator of durability, longevity, and overall quality. Though the budget binoculars (less than $100) all scored well, it would be unfair to expect them to take rough use or last as long as the more expensive instruments.
A number of binoculars were just plain hard to put down once we had them in hand for testing. These were the binoculars that we would be tempted to buy if we were shopping in the less than $500 category. We included these in our Favorites list.
Several other models had far more quality than one would expect for the price. We included these in our Best Buy list. As mentioned, the prices listed are ballpark figures and should be used for comparison only. The street price varies and is almost always less than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Individual Reviews
Alpen
Model: 8×42 MSRP: $400 Rating: 3.2
Model: 10×42 MSRP: $400 Rating: 3.3
Comments: Alpen is a relatively new company and not as well known in the birding community as some older names, but based on the excellent binoculars they sent for testing, this should change. Everything a birder could ask for at this price range is here. The 8×42 was definitely one of those hard to put down models and easily made our Favorites list for its beautiful design and user-friendly feel.
Audubon
Model: Audubon 8×40 MSRP: $70 Rating: 3.2
Model: Audubon Intrepid 8×40 WP MSRP: $149 Rating: 2.8
Comments: Audubon is to be commended for bringing these quite usable budget binoculars to the birding community. If nothing else, these instruments demonstrate that quality optical performance can be obtained with a Porro prism for a good price. Are they as durable or pleasing to use as the more expensive stuff? Certainly not. As is typical for Porro prisms in this price range, there were some inconsistencies in the focusing. One of our testers noticed that they focused with less effort in one direction than the other, and a check of the specifications sheet will show that they don’t focus as closely as the more expensive models. Still, if you know anyone who is sitting at home and not birding until they can afford a usable binocular, get them out in the field with one of these.
Brunton
Model: 8×32 MSRP: $424 Rating: 3.3
Model: 7×42 MSRP: $444 Rating: 2.5
Comments: Our testers did not care for the non-removable flip-open eyepiece covers, or the interactive case designed to be used in the field, because this much protection is overkill for birding and just too much to mess with in the field. Still, if you really need the protection, they are good features, and make a reasonable tradeoff for lack of handling quality. The 8×32 without the case was everything you could ask for in a birding glass, and at a reasonable price. It performed well in every category and is recommended as an all-around glass. The heavier 7×42 was a bit bulky and did not win any friends with its clumsy diopter adjustment, though once set, it wouldn’t be much of a factor.
Canon
Model: IS 8×25 MSRP: $430 Rating: 3.0
Comments: This instrument incorporates Canon’s image-stabilization technology. Although the features and performance do not qualify it as the best choice for all-around birding binoculars, the image stabilization makes it a wonderful option for those whose age or physical limitations make it difficult to hold binoculars steady. And for anyone, the image stabilization is just plain fun to use.
Celestron
Model: Noble 8×32 MSRP: $430 Rating: 3.7
Model: 8×42 MSRP: $445 Rating: 3.8
Comments: Celestron is a name synonymous with amateur astronomy and has long been a major force in that market. Based on the performance of the Noble we received for testing, they are serious about the birding market. Both models were an absolute joy to pick up and use–I had to fight with my testers to return them. Each model easily made our Favorites list and Best Buy list.
Eagle Optics
Model: Ranger Platinum 8×42 MSRP: $379 Rating: 3.8
Model: Triumph 8×42 MSRP: $89 Rating: 3.2
Comments: These are excellent instruments sold by one of the top birding optics dealers in the country. The Ranger Platinum made both our Favorites list and our Best Buy list. It is really a wonderful glass to use in the field, and backed with an excellent warranty from Eagle Optics.
Kowa
Model: Lavender 8×25 MSRP: $270 Rating: 3.3
Model: Silver Grey 10×25 MSRP: $310 Rating: 3.2
Comments: If you are considering a compact for your birding, these are an excellent choice, especially if you wear glasses. Most compacts suffer from mediocre eye relief, but not these. Add in waterproof, twist-up eyecups and beautiful handling and you have a winner. (I loved the lavender color of the 8×25.)
