Newcomer needs help!

[Vincewizzo]

Big hi to everyone! complete novice here but very keep to learn. Ok, first ever post - here go's. I'm very interested in getting into bird watching and was wondering what would be a decent pair of binoculars to purchase. I'm not looking to spend a fortune but want something decent. I don't have a clue about brands, magnification etc, so any help would be very appreciated. I'll apologise in advance if this question has been asked a thousand times before! Incidently, I'm from Bristol and regularly see lots of bird watchers on the Clifton downs who I'm told are looking for Perigrin Falcons over the Avon Gorge. I've driven by lots of times but haven't had the courage to stop and talk to the people. Maybe I should. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this - Vince.

[Cazzie]

Hi and welcome to WAB Vince!

Soz, got no idea about bins.. but expect someone will be along shortly with some excellent advice for ya

[deer boy]

Hi vince a big welcome to WAB from me too

[dunkyg99]

hi there, ive got a pair of nikon action 10-22x50 and they are just the job for bird watching. (i find anyway) people on here will advise you better about the numbers but my advice to you would be, go into a shop and ask! hard to do i know, but i did it and i was amazed at the bino's. also, one point to note, if u wear glasses, u need a certain something from the bino's, i dont know what it is but its to do with the distance the image is focused onto your eye, like if you wear glasses its bigger! confusing i know, but go into a good shop and ask, then pick a pair you like, the go home and find them on ebay!! good luck, Dunk.

[dunlin]

Hi vince and welcome to wab. There are loads of different types of binoculars on the market. Id advise for bird watching something in the region of 10x40 or 8x40 magnification.
Go to a good optics shop in your area and they should let you try them all out. Try out the most expensive down to the cheapest so that you can gauge the difference in quality. I hope you manage to find a pair that suits you.

good luck and happy birding
regards mark........

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by dunlin

Hi vince and welcome to wab. There are loads of different types of binoculars on the market. Id advise for bird watching something in the region of 10x40 or 8x40 magnification.
Go to a good optics shop in your area and they should let you try them all out. Try out the most expensive down to the cheapest so that you can gauge the difference in quality. I hope you manage to find a pair that suits you.

good luck and happy birding
regards mark........

Sound advice about trying them out because they need to sit comfortably in the hand as well as around your neck.
Welcome to WAB
Roger

[oxycera]

If you really get hooked then you'll need more cash for a 'scope and tripod as well. Just a thought.

[big bill]

Hello Vince and welcome to the site Im sure you will get all the advice you need myself couldnt tell one pair from another as long as they work

[richardkm]

Hi

Firstly give zoom binoculars a VERY wide berth!!

It really depends on how much you want to spend, there is no doubt that binoculars from the likes of Leica and Swarovski will outperform identical spec cheaper ones, but whether a £1000 binocular is 5x better than a £200 is a debatable point.

The 8x32 binoculars are worth looking at because of the wide field and lighter weight. 8x42, generally, will give a brighter image, but a narrower field than 8x32. 10x42 will give that little extra magnification, but with an even narrower field of view and a darker image but, for many people the extra magnification means extra shake, which negates the effect of the 10x on seeing fine detail.

You need to go to a good shop, with a wide range of binoculars and make up your own mind - don't be persuaded into buying something by the sales assistant who is not necessarily a birder. And buy the best you can afford.

Good luck.

[dmclean2]

Hi Vince,
I'll second Richards advice about staying awy fron zoom lenses and go straight for a good pair of 8 x 40 , with that kind of magnification there is not much shake and the immage is clear and bright,
Duncan