Which binoculars for £1200?

[Sparrowlegs]

Originally Posted by MarkE70

I've decided to splash out on some new bins. I know threads like this are common on this site, but I would really appreciate any advice on binoculars around the 1000-1200 quid range. I would be interested in knowing what other people use and what they think of them.
Cheers in advance for any replies, Mark.

My daughter bought me a pair of 8x32 Zeiss FLs for my 40th birthday. I previously owned a pair of Opticron Discoverys, which I kept for the garden.

I spent one day last Summer up at Bassenthwaite watching the Ospreys. The weather suddenly turned very wet and windy and we ran back to the car and called it a day. It was only when I got home (Lancaster) that I realised I had left my bins (Zeiss 8x32s) back at Bassenthwaite on a stone wall.

Now if the Bins had been the Opticrons I would not of been so bothered but........

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by MarkE70

In terms of spending a grand are more, I'm quite surprised that people think this is so much for such good quality gear. I'm primarily a wildlife photographer and I'm used to spending a lot on my hobby. The next lens I'm getting is 4 grand and I bet my new binoculars outlast the lens.
Thanks again, Mark.

most people wouldn't be surprised that some think it's a lot of money to spend on bins, however, given that it's how you earn your living I can see how you would certainly get good use out of a really good pair. As for your 4 grand lens, lucky devil I'd love a really good prime but as it's only a hobby and I work full-time (and more yuk) I wouldn't get enough use to justify the cost at the mo. Now, when I'm due to retire ............

[Perry Grin]

Originally Posted by Sparrowlegs

My daughter bought me a pair of 8x32 Zeiss FLs for my 40th birthday. I previously owned a pair of Opticron Discoverys, which I kept for the garden.

I spent one day last Summer up at Bassenthwaite watching the Ospreys. The weather suddenly turned very wet and windy and we ran back to the car and called it a day. It was only when I got home (Lancaster) that I realised I had left my bins (Zeiss 8x32s) back at Bassenthwaite on a stone wall.

Now if the Bins had been the Opticrons I would not of been so bothered but........

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! please tell me you were able to recover them somehow.. or at least had them insured?????

[barontan2418]

I have two pairs of binoculars Leica 8x32 BN and Nikon 10x42 High Grade and use them depending upon where I'm going and what I'm looking at (10x42's mainly for Raptor watching). Both of these are excellent however I would guess that the best?? on the market, at the moment would be Zeiss FL's and the best for general birding probably the 8X32's. However as advised earlier you need to spend some quality time trying out all the top makes (Big four) as handling preferences will differ from person to person. Do not go straight for buying on line until you have had the binoculars in your hand and a chance to use them in a decent viewing location, some retailers have such viewing area's.

[richardkm]

The Leica Ultravid are great, and there are some good deals around at the moment on the original Ultravids, which are being phased out to make way for the rather disappointing Ultravid HDs. Have a look here: Birdnet Optics, binoculars, telescopes, accessories & books.

The Swarovski SLCs are not worth buying, the close focus is lousy and for a couple of hundred £s more you can get the best bins on the market - the ELs. Zeiss FLs feel very platicy and have quality control problems, if you get a good one, it's very good, but the difficulty is finding a good one. Nikon, don't buy second-hand, as the warranty is not transferrable according to Nikon customer services (an oxymoron that), so you lose out if they go wrong.

Canon IS? I've come across a lot of people who've had problems with them causing nausea.

[PMG]

I have Leicas - always wanted them and had no trouble going straight for them when the opportunity finally (after many years of Optolyths and no cash)arrived............... and I'm still happy with their performance and handling - but - now that I have more camera equipment to carry, if I had to decide again it would be the Swarovskys just simply cos they are lighter around the neck

Pauline

[richardkm]

I use the EL 8x32s. I find them light enough for carrying all day with all the rest of my gear and I can use them one-handed if necessary - useful when carrying a tripod in the other hand.

[GerryNick2]

Well I have to confess that I don't know the first thing about binoculars and would also appreciate some advise as the vast array of manufacturers and specifications has left me brain dead.

We are off to the Pembrokeshire Coast in the summer and would like to take a lightweight and ideally pocket size pair with us for bird and dolphin watching off the cliffs. Price range £100-300.

Any suggestions on manufacturers to consider and what spec.to go for would be welcome.

Gerry

[John D]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

Well I have to confess that I don't know the first thing about binoculars and would also appreciate some advise as the vast array of manufacturers and specifications has left me brain dead.

We are off to the Pembrokeshire Coast in the summer and would like to take a lightweight and ideally pocket size pair with us for bird and dolphin watching off the cliffs. Price range £100-300.

Any suggestions on manufacturers to consider and what spec.to go for would be welcome.

Gerry

Hi Gerry, Have a look at the Opticron and Steiner range.
I have Opticron 7-18X50 and Steiner 8X32 Sky-Hawk, both are very good. The Steiner are lighter with much closer focus. Both can be obtained within your budget.
John D

[dragonfly]

I know its your money and you can do as you like with it but £1000-£1200 pound farto much look at a pair in £100 price range you can also buy as well digitalbiniculsrs so you can photgragh what you see.and down load into your pc