Leupold/Wind River
Model: Pinnacles 8×42 MSRP: $489.99 Rating: 4.0
Model: Olympic 8×42 MSRP: $384.99 Rating: 3.7
Model: Olympic 10×50 MSRP: $449.99 Rating: 3.5
Comments: The Leupold name goes on products assembled here in the United States, whereas the Wind River name is used for products Leupold imports. If you are not familiar with the Leupold name, it has long been a leader in the rifle scope market, and has established a reputation there for durability and exemplary customer service. You are as safe buying products from these people as anyone in the world.All three of these binos scored superbly. The Pinnacles and Olympic both made our Favorites list and Best Buy list. The Pinnacles uses silver-coated roof prisms, whereas the Olympic uses the slightly less light-efficient metallic-coated roof prisms. Both are exceptionally easy to hold and operate. The only concern I had at all was with the eyecup arrangement on the Pinnacles. There was simply no way to adjust the eyecups in the down position to prevent my glasses from touching metal.
Meade
Model: Montana 10×42 MSRP: $445 Rating: 4.0
Comments: Meade, like Celestron, is a major force in the amateur astronomy market, and as the scores indicate, is now also marketing an excellent glass in the Montana. It is loaded with features, the most notable perhaps being the diopter adjustment near the focusing knob. This was probably the easiest diopter adjustment I have ever used. Meade also markets an 8×42 version, which I personally would prefer for birding. The only negative for this fine glass is its somewhat large size and its weight.
Nikon
Model: 8×30 EII MSRP: $460.95 Rating: 4.0
Comments: Anyone who seriously believes that a roof prism is inherently better than a good Porro has not looked through this glass. Even my one tester who does not like Porros had to score this one highly in all categories. To say it made our Favorites list and Best Buy list is an understatement. I consider this glass to be one of the best buys on the binocular market today. I fully intend to buy one myself.No, it is not waterproof, but like its more expensive cousin the Superior E, the body is magnesium and superbly constructed.
Opticron
Model: Country Gentleman 8×42 MSRP: $300 Rating: 3.2
Model:Imagic 8×42 MSRP: $485 Rating: 4.0
Comments: Opticron is much better known in Europe, but deserves serious consideration by birders here in the United States. The Imagic, in particular, was an impressive glass. It has every feature a good birding roof prism can have; it easily made our Favorites list.
Orion
Model: Savannah 8×42 MSRP: $299 Rating: 3.3
Model:Vista 8×42 MSRP: $189 Rating: 3.0
Comments: Orion is another long-time presence in the amateur astronomy market, and specializes in good optics at reasonable prices. These two selections certainly qualify. The Savannah is a well-designed roof prism that is a delight to handle, though I was puzzled by the two-year warranty. The Vista is a Porro prism with a better warranty and is fully qualified to be used for birding.
Pentax
Model: DCF MP 8×28 MSRP: $307 Rating: 3.8
Comments: I fell in love with this 8×28 MP. It is an absolutely marvelous little glass that is bigger than a compact but smaller than an 8×32, and it combines the best features of both. This glass would be a wonderful companion for any birder. It easily makes our Favorites list and Best Buy list.
Simmons
Model: Aetec 8×40 MSRP: $110 Rating: 3.5
Model: Aetec 10×50 MSRP: $120 Rating: 3.5
Comments: The Aetec models from Simmons incorporate aspheric lens designs and are an example of what can be achieved at a remarkably low price. They scored well in every category, but the close focus of the 10x I tested (23 feet) would disqualify it as an all-around birding glass. The 8x, however, is on our Best Buy list.
Steiner
Model: Merlin 10×42 MSRP: $499 Rating: 2.8
Comments: Steiner is a German company that has established itself as the foremost manufacturer of military optics. The Merlin certainly reflects this heritage. It is a heavily armored, hand-filling glass that certainly gives the impression of rugged durability.
Swift
Model: Audubon 8.5×44 MSRP: $500 Rating: 3.3
Model: Warbler 8×42 MSRP: $490 Rating: 3.0
Comments: Swift is an old and venerated name in the birding world. Both of these products are excellent choices for birding. The Warbler is a handy little roof prism that was a joy to handle. The Audubon 8.5×44 has a reputation for quality and optics that is well deserved. The only thing I would caution buyers about is the published eye relief of 17mm. The eyepieces are recessed down in the eyepiece housings to make the actual eye relief a bit less. At my ideal eye relief of 14 mm, I was unable to see the entire field, although the binocular was still quite usable as is. At this price it is definitely on our Best Buy List.
Thralow
Model: Zhumell 8×42 MSRP: $229 Rating: 2.5
Comments: The Zhumell is imported by Thralow in Duluth, Minnesota, one of my favorite places. The Zhumell was an interesting glass. Optically it was competitive with nearly everything in this price range, but it had a few quirks. The weight at a published 42 ounces means you probably won’t carry this around your neck for long periods. The focusing was excruciatingly slow, and incapable of focusing closer than 17 feet on the instrument I tested. This disqualifies it as an all-around birding glass, but it would still have a place for medium- and long-range viewing where a rugged, durable, and waterproof glass is needed.
