Binoculars for safari
May 28, 2018 10:01:32 #
I realize this is not a topic about cameras but thought some of you might have good advice for me. Do you have any experience with binoculars (less than $500) that would be good to take on a safari trip? My husband doesn't take photos but definitely would use them to see all the animals we will encounter. Thanks, in advance, for your input.
May 28, 2018 12:20:58 #
May 28, 2018 13:03:37 #
May 28, 2018 15:56:34 #
Years ago, when I They were great! Now that I'm several decades older, they aren't so great. Seems my hands and arms aren't quite as steady as they used to be.
May 29, 2018 00:09:52 #
You can buy a good pair of Leupold's for about $400. Best binocs I've ever owned.
May 29, 2018 07:56:29 #
My wife and I planned a trip to Alaska last year and as I looked at my old binoculars I knew it was time for a new pair. After a great deal of research I decided on the Vortex 10x42 Crossfire’s. What a great choice. They are very well made and come with the best warranty in the business. Most importantly, they are sharp as a tack. At around $225 you would have to spend a great deal more money for any sort of an upgrade and it would be incremental at best. I would suggest that you go to Cabela if there is one near you and try some different ones. One important matter is that they feel comfortable in your hand. BTW, some folks prefer less magnification like an 8 power. Have a great trip.
May 29, 2018 08:49:48 #
I agree with sinderone, visit a Cabela store or like sporting goods store and actually try them. I like 10x40 but also have a pair of 10x50s that I use. The 10x50 is really strong but you must be able to old them without a lot of movement. As you decrease in magnification there is less blur so trying them is the only real way to get what fits your needs best. Also, consider where you will be using them such as on a moving vehicle versus standing on the ground - that makes a real difference too.
May 29, 2018 09:41:06 #
May 29, 2018 10:09:47 #
We just got back from Republic of South Africa and Botswana. You won't need binoculars much if your luck is like ours. There was one instance where there were 2 cheetahs sticking their heads up out of the tall grass 1/4 mile away but other than that.... The lions and rhinos and wildebeests, etc. are used to the Toyota Land Cruisers and will walk right up to them.
May 29, 2018 10:35:47 #
There are two simple tests (at least) for bino's. 1. Look through the objective (yes, the big end), at a uniformly lighted wall or clear sky, holding them nearly at arm's length. You should see a circular bright spot surrounded by a dark circle (the dark circle is the whole backwards field of view; the bright spot is the transmitted light.) If you see a nearly square bright spot with rounded corners, then the prisms are too small and will cut the light collected and delivered to the eye. (This is especially important to astronomers, who need to always collect the maximum light--which is why a very large mirror or lens is best in a telescope to gather lots of light to the eye.) 2. look at a scene fairly far away (at least across a big box store). Look at the edge of the field of view; if it is blurry or fuzzy, the optics are not sharp and useless at the edge. I imagine all optics are sharp over the center 90%, but the edge must be sharp for a good view all over.
May 29, 2018 10:48:07 #
I really like my Canon binoculars with IS (Image Stability) You wouldn't believe how much the IS affects the stillness of the binoculars as you peer through them.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1149460-REG/canon_9525b002_10x30_is_2_binoculars.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1149460-REG/canon_9525b002_10x30_is_2_binoculars.html
Honu14 wrote:
I realize this is not a topic about cameras but thought some of you might have good advice for me. Do you have any experience with binoculars (less than $500) that would be good to take on a safari trip? My husband doesn't take photos but definitely would use them to see all the animals we will encounter. Thanks, in advance, for your input.
May 29, 2018 11:29:35 #
May 29, 2018 16:58:14 #
rfmaude41
Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)
sinderone wrote:
My wife and I planned a trip to Alaska last year a... (show quote)
Seeing that Bass Pro now owns Cabela's, I would think that they're carried by both of them now.
May 29, 2018 17:08:04 #
I would agree with the Canon suggestion.. the IS feature is excellent for long days of game watching. The mark II version seems to have a better IS feature. I bought a pair of 10X30 from Canon (refurb) and a pair on Ebay (in almost new condition), happy with both and both were less than $500.
May 29, 2018 19:55:56 #
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