Looking for Binoculars
Feb 23, 2017 08:39:09 #
NealB wrote:
I am looking to purchase binoculars to take with me on some of my photo treks. I have looked at probably all of the vendors in the Chicago area but no one has a selection to pick from. I would hate to spend up to $1,000.00 and get some thing less than satisfactory. I am open to all suggestions from current users. Thank you in advance.
Check out Maven. You can choose the features that you want and have them custom made. They are very highly rated.
http://mavenbuilt.com/
Feb 23, 2017 08:47:38 #
Wow! How disturbing! A blog by its very nature is a place to come for advice, conversation, comparison of thoughts on a mutually agreed subject. Why would someone question the motives, belittle, condem, dismiss another member looking for the above. What an attitude! We're all sitting in our recliners, not to be " force fed" but to learn from one other source. Lighten up!
Feb 23, 2017 08:53:00 #
No matter what you spend on sporting binoculars, they will pretty much all give similar performance in full daylight conditions. Where premium optics such as Leica, Zeiss and other high priced optics give you is the ability to see in low light conditions (such as dawn or dusk). When going to a sporting goods shop to test out optics, certainly look outside, but where you will notice the performance difference in premium optics is when you look in dimly lighted areas of the store or in the darken shadowed areas of the store. If the ability to see objects in minimal light is not an important need, you have just saved yourself a great deal of coin. The larger the front lens will gather more light but these will also weigh more, so weight may also be an issue. Serious bird watchers and hunters generally want to be able to see their subjects in first or last light conditions and hence the need and difference of high performance and expensive optics.
Feb 23, 2017 08:54:36 #
Festus wrote:
Check out Maven. You can choose the features that you want and have them custom made. They are very highly rated.
http://mavenbuilt.com/
http://mavenbuilt.com/
The maven stuff looks nice . How does it stack up to the big boys ?
So many manufacturers have upped their game on affordable quality binos. It probably hurts the Swarovski and Ziess sales. I have some Minox and the quality is just phenomenal. Even though my favorite all time binos were the Swarovski porros.
Feb 23, 2017 08:56:20 #
larryjphoto
Loc: Phoenix
rjaywallace wrote:
Don't badger me, pal! I'm from Chicago (45+ years)... (show quote)
Didn't your mother teach you that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all? If you don't want to waste time with questions like his, don't waste your time by answering them.
Feb 23, 2017 08:57:32 #
edhjr
Loc: Needham, MA
I like the Canon's with vibration reduction the best (a bit heavier but the vibration reduction works well) or Leica's without VR. Birding websites are a good source but often do not carry the Cannons with VR. I have used the Canons all over the world -- particularly good on safari or on boats while moving... Good luck
Feb 23, 2017 09:04:19 #
Feb 23, 2017 09:04:40 #
Kingman wrote:
No matter what you spend on sporting binoculars, t... (show quote)
This is exactly right . The quality will shine , no pun intended, in the shadows and low light situations.
Hunters are really big on the low light performance and light weight. 8-10 power in the 40-42mm objective range is the preferred choice for weight to performance ratio. Go over 10 power and it's harder to hand hold and the subject get shakey. More power actually helps bring in more light also.
Better optics will also make it easier to isolate the subject when looking through dense cover. Better coatings cut lens flare and allow you to view the subject better even when looking into the setting sun.
Feb 23, 2017 09:04:43 #
NealB wrote:
I am looking to purchase binoculars to take with me on some of my photo treks. I have looked at probably all of the vendors in the Chicago area but no one has a selection to pick from. I would hate to spend up to $1,000.00 and get some thing less than satisfactory. I am open to all suggestions from current users. Thank you in advance.
You may have to order online, but I would suggest looking at a good compact/pocket binocular, 8x20, 8x25 or 10x25. If you can spend up to $1,000, consider the versions from Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski or Nikon Premiers (Nikon makes cheaper model as well)--costs range from around $550 to $800 and they are all superb. They all make 10x25s. Leica, Zeiss and Nikon make 8x20s, while Swarovski now has an 8x25. Note that many people find it hard to keep a 10x25 steady. Also, the 8x models have a noticeably wider field of view.
These are all roof prism binoculars with straight barrels. You might also consider a reverse
porro design. The Bushnell Elite 7x26 is excellent, although somewhat bigger than the others.