Vortex
Model: Vortex Typhoon 8×26 MSRP: $90 Rating: 2.8
Comments: This compact’s best feature is its waterproofing. It is designed to be used as a take-along glass on boating outings or anywhere around water. It is not as good a choice for all-around birding as Eagle Optics’ inexpensive Porro prisms above, but if you need a compact, waterproof glass at a bargain price, this is a good choice.
Weaver
Model: Weaver Grand Slam 10.5×45 MSRP: $499 Rating: 3.3
Comments: This is another established name in the rifle-scope market that has also carried a line of reasonably priced binoculars for years. The Weaver Grand Slam is a phase-corrected glass with all the features you need for birding, though some will wish for an 8x instead of the unusual 10.5x.
Zeiss
Model: Victory 10×25 BT MSRP: $449.99 Rating: 3.5
Model: Diafun 10×30 BMC MSRP: $399.99 Rating: 2.7
Comments: Zeiss is a name that needs no introduction in the birding and binocular world–it is a guarantee of excellent optical performance.
The Victory is an interesting design for a compact. Instead of the usual double hinge system found on many compacts, it features an offset single hinge that folds nicely and allows you to bring the binoculars into action more quickly than double-hinged compacts. It is also a more durable system. Its optics and handling make it a good choice for an all-around birding binocular, if not for the close focus of 18 feet. Still, the quality tempts.
The Diafun 8×30 BMC is a remarkably priced glass considering the Zeiss label it carries. It is manufactured in Hungary, and as expected is optically quite good. However, it scored rather low on focusing for lack of smoothness and inconsistencies in the effort required, and the polymer body did not feel as comfortable in the hand as other models. But that same polymer construction makes it an exceptionally light glass for a 10×30 at 16 ounces. If weight is a factor for you, this is a worthwhile tradeoff. Personally, I rate this an excellent value, considering the label. It’s just too hard to pass up a genuine Zeiss at this price.
Oct 21, 2016 09:50:55 #
Boentgru wrote:
I tried to recommend the same in the third post above. It seemed to be ignored and followed by recommendations for "birder" models like my wife has. She consistently "borrows" mine so she can see better!An important feature for hand-held binoculars is some sort of stability control. I have had good experience with the Canon I.S. line, especially when using a magnification factor over 8.
The difference is that ordinary binoculars are effective up to about 8x or 9x. You can see the bird, wolf etc. Stabilized models are effective to much higher, even double the magnification. More than seeing the bird, wolf, etc, you begin seeing the details in the feathers or fir.
Besides the three or four Canon IS models, Nikon and Fuinon make image stabilized models too.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1149461-REG/canon_9526b002_12x36_is_iii_binoculars.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245622-REG/Nikon_8211_14x40_StabilEyes_VR_Image.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/206833-USA/Fujinon_7511440_14x40_TS1440_Techno_Stabi_Image.html
Oct 21, 2016 10:03:53 #
I have tried many binocular sets, anywhere from 6 to 10 power and were never satisfied with their resolution. I spend a lot of time identifying birds for the Audubon society and finely decided to go all the way with a pair of Swarovsky binoculars; fantastic clarity and resolution.
Oct 21, 2016 10:39:50 #
Oct 21, 2016 10:50:30 #
SusyPhoto wrote:
Hello, I am a new photographer and wonder if binoculars come in handy to spy birds before attempts are made to capture them on camera. I certainly have difficulty localizing them! If so, can you recommend binoculars to purchase? I am not so concerned about price; I want a really excellent pair that is suited only to photography. Thank you!
If you are not concerned about price I suggest you try out a pair of Zwarovski binoculars at whichever spec you decide upon. I bought mine after testing them out against a pair made by Nikon and a pair made by Leica. I tried the Nikon model first, then the Leica, which I thought were excellent. But when I tested out the Zwarovski model it was as if someone had just turned a bright light on. They are frequently seen on television in the possession of quite a few wildlife professionals and presenters. I have a pair of 8 x 20 because they are so lightweigh and the soft case fits on my waist belt. You may require a pair of 10x, but I suggest you go onto the RSPB site and see what the birders use from a magnification and front optic point of view. Don't forget to check the weight, though.
