Binoculars for bird/nature watching

[paulchandler6]

Originally Posted by marktench

Anyone know the best site to buy bins on line?

Personally would never buy bins online. I have always tried out several pairs before buying to get the feel and comfort of them. I suppose you could try out some pairs at a store and then hopefully get them cheaper online?

Paul

[mhc-art]

Hi guys,

I thought I'd just latch on to this thread just to show I've been trying to read up!..

I'm off on safari at the end of the month mainly viewing big game, I've over-spent on photography equipment which leaves me with only £100ish for some binoculars. I've tried a few pairs out but still not sure what to go for.

I've been looking at the 8x42's but after reading up on them I know some think they are not so necessary for viewing large mammals... any recommendations or advice will as always be appreciated

[Blackdog]

My 'pocket binos' are Opticron Taiga 8x25's. I got them at Slimbridge but I guess any reputable optics dealer will do them. I think they cost about £80 and are well worth the money.

[shimsham]

Hi everybody,i have just joined the form i am looking for advise on bins could anyone advise me on the sunagor 10x40x21 with a zoom i know someone who as an excellent pair of these who wants to upgrade.

[hammock monkey]

I have a pair of the maushaus 10x42's, had 4 years or so, still in great condition. Posibly slightly heavy, but i wanted a pair that will take a hiding in the rucksack.
I'll geta posh pair one day, but they do me pretty well.

I'd really recommend the brand, i think i'd have been better off with 8x42 sometimes, but no complaints! The customer service was excellent also - I'll definately buy from there again someday.
cheers

[Maverick47]

Probably the best thread I've read anywhere on buying binoculars, as someone who went through cheaper pairs before "investing" in a proper pair,
Hobjobs excellent breakdown of the pitfalls of buying certainly rang a few bells.

I've had my Leica 8x32's for over 20 years now and I've seen some great wildlife through them

[chirundu]

Originally Posted by Stormflex

Good morning,

Bushnell 12x42 AW (Jessops Exclusive) reduced from £139.99 to £69.99
Concerns: Too high magnification for use in trees? They're a Jessops Exclusive - are they hence a slightly inferior quality?

Richard

I know that this thread was started way back in 2007 and that Richard has probably moved onto a couple of other sets of binoculars since then, but I thought this may still be of interest to people as I still spotted a pair of Bushnell 12x42 AW's in Jessops a few weeks ago!

What is interesting is that they were now on offer at £45! I decided to get a pair.

In general, I think your concerns regarding quality are fair and whilst they are nowhere near a match for a top of the range Swarovski's or Steiner's, for £45 I think you get a decent pair of binoculars. I have written a full review on them here if anyone is interested: Bushnell 12x42 AW Binoculars