Finally, you might try an Audubon society store if there's one close to you. They usually have a good selection with a range of sizes and prices.
Feb 23, 2017 09:06:40 #
I looked at a pair that I think was offered by National Geographic, found a bird food store that had them in stock. Was glad that I tried them hands on, they would not adjust wide enough apart to work with both eyes. Just a heads up, I think you have to actually try them out before buying.
Feb 23, 2017 09:09:08 #
I just bought a new pair for my trips to SE Asia and Alaska. I did endless research and ultimately purchased the Vortex Diamondback 10 x42. They are in the $200-250 range. While you can spend a whole lot more, these were the best bang for the buck and are often compared to far more expensive units. They are completely water and fog proof and Vortex has the best warranty in the business. They are located in Wisconsin and have an amazing customer service department who will answer any questions you may have. By the way, I bought mine from B&H who had the best price and were a pleasure to deal with.
FYI- I lived in Wisconsin for a few years and there are plenty of guys like the one who first responded to you. Generally angry and in need of someone to take it out on. Most reasonable people know there is no such thing as a stupid question. Take him with a grain of salt.
Good luck!
FYI- I lived in Wisconsin for a few years and there are plenty of guys like the one who first responded to you. Generally angry and in need of someone to take it out on. Most reasonable people know there is no such thing as a stupid question. Take him with a grain of salt.
Good luck!
Feb 23, 2017 09:19:50 #
I bought the canon 10X42 image stabilization binoculars with the canon 'L' lens. They are the only canon binoculars that are waterproof others are water resistant. The 'L' lens are really sharp and good in low light. Purchased mine from Adorama.
Feb 23, 2017 09:19:59 #
LXK0930
Loc: Souh Jersey
Boy! I thought that I had accidentally accessed the WWF (wrestling) site!
Anyway, if you have no experience with binoculars, here are a few tips:
(1) Do some homework. There are many good sites concerning binoculars that should prove helpful.
(2) Decide how you are going to use the binoculars. You need a vastly different binocular for theater than for game watching than for bird watching.
(3) Go to a physical store and try the binocular (or at least similar ones) to determine "fit" (weight, size, feel, etc).
(4) Remember that there are significant differences in quality. Don't expect a $50 pair to give you the same results as a $1000 pair. Note that Consumers Reports did an evaluation of binoculars several years ago. It should be available online or in the library.
(5) Subjectively, I have found that binoculars from the Japanese camera makers (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc.) offer more value than the high-end German makers (Leitz, Zeiss). But then, I generally have a "good enough" attitude towards equipment.
Hope that helps.
Anyway, if you have no experience with binoculars, here are a few tips:
(1) Do some homework. There are many good sites concerning binoculars that should prove helpful.
(2) Decide how you are going to use the binoculars. You need a vastly different binocular for theater than for game watching than for bird watching.
(3) Go to a physical store and try the binocular (or at least similar ones) to determine "fit" (weight, size, feel, etc).
(4) Remember that there are significant differences in quality. Don't expect a $50 pair to give you the same results as a $1000 pair. Note that Consumers Reports did an evaluation of binoculars several years ago. It should be available online or in the library.
(5) Subjectively, I have found that binoculars from the Japanese camera makers (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc.) offer more value than the high-end German makers (Leitz, Zeiss). But then, I generally have a "good enough" attitude towards equipment.
Hope that helps.
Feb 23, 2017 09:32:00 #
I have used Leica 10X40 binoculars for many years and love them. I have also used Zeiss and Swarovski. All are the very top of the line but are expensive. If you can't afford those brands then Nikon makes great binoculars as well. I have tried the very small and lightweight binoculars and hate them. For me they are hard to focus and uncomfortable to use. I much prefer the full size. For birding I think the 10 power would be much more effective than 6 or 8 power. Lenses that are 40mm at the objective lenses will let in more light than 32mm. Binoculars with 50mm lenses let in more light but are heavy to carry. Good luck finding what you want.
Dennis
Dennis
Feb 23, 2017 09:32:14 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
randave2001 wrote:
Even though I find the comments from rlaywallace to be inexcusably offensive, he did make a good point about doing some research on your own. I spent about 5 minutes and found this article on B&H's website that I would like to share with you. An informed consumer is usually a happy camper after the purchase. Enjoy
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/outdoors/buying-guide/binocular
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/outdoors/buying-guide/binocular
Good article.
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