Oct 21, 2016 10:59:17 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
Robert R wrote:
Great recommendation. I use 8X42 Vortex Viper whic... (show quote)
I too have binoculars from Eagle Optics, two pairs and they're 8x42. I was able to compare others at about $2,500.00 side by side buy liked the Eagle Optics better. However I did spend the big bucks on a spotting scope that I also use for birding.
Oct 21, 2016 11:04:20 #
SusyPhoto wrote:
Hello, I am a new photographer and wonder if binoculars come in handy to spy birds before attempts are made to capture them on camera. I certainly have difficulty localizing them! If so, can you recommend binoculars to purchase? I am not so concerned about price; I want a really excellent pair that is suited only to photography. Thank you!
I never leave home without binocs - and neither should you ! They are invaluable for finding out what is going on in nature around you and direct you towards the action ! I am currently using a nice pair 8X25's and they are convenient ( this matters !) when hiking - but if could find a nice pair of 10X30 or 32's that I could afford I would get them ! IMO, 30-32's are as big as want to comfortably carry for extended periods and 10X gives a good viewing for longer distances. I keep a pair of 12X50's in the car also - but do not hike with them -usually.
Oct 21, 2016 11:07:08 #
IowaGuy
Loc: Iowa
SusyPhoto wrote:
Hello, I am a new photographer and wonder if binoculars come in handy to spy birds before attempts are made to capture them on camera. I certainly have difficulty localizing them! If so, can you recommend binoculars to purchase? I am not so concerned about price; I want a really excellent pair that is suited only to photography. Thank you!
You really want good binoculars. Try Leica 10x42 BA. However, be prepared to shell out > $1500 for that superb image.
Oct 21, 2016 11:19:28 #
paulrph1
Loc: Washington, Utah
If price is not problem get Zwarovski (roof prism). Pricey but the best. Roof prism type vs poroprism. Poroprism are cheaper and lighter at 200 to $300 and roof prisms (lighter) are $2000 or more. Poroprism ( a little heavier and not quite as clear) get the AK4 not the AK7 for better and clearer view. AK7 are cheaper but you get what you pay for. Nikon are the best bang for the buck. Go to a sports store that has a display for viewing before buying. 8x power is recommended. get one that has good coatings for low light gathering. My Fuji I can see well at night because they gather so much light.
Oct 21, 2016 11:49:55 #
Jerrin1 wrote:
If you are not concerned about price I suggest you... (show quote)
Did you mean Swarovsky? Never heard of Zwarovsky.
Oct 21, 2016 11:59:37 #
reader
Loc: Los Angeles
I have Swarovski but they are very expensive. So I recommend the Zeiss as a lower cost, although still expensive, pair. With binoculars the more expensive ones make a dramatic difference in the brightness of the view.
Oct 21, 2016 12:10:46 #
Unfortunately, binoculars are pretty much like camera lenses, you get what you pay for.
Oct 21, 2016 12:15:21 #
imagemeister wrote:
I never leave home without binocs - and neither sh... (show quote)
For people on a low budget, The 8X25's I use are older Bressers (german)- they are very good for the money ! - here are the newer 10X32's than what I have - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bresser-Condor-Binocular-10x32-18-21032-New-/381682108773?hash=item58de06c965:g:gOMAAOSwOVpXbiKW
Oct 21, 2016 12:39:32 #
SusyPhoto wrote:
Hello, I am a new photographer and wonder if binoculars come in handy to spy birds before attempts are made to capture them on camera. I certainly have difficulty localizing them! If so, can you recommend binoculars to purchase? I am not so concerned about price; I want a really excellent pair that is suited only to photography. Thank you!
You mean suited to bird photography. Well, any pair of binocs that a birder uses would be acceptable. I've been using Canons binocs for years not. They are excellent pieces of glass and they have Image Stabilization as well. The IS makes a huge difference in my opinion. The first pair I bought was the 10x30 IS, but they've been replaced with the 10x30 IS II now and sell for $489 at B&H. I loved that pair of binoculars but sold them to a friend so that I could buy the larger 10x42 L IS WP binocs. They sell for $1369 and are much larger than the 10x30's. I miss the size of the 10x30's and wish I still had them. The 10x42 are so large that I'm not as apt to bring them with me as often when I go birding. I say this because I'm already carrying a camera with a 500mm lens and tripod. Add a large pair of binocs and that's a lot to handle. So I suggest the 10x30's. I may actually purchase another pair because I liked them so much.
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