Which binoculars for £1200?

[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.

[MagpieMick]

Have you won the Lottery !!!!

A grand on bins .........

Still see the same thing through a Cheaper pair !!!

Mick..

[galanthus]

1200 on bins phew! Now, a nice camera lens ....

I have a mere £100 worth of bushnell nature view and love them so much it's my second pair.

[Andrew_C]

Hi Mark

I currently use a pair of Swarovski 8 x 30 SLC's whihc have served me extremely well for over 10 years. They are mega light, are optically sound and hard wearing. I've been doing a little research myself recently regarding a possible upgrade to 10x, as I tend to do more coastal birding and would prefer the reach of the higher magnification. While checking the options within your budget I am constantly blown away by the clarity of the Leica Ultravid 10x40(or 42?). They are incredible and the same company have now just launched an upgraded - and more expensive - version which are apparently better, but means there should be some bargains to be had with the original version if you shop around.

Many birder friends use Swarovski especially the 10 x 42 ELs but the Leicas seem to have the edge as far as I'm concerned, with slightly better colour rendition. However, if you can afford a top of the range pair it gets to the stage where you are still using an optical version of the Porsche or Ferrari and the final decision is how they feel to you and factors such as close focussing, weight, ease of use etc as they are all incredbly good...

One word of caution - I know many people who have experienced incredibly good customer service from Swarovski for repairs etc (me included) but read of a few problems with the same service from Leica.

Do go to your local supplier or RSPB reserve and check out all the different models during one of their optical days e.g. the above and Nikon, Carl Zeiss etc. If you visit late on a grey cloudy day that coated glass will kick in and you will really begin to appreciate what you get for your money.

As far as price is concerned, yes they're expensive but will last you years and years of daily use and in the long run work out reasonable when considering price per year of use. Many peolpe would not think twice about spending a grand on a holiday, car or tv these days.

Enjoy your shopping!

Regards

Andrew

[Perry Grin]

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.

At a £1000 plus you won't find a bad pair of bins, just ones that you like a bit more than others. Leica Ultravids, Swaro EL's, Nikon HGL's and Zeiss FL's are all in that price range.

A very personal choice though, no matter what anyone else thinks or likes or prefers, you have to try them all out and see which you prefer. Especially when you are spending that sort of money.

Perry

[MarkE70]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I will continue to research this area, I particularly like the leica 10x42 BR's at the moment. 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.

[gfilmsuk]

As Perry Grin says, why don't you just go into a shop and find the one's you like. As a wildlife photographer you must have a little idea of what you're looking for.
I use a pair of C. Zeiss 10x50, superb but the price I paid for them amazes most people. 3 quid at a car-boot with case.

[Hobjob]

Canon have a top of the range "L" (luxury) glass set of
image stabilized ones out.

I am so impressed by IS on my lenses, I'm itching to
try them out for BINS - though won't be buying them
for a long time!!

I wouldn't buy Leica or Swaro until I had tried these;
the technology is achanging.

[John D]

Originally Posted by MarkE70

Thanks for all the advice so far. I will continue to research this area, I particularly like the leica 10x42 BR's at the moment. 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.

Hi Mark
Can't believe you appear to depend on others opinions when you intend to spend so much on a camera,tri-pod, lens and now binoculars. If I were in your position I would be getting out and about trying as many as possible before deciding on what to buy. At the end of the day it is you who is going to use it. Names are not everything it's worth the time to view the widest range possible. Everybody has different ideas what is good and what is not so good. Only with YOUR HANDS ON and your own judgement can you make what is, at the end of the day, your decision.
ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT!
Just MHO
John D

[NickCantle]

I was thinking exactly the same thing John

Get out and try them!!!!!!!